Tier 2 – The Wraith of Withering A Quest to Restore Eldenwood
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where the skies shimmer with ethereal colors and magic weaves through the very fabric of reality, a dire situation has unfolded in the peaceful village of Eldenwood. Recently, the villagers have reported strange occurrences: crops wilting overnight, livestock vanishing without a trace, and an ominous fog that creeps in at dusk, whispering secrets of dread and despair.
The townsfolk have gathered in the village square, their faces drawn and worn with worry. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the cobblestone streets, the village elder, a frail but wise old woman named Elara, approaches your party. With a voice as soft as the rustling leaves, she explains the source of their troubles: a malevolent spirit known as the Wraith of Withering, a former villager turned vengeful entity due to a dark betrayal long forgotten.
The spirit haunts the ancient ruins just beyond the village, where an old temple once stood dedicated to the Goddess of Harvest. Legends say that the Wraith can siphon the life force from the land itself, leading to the desolation the villagers now face. Elara pleads with your party to investigate the ruins, confront the Wraith, and restore balance to Eldenwood.
As you approach the temple, the air grows thick with an unsettling chill. The ruins are entwined with twisted vines and darkened stones, remnants of a once-majestic structure now shrouded in shadow. The faint echoes of laughter and joyful chants linger in the air, remnants of the past that clash with the present gloom.
Upon entering the temple, your party must navigate through crumbling hallways adorned with faded murals depicting the village's rich history. Each step reverberates with the weight of sorrow and loss. As you delve deeper, you discover clues that hint at the betrayal that led to the Wraith's transformation—a tale of greed and jealousy that tore apart the community.
Suddenly, the temperature drops. An eerie silence envelops the temple as the wraith materializes before you—a figure cloaked in flowing darkness, its hollow eyes glowing with a malevolent light. The air crackles with energy as it prepares to unleash its wrath.
**Boss Encounter: Wraith of Withering**
– **HP**: 75
– **AC**: 15
– **Attack**: Life Drain (Melee Attack: +6 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage, heal for half the damage dealt)
– **Special Ability**: Curse of Despair (Once per encounter, targets a party member, forcing them to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute.)
As the battle ensues, the temple itself seems to react, with spectral energy swirling around the party, creating a dynamic environment where players can interact with the surroundings to gain advantages or face unexpected consequences.
Victory over the Wraith not only brings peace to Eldenwood but also unearths the truth behind its betrayal, allowing the villagers to finally lay their past to rest. The gratitude of the townsfolk will be a reward in itself, offering treasures of lore and rare magical items once believed to be lost to time.
Prepare for an adventure filled with mystery, combat, and the chance to restore hope to a land plagued by shadows. Will your party rise to the challenge and become the heroes Eldenwood so desperately needs? The fate of the village lies in your hands.