Tier 2 – The Curse of the Whispering Woods

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant kingdom of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers, a peculiar phenomenon has begun to unfold. The once-bustling town of Willowbrook, nestled between the Whispering Woods and the Crystal Lake, has fallen under the shadow of an ancient curse. The townsfolk whisper of a calamity that befalls anyone who dares venture into the woods after dusk. Crops wither overnight, livestock vanish without a trace, and strange, eerie lights flicker among the trees, drawing the curious and the foolish alike.

Your party finds themselves in Willowbrook, drawn by tales of the mysterious happenings. The air is thick with tension, and the scent of damp earth mingles with the sweet aroma of blooming nightshade. As you walk through the town square, you notice the anxious faces of the villagers, their eyes darting towards the forest's edge, where the trees seem to whisper secrets of their own.

The local innkeeper, a stout dwarf named Grimbold, approaches you with a desperate plea. "Adventurers! You must help us! My daughter, Elara, went into the Whispering Woods to gather herbs for the sick, and she hasn’t returned. We fear the curse has claimed her! Will you brave the woods and bring her back?"

As you agree to help, Grimbold hands you a tattered map, its edges frayed and stained with age. "Follow the path until you reach the Glimmering Grove. But beware! The woods are alive with mischief and danger. And whatever you do, don’t trust the lights."

With the map in hand, you set off towards the Whispering Woods. The trees loom tall and twisted, their branches clawing at the sky. As you traverse the winding paths, the air grows colder, and a thick fog rolls in, obscuring your vision. You hear the distant sound of laughter, echoing through the trees, and the flicker of lights dances just out of reach.

Suddenly, a group of mischievous fey creatures known as the Wisp Sprites appear, their laughter ringing like chimes in the air. They are playful but dangerous, known for leading travelers astray. The sprites taunt you, their forms shimmering in hues of blue and green. "Find the girl? Or play our game? Choose wisely, for time is running out!"

**Combat Encounter: Wisp Sprites (3-5 sprites)**

– **HP:** 15 each

– **AC:** 14

– **Attack:**

– **Charmed Touch:** +5 to hit, 1d6 psychic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed until the end of their next turn.

– **Abilities:**

– **Mischief:** Once per encounter, the sprites can cause a random magical effect (roll a d6 for effect).

Defeating or outsmarting the Wisp Sprites will grant you passage deeper into the woods. As you navigate the twisting paths, you finally arrive at the Glimmering Grove, a clearing bathed in ethereal light. In the center, you find Elara, entranced by a glowing orb that pulses with energy.

But as you approach, the orb transforms into a dark figure—a Calamitous Wraith, a manifestation of the curse that has befallen the land. Its eyes burn with malice, and it hisses, "You dare disturb my domain? You will pay the price!"

**Boss Encounter: Calamitous Wraith**

– **HP:** 60

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:**

– **Shadow Grasp:** +7 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or have disadvantage on their next attack roll.

– **Abilities:**

– **Calamity's Aura:** All creatures within 10 feet of the wraith must make a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw at the start of their turn or suffer a -2 penalty to their next attack roll.

As you battle the Wraith, the fate of Elara—and the town of Willowbrook—hangs in the balance. Will you defeat the darkness and lift the curse, or will you become another tale lost to the Whispering Woods? The adventure awaits!