Tier 2 – The Wraith of the Woods (6)

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where the skies shimmer with hues of azure and the air is thick with the scent of blooming moonflowers, a peculiar disturbance has unsettled the peace of the quaint village of Elden Hollow. The villagers speak in hushed tones of a mysterious fog that rolls in from the Whispering Woods, bringing with it a wave of unease and a series of strange occurrences. Livestock have gone missing, crops have wilted overnight, and the once cheerful laughter of children has been replaced by fearful whispers.

Your party finds themselves in Elden Hollow, drawn by tales of the fog and the promise of adventure. As you gather in the village square, the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows that dance eerily across the cobblestone streets. The village elder, a frail but wise woman named Elara, approaches you, her eyes filled with concern.

“Brave souls,” she implores, “the fog that descends upon us is no ordinary mist. It is said to be the work of a malevolent spirit known as the Wraith of the Woods. It feeds on fear and despair, growing stronger with each passing day. If we do not act soon, it may consume our village entirely.”

Elara hands you an ancient amulet, its surface etched with protective runes. “This will shield you from the Wraith’s influence, but you must venture into the Whispering Woods and confront the source of the fog. Only then can you restore peace to Elden Hollow.”

As you prepare for your journey, the air grows colder, and the fog begins to creep into the village, swirling around your feet like a living entity. The time has come to delve into the heart of the Whispering Woods, where shadows twist and turn, and the very trees seem to whisper secrets of old.

### Exploration Component

The Whispering Woods are a labyrinth of ancient trees, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. As you navigate through the dense underbrush, you encounter various magical phenomena: glowing mushrooms that pulse with light, streams that flow with shimmering water, and ethereal creatures that flit just out of sight.

You must solve riddles posed by the spirits of the forest to gain passage deeper into the woods. Each riddle answered correctly reveals a hidden path, while failure may lead to encounters with mischievous fey creatures or animated plants that defend their territory.

### Enemy Encounter

As you approach the heart of the woods, the fog thickens, and the air grows heavy with an oppressive dread. Suddenly, the Wraith of the Woods materializes before you, a swirling mass of shadow and sorrow, its eyes glowing with an eerie light.

**Wraith of the Woods (Boss Enemy)**

– **HP:** 120

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Shadow Grasp (Melee Attack): +7 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage.

– **Special Ability:** Fearful Presence – All creatures within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns.

### Conclusion

Defeating the Wraith will require not only strength but also courage and teamwork. As the Wraith falls, the fog begins to dissipate, revealing the vibrant life of the forest once more. The villagers of Elden Hollow will be forever grateful, and you may even uncover ancient secrets hidden within the woods that could lead to further adventures.

Prepare your dice and ready your characters, for the fate of Elden Hollow rests in your hands!