Tier 2 – The Wraith of the Winding Road

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic weaves through the very fabric of existence, a shadow looms over the bustling town of Rivermoor. The townsfolk, once filled with laughter and joy, now whisper in hushed tones about a series of mysterious accidents plaguing the roads leading into the town. Rumors swirl that a malevolent spirit, known as the Wraith of the Winding Road, has awakened, seeking vengeance for a long-forgotten injustice.

As the party arrives in Rivermoor, they are greeted by a scene of chaos. The local tavern, The Gilded Griffin, is filled with anxious patrons, their eyes darting towards the door as if expecting the Wraith to materialize at any moment. The innkeeper, a stout dwarf named Borin, approaches the party, desperation etched on his face. “Please, brave adventurers! We need your help! The roads are treacherous, and a road worker has died after a terrible crash. We fear it is the work of the Wraith!”

Borin explains that the spirit was once a road worker named Elric, who perished in a tragic accident decades ago, his spirit bound to the very roads he once toiled upon. Now, he seeks to punish those who traverse the paths he once built. The party must investigate the site of the latest accident, a twisted wreckage of broken carts and shattered dreams, to uncover the truth behind Elric’s wrath.

**Investigation Component:**

The party must gather clues at the accident site. They can roll Investigation checks to discover:

– A torn piece of Elric’s work apron, stained with a strange, glowing essence.

– Footprints leading away from the wreckage, hinting at a possible witness.

– A broken cart wheel inscribed with arcane runes, suggesting magical interference.

**Exploration Component:**

As they follow the clues, the party will navigate the winding roads of Rivermoor, facing enchanted obstacles that Elric has conjured to deter intruders. They may encounter:

– Illusory roadblocks that require Wisdom saving throws to see through.

– Animated debris that attacks when approached, manifesting as spectral versions of the carts that once traveled the roads.

**Enemy Encounter:**

Eventually, the party will confront the Wraith of the Winding Road. This spectral foe is a tragic figure, bound by sorrow and rage.

**Wraith of the Winding Road Stats:**

– **Armor Class:** 13

– **Hit Points:** 45 (6d8 + 18)

– **Speed:** 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)

– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or have their maximum hit points reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken until they finish a long rest.

**Resolution:**

To defeat the Wraith, the party must either destroy the source of his anger—perhaps by returning the glowing essence to his resting place—or confront him with compassion, reminding him of the joy he once brought to the roads he built. If they succeed, Elric’s spirit will find peace, and the roads of Rivermoor will be safe once more.

As the sun sets over Rivermoor, casting long shadows across the cobblestones, the adventurers will have the chance to restore hope to the town and earn the gratitude of its people, perhaps even gaining a magical boon from the grateful townsfolk. The adventure concludes with the promise of new roads to travel and stories yet to be told.