Tier 2 – The Veilwalker of Notre-Dame
**Tier 2 play**
As the sun sets over the City of Lights, an atmosphere of enchanting anticipation fills the air. The streets of Paris are alive with the flickering glow of lanterns, casting golden hues upon the beautifully restored Notre-Dame Cathedral. The sound of musicians fills the marketplace nearby, creating a lively serenade that accompanies the jubilant chatter of citizens and tourists alike. However, beneath this festive façade, a darker undertone lingers, masked by the gaiety of the reopening celebrations.
Your party gathers in a shadowy alcove not far from the cathedral's newly polished facade. News has spread that Prince William, the beloved Duke of Cambridge, and the enigmatic figure of Trump, a powerful entity with ties to both politics and arcane arts, are due to arrive for the ceremonial reopening. But whispers among the gathered crowds speak of an ancient curse that plagues the cathedral, awakened by the arrival of these worldly leaders.
As the festivities commence, an ominous mist begins to swirl around the cathedral, and shadowy figures seem to emerge from the twilight. It is here that your adventure unfolds. The party discovers that a powerful entity known as The Veilwalker has risen from the depths of despair, seeking vengeance upon the leaders who turned their backs on the oppressed spirits trapped within the stones of Notre-Dame.
Your party is tasked with uncovering the mystery behind this curse. They must delve deep into the history of the cathedral, speaking with guarded townsfolk, uncovering hidden relics, and uncovering scrolls that reveal dark secrets of the past. Exploration of the cathedral's nooks and crannies, including hidden chambers and forgotten catacombs, will be key to piecing together how to defeat The Veilwalker.
**Encounters:**
1. **Investigation Phase**: As players gather information, they might interact with an ancient guardian spirit bound to the cathedral or convince a local scholar, wary of the dark magic surrounding the cathedral, to share their knowledge of the folklore and history.
2. **Combat Encounter**: The Veilwalker lurks in the shadows and will manifest near the climax of the session, revealing itself to the party with a dramatic flourish. In this confrontation, it can summon spectral minions to fight alongside it.
**The Veilwalker Stats:**
– **HP**: 80
– **Armor Class**: 15
– **Attack**: Ethereal Touch (Melee Spell Attack): +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d10 + 3 necrotic damage.
– **Special Ability**: Shadows of Despair – Once per encounter, The Veilwalker can summon 1d4 Shadow Minions (HP: 20, AC: 12) that fight for it.
As your party engages in this high-stakes confrontation, they will have to think creatively and use their surroundings to their advantage. They may find artifacts or magical items hidden within the cathedral that can turn the tide of battle.
As the final blow is struck against The Veilwalker, the curse over Notre-Dame begins to lift, and gratitude fills the air as the spirits of the trapped find their peace. The leaders, once gathered in a political presence, will forge a bond with the townsfolk and the adventurers who saved the day—a celebration of relief and newfound unity amid the magic of the cathedral.
In this session, your players are not just heroes; they are the catalyst for change, weaving a tale of mystery, exploration, and camaraderie within a world steeped in high fantasy.