The Rat-Run Market Square

• A1 × Invisible Stalker (CR 6, 2,300 XP)
• B2 × Mage (CR 6, 2,300 XP each)

XP

6,900 of a 8,400 XP high budget

Party

4 characters of level 8

A market stall lies overturned, apples rolling across the cobbles. Laughter and music spill from a tavern, too loud to hear a scream.

Setup. An invisible stalker and two mages are drawn to a magic item one of the party is carrying.

Terrain

• Rooftops: jumping between buildings requires a DC 13 Strength (Athletics) check; a failure means a 20-foot fall.
• City watch: if the fight lasts more than 4 rounds, 1d4 guards arrive and arrest whoever looks guiltiest.

Tactics. They focus whoever carries the opposing element (fire against water, and so on).

Twist. One of the creatures wears a signet ring belonging to a missing noble.

Adjust on the fly

• Easier: Give the invisible stalker its minimum Hit Points and drop its strongest action for the first round.
• Harder: Add one more invisible stalker (9,200 XP total, beyond the High budget: dangerous for a tired party).

Treasure. 2,400 gp in mixed coins and two gemstones worth 240 gp each; A feather that falls upward if dropped.