Tier 2 – The Shadows of Eldoria (14)
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant city of Eldoria, where magic weaves through the very fabric of existence, a dark cloud looms. Alana Armstrong, a beloved mother and a talented enchanter, has been tragically taken from the world in a mysterious hit-and-run incident involving an enchanted e-bike. The city, usually bustling with laughter and life, is now filled with whispers of fear and loss. Her six-year-old son, alone and confused, clings to the hope that justice will be served.
As the party gathers in the heart of Eldoria, they are approached by a distraught local constable named Elenor. With tears glistening in her eyes, she implores the heroes to help solve the mystery of Alana's death. The authorities are at a standstill, and the magical traces left behind by the e-bike have dissipated. The only lead is a shadowy figure seen fleeing the scene, rumored to be connected to a notorious gang known as the Shadow Riders.
The party must delve into the depths of Eldoria’s underbelly, navigating through its vibrant markets, shadowy taverns, and the enigmatic Whispering Woods. They will encounter a series of NPCs, each with their own secrets and motives. Some may offer valuable information, while others may seek to mislead the adventurers for their own gain.
### Investigation Components:
1. **The Enchanted Market**: Here, the party can gather rumors about the Shadow Riders. They may meet a merchant who sells magical trinkets, who has seen the gang members purchasing unusual items. A successful persuasion or investigation check may reveal a hidden location where the gang meets.
2. **The Tavern of Lost Tales**: In this dimly lit establishment, the party can overhear hushed conversations about the gang's recent activities. A drunken bard might have seen something important, but convincing him to share could require a good performance or a few gold coins.
3. **Whispering Woods**: The party must venture into the woods where Alana was last seen. Here, they might find remnants of magical energy or clues leading to the gang's hideout. They could face magical creatures that guard the secrets of the woods, testing their mettle and wits.
### Encounter:
After gathering clues, the party tracks the Shadow Riders to their hideout, a dilapidated warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Inside, they find a group of gang members led by a cunning rogue named Varek, who possesses information about Alana’s death and the motive behind it.
**Varek – Boss Enemy Stats:**
– **Armor Class**: 15
– **Hit Points**: 60
– **Speed**: 30 ft.
– **Abilities**:
– **Dexterity**: 16 (+3)
– **Intelligence**: 14 (+2)
– **Charisma**: 15 (+2)
– **Actions**:
– **Multiattack**: Varek makes two attacks with his dagger.
– **Dagger Attack**: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage.
– **Shadow Step**: As a bonus action, Varek can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space he can see, provided he is in dim light or darkness.
### Conclusion:
Once Varek is defeated or captured, he reveals the truth behind the accident: Alana had stumbled upon a plot involving a powerful artifact that the Shadow Riders sought to control. With this information, the party can bring justice to Alana’s memory, ensuring her son is safe and the city can begin to heal.
As the sun sets over Eldoria, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, the adventurers stand victorious, knowing they have made a difference in a world filled with both light and shadow.