Tier 2 – Whispers of the Wraith (1)

**Tier 2 play**

In the enchanting realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like rivers and the skies shimmer with the colors of the dawn, a dark mist has begun to spread across the once-vibrant village of Thistledown. The townsfolk speak in hushed tones of a haunting melody that echoes through the woods at night, luring the unwary into the depths of the forest. Children have gone missing, and an air of dread blankets the village.

Your adventure begins in the bustling market square of Thistledown, where the scent of freshly baked bread mingles with the earthy aroma of the nearby forest. As you gather, a frantic villager bursts through the crowd, his eyes wide with fear. "Please, brave adventurers! We need your help! My sister has vanished into the woods, drawn by a siren's call. The elders say it is the work of the Whispering Wraith!"

The party learns that the Whispering Wraith is an ancient spirit, once a protector of the forest, now corrupted by dark magic. Legends say that to defeat the Wraith, one must uncover the source of its torment—a cursed relic hidden within the depths of the Whispering Grove.

As you prepare for your journey, the air thickens with tension. The villagers offer you supplies: healing potions, enchanted arrows, and a map leading to the Whispering Grove. Armed with these gifts, you set off, the sun dipping low on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple.

The forest is alive with sounds—rustling leaves, distant howls, and the faint, haunting melody that pulls at your hearts. You navigate through twisting paths, where shadows dance and flicker. As night falls, the moon casts an ethereal glow, illuminating the ancient trees that seem to whisper secrets of the past.

Upon reaching the heart of the Whispering Grove, you find a clearing bathed in moonlight. At the center, a stone pedestal holds the cursed relic: a shimmering crystal, pulsating with dark energy. Suddenly, the air grows cold, and the Whispering Wraith emerges, a spectral figure with sorrowful eyes and a voice that resonates like a haunting lullaby.

**Boss Encounter: Whispering Wraith**

– **AC:** 15

– **HP:** 80

– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch (Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit; Range: 5 ft.; Hit: 2d8 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Siren's Call (Recharge 5-6): The Wraith can attempt to charm all creatures within 30 ft. to save against a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, they are charmed for 1 minute.

– **Legendary Actions:** The Wraith can take one legendary action at the end of another creature's turn. It can choose to use either "Ethereal Step" to move through creatures and objects or "Mournful Wail" to deal 1d6 psychic damage to all creatures within 10 ft.

To defeat the Wraith, the party must work together, using their skills and abilities to break the curse of the relic. As they engage in this battle, they may also uncover the truth behind the Wraith's sorrow, possibly offering it a chance for redemption.

Once the Wraith is vanquished, the crystal loses its dark glow, and the forest breathes a sigh of relief. The missing children, including the villager’s sister, return, appearing dazed but unharmed. The villagers of Thistledown celebrate your victory, and as the dawn breaks, the forest begins to heal, returning to its former glory.

Your adventure concludes with newfound friendships, treasures to share, and the knowledge that even the darkest spirits can find peace with a little understanding. Will you continue your journey, or will you rest and revel in the tales of your brave deeds? The choice is yours, adventurers.