Tier 2 – The Vengeful Spirit of Alderwood
**Tier 2 play**
As the sun begins to set over the rolling hills of Alderwood, vibrant hues of orange and purple paint the sky, casting a warm glow over the fields ripe with golden wheat. The peaceful countryside is soon disrupted by the low rumble of engines as farmers from the surrounding villages gather at the outskirts of Dover, their tractors lined up like a formidable wall of determination. They come not merely to protest but to rally against recent changes to the inheritance tax that threaten their family legacies and livelihoods.
Your adventurers find themselves in the picturesque village of Bramley, where hushed whispers of discontent fill the air. The local tavern, The Golden Stag, is abuzz with rumors of strange happenings in the fields—crops withering overnight, eerie lights flickering in the distance, and livestock disappearing without a trace. The villagers, fearful of losing everything they’ve worked for, beseech the party for help.
As the heroes delve deeper into the mystery, they discover that a dark force exploits the farmers' unrest. A malevolent spirit, born from the anguish of lost generations, has taken root in the fields. This spirit, once the guardian of the land, has twisted into a vengeful entity, seeking to punish those it believes are responsible for the changes to their way of life.
The party must investigate the farms, gathering clues and speaking with the farmers to uncover the truth. They will face challenges that test their skills, including navigating through enchanted fields that shift and change, and confronting illusions that prey on their fears. As they gather information, they learn that the spirit can only be calmed by restoring balance to the land—an ancient ritual that requires three sacred items held by the farmers.
To gather these items, the party must venture into the heart of the enchanted fields, where they’ll encounter the spirit’s minions—shadowy figures that attempt to thwart their progress. These encounters will require quick thinking and strategy as they navigate the hostile environment, all while the farmers rally at the roads of Dover, their tractors creating a show of solidarity against the looming threat.
**Boss Enemy: The Vengeful Spirit of Alderwood**
– **Type:** Ghost
– **Hit Points:** 60
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Abilities:**
– **Life Drain:** Melee Spell Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (3d8 + 2) necrotic damage, and the spirit regains hit points equal to the damage dealt.
– **Spirit's Wrath:** The spirit unleashes a wave of anger, forcing all players within a 30-ft radius to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or take 10 (3d6) psychic damage and be frightened until the end of their next turn.
– **Invisibility:** The spirit can turn invisible until it attacks or until its concentration ends (as if concentrating on a spell).
As the party confronts the Vengeful Spirit, they must use their wits and the knowledge gained from the farmers to perform the ritual, restoring peace to Alderwood and saving the farmers from their plight. Will they succeed in quelling the spirit's rage and ensuring the legacy of the land continues, or will they fall victim to the dark forces that have risen in the shadows? The fate of the village lies in their hands!