Tier 2 – The Wraith of Last Echo

**Tier 2 play**

In the bustling city of Eldergrove, renowned for its vibrant markets and magical wonders, a rift has opened in the heart of the ancient Whispering Woods. The townsfolk have been plagued by eerie whispers, strange lights, and unsettling disturbances at night. Rumors swirl that a malevolent spirit known as the Wraith of Last Echo has emerged from the depths of the forest, seeking revenge against those who dare to trespass into its sacred domain.

As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the cobblestone streets, your party gathers at The Silver Stag Inn, where the atmosphere is thick with tension. The innkeeper, a stout gnome named Olwen, approaches your table, her eyes wide with concern. "Adventurers!" she exclaims, "You must help us! The Wraith has taken my brother and the village children! They were last seen near the old ruins deep in the woods. Will you confront this terror and bring them back?"

Embarking on this quest, your party makes its way through the Whispering Woods, where the air grows thick with enchantment. The trees tower above, their leaves shimmering with an ethereal glow. As you tread cautiously, the whispers begin to swell around you—echoes of lost souls drawing you deeper into the forest.

Suddenly, a flicker of movement catches your eye. A group of mischievous fae, glowing like fireflies, flutters around, giggling and darting between the branches. They seem to be leading you toward the ruins, their laughter creating an unsettling mix of joy and dread. As you follow, the path twists and turns, revealing a clearing dominated by crumbling stone structures, overgrown with vines.

At the center of the ruins, the Wraith of Last Echo manifests, a swirling mass of shadow and sorrow. Its eyes burn with an otherworldly light, and it hisses, “Leave this place, mortals, or suffer the fate of the lost!” The children’s frightened cries echo from behind the Wraith, their terrified faces peering through the veil of darkness.

**Boss Enemy: Wraith of Last Echo**

– **HP:** 75

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Shadow Grasp (Melee, +6 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Echoing Terror – Once per encounter, the Wraith can unleash a wave of despair, forcing all players to make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute.

To defeat the Wraith, your party must work together, utilizing their unique skills to combat its shadowy attacks and dispel the dark enchantment that binds the children. The forest itself seems to respond to your efforts; the whispers transform into echoes of encouragement, guiding your spells and strikes.

As the battle rages on, a heroic stand can turn the tide. Perhaps a bard can sing an enchanting melody to bolster morale, or a wizard can cast protective wards to shield against the Wraith’s necrotic strikes. If your players succeed, the Wraith will dissipate, releasing the captured souls and granting the children their freedom.

With the Wraith defeated, the echoes of sorrow fade, and the forest breathes a sigh of relief. The grateful townsfolk celebrate your victory, and Olwen promises a feast in your honor. However, as you leave the Whispering Woods, a lingering question remains: what truly awakened the Wraith, and are there more secrets hidden in the shadows of Eldergrove?

Prepare for an evening filled with magic, suspense, and camaraderie as your party unravels the mysteries of the Whispering Woods and confronts the darkness within.

(Word Count: 669)