Tier 2 – The Stolen Coins of Broughton
**Tier 2 play**
In the heart of the enchanting realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and ancient secrets whisper through the trees, a peculiar mystery has unfolded. The once-peaceful village of Broughton, nestled in the lush Borders, has been shaken to its core. The crown jewel of its heritage, the most important collection of antique coins, has vanished without a trace. These coins, each a piece of history, are said to hold the power to influence the very fabric of time itself.
As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the cobblestone streets, the villagers gather in the town square, their faces etched with worry. The local magistrate, a stout dwarf named Thrain Ironfoot, stands atop a wooden crate, his voice booming over the murmurs of the crowd. "Brave adventurers! We offer a reward of £50,000 to anyone who can recover our stolen treasures! The thief is cunning, and the trail has gone cold. We need your skills to uncover the truth!"
Your party, drawn by the promise of gold and the thrill of adventure, steps forward. The air is thick with tension and the scent of damp earth. As you begin your investigation, you learn that the theft occurred during the annual Harvest Festival, a time when the village was bustling with visitors and festivities. The coins were displayed in a glass case at the town hall, and the night of the theft, a mysterious figure was seen lurking in the shadows.
**Exploration Component:**
The investigation leads you to various locations around Broughton:
1. **The Town Hall:** A grand building adorned with intricate carvings. Inside, you find remnants of the festival—streamers and empty mugs scattered about. A successful investigation check reveals a hidden trapdoor beneath the stage, leading to the cellar.
2. **The Tavern of the Wandering Bard:** A lively establishment where locals share tales over mugs of ale. Here, you can gather rumors. A successful persuasion check might coax a drunken bard to reveal that he saw a cloaked figure slip away from the festival with a heavy sack.
3. **The Enchanted Forest:** Just outside the village, this mystical woodland is said to be home to fey creatures. A successful nature check could lead you to a hidden glade where the fey might have witnessed the theft.
**Enemy Encounter:**
As your investigation unfolds, you discover that the thief is not just a common criminal but a rogue wizard named Malakar, who seeks to harness the coins' power for his own dark purposes. He has set up a lair deep within the Enchanted Forest, protected by magical wards and creatures of the night.
**Boss Enemy: Malakar the Cunning**
– **HP:** 80
– **AC:** 15
– **Spellcasting:** Can cast spells such as *Invisibility*, *Fireball*, and *Counterspell*.
– **Abilities:**
– **Illusory Duplicate:** Once per encounter, Malakar can create an illusory duplicate of himself, causing confusion among the party.
– **Arcane Trap:** Sets magical traps that deal damage and impose conditions on those who trigger them.
As you confront Malakar in his lair, the air crackles with energy. The walls are lined with ancient runes, and the coins glimmer ominously in the center of the room. The battle will test your party's resolve, strategy, and teamwork.
Will you be able to defeat Malakar, recover the stolen coins, and restore peace to Broughton? The fate of the village rests in your hands, and the promise of a £50,000 reward awaits those brave enough to face the challenge. Prepare for a night of intrigue, magic, and adventure!