Tier 2 – The Shadow Wraith of Eldoria
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a peculiar disturbance has arisen in the tranquil village of Eldenwood. The once-peaceful hamlet, nestled between the Whispering Woods and the Crystal Lake, has been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances. Villagers whisper of shadowy figures lurking at the edge of the woods, and the air is thick with unease.
As the sun sets, casting a golden glow upon the cobblestone streets, the party finds themselves in the village tavern, The Gilded Griffin. The warm light from the hearth flickers, illuminating the worried faces of the locals. An elderly woman, her hands trembling, approaches the party. “Please, brave adventurers,” she implores, “my grandson, Finn, has vanished! He was last seen near the old ruins in the woods. We fear something dark has taken him.”
The party must decide whether to investigate the ruins or gather more information from the villagers. As they engage with the townsfolk, they learn of an ancient legend: the Ruins of Eldergrove, said to be the remnants of a long-lost civilization that once thrived on powerful magic. It is rumored that a malevolent spirit, known as the Shadow Wraith, now haunts the ruins, preying on the unsuspecting.
With their resolve strengthened, the party sets out into the Whispering Woods, where the trees seem to whisper secrets and the air is thick with the scent of damp earth and moss. As they approach the ruins, they notice the atmosphere shifts; shadows dance unnaturally, and a chilling breeze sends shivers down their spines.
Upon reaching the crumbling stone structures, the party discovers signs of a struggle—broken branches, scattered belongings, and faint, eerie whispers echoing through the air. They must navigate the ruins, solving ancient puzzles and avoiding traps set by the spirit to protect its lair.
As they delve deeper, they encounter the Shadow Wraith, a formidable foe that embodies the darkness of the forest. The Wraith is a spectral figure, cloaked in swirling shadows, with glowing red eyes that pierce through the gloom.
**Shadow Wraith Stats:**
– **HP:** 45
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Shadow Strike (Melee, +6 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Shadow Cloak (Once per encounter, the Wraith can become incorporeal, avoiding all damage for one turn)
The party must work together, utilizing their skills and spells to weaken the Wraith and free Finn from its grasp. As they battle, the air crackles with magic, and the very ground beneath them seems to pulse with energy.
Once the Wraith is defeated, the shadows recede, revealing Finn, unconscious but unharmed. The party can choose to return him to Eldenwood, where the villagers will celebrate their bravery, or they may delve deeper into the ruins, uncovering ancient secrets and treasures that lie hidden within.
As the adventure concludes, the party reflects on their journey, the bonds forged in battle, and the mysteries of Eldoria that still await their discovery. The world is vast, and their next adventure beckons just beyond the horizon.