Tier 2 – The Wraith of the Woods (5)
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic weaves through the very fabric of existence, a peculiar disturbance has begun to ripple through the peaceful town of Eldenwood. The once-thriving marketplace, filled with the laughter of children and the aromas of freshly baked bread, now lies shrouded in an unsettling silence. The townsfolk whisper of a shadowy figure seen lurking at the edge of the Whispering Woods, a place where the trees seem to murmur secrets to those who dare to listen.
Your party finds themselves summoned by the town’s mayor, a stout dwarf named Balin Stonefist, whose beard is as bushy as the forests surrounding Eldenwood. He speaks with urgency, “Adventurers! A darkness has befallen our town. Children have gone missing, and strange creatures have been spotted near the woods. I fear it is the work of the Wraith of the Woods, a malevolent spirit that feeds on fear and despair. Will you help us?”
As the party agrees, Balin hands them a map, detailing the location of the last sighting of the children—a clearing deep within the Whispering Woods. The air grows thick with anticipation as they venture forth, the sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above, casting playful shadows on the forest floor. The sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves begin to fade, replaced by an eerie stillness that sends shivers down their spines.
Upon reaching the clearing, the party discovers an ancient stone altar, overgrown with vines and pulsating with dark energy. At its center, a swirling portal glows ominously, and from it emerges the Wraith of the Woods—a tall, gaunt figure cloaked in shadows, its hollow eyes gleaming with malice.
**Boss Enemy: Wraith of the Woods**
– **HP:** 60
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Shadow Grasp (Melee, +5 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Fear Aura (All creatures within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute.)
The Wraith hisses, “You dare intrude upon my domain? Your fear will nourish me!” As the battle commences, the party must navigate not only the Wraith’s attacks but also the unsettling whispers that claw at their minds, trying to instill fear and doubt.
Should the adventurers manage to defeat the Wraith, the portal will begin to collapse, revealing the lost children trapped within a realm of nightmares. The party must act quickly to rescue them before the portal closes forever.
With the children safe and the Wraith vanquished, the grateful townsfolk will celebrate their heroes, restoring peace to Eldenwood and reinforcing the bonds of community that had been threatened by darkness. The adventure concludes with a feast in the town square, where tales of bravery and camaraderie are shared, leaving the adventurers with a sense of fulfillment and the promise of more adventures to come.