Tier 2 – The Wraith of the Withered Grove (1)
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where the skies shimmer with hues of violet and gold, a peculiar disturbance has rippled through the tranquil village of Willowbrook. The townsfolk whisper of strange occurrences: crops wilting overnight, livestock disappearing without a trace, and an eerie fog that rolls in at dusk, cloaking the village in an unsettling silence.
Your party finds themselves drawn to this quaint settlement, where the air is thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming wildflowers. As you enter, the villagers regard you with a mix of hope and trepidation, their eyes reflecting the desperation of a community on the brink of despair.
At the heart of the village stands a grand, ancient oak tree, its gnarled branches stretching towards the heavens. Beneath its sprawling roots, a gathering of villagers has formed, led by a frail old woman named Elara. Her silver hair flows like a waterfall, and her voice trembles with urgency as she recounts the tale of a malevolent spirit that has awakened from its slumber, seeking vengeance for a long-forgotten betrayal.
Elara reveals that the spirit, known as the Wraith of the Withered Grove, was once a guardian of the land, but was betrayed by those it protected. Now, it haunts the village, demanding a tribute of life to quell its rage. The villagers have been forced to offer their livestock, but the Wraith's hunger grows insatiable.
Your quest is clear: confront the Wraith and uncover the truth behind its torment. As you delve deeper into the mystery, you will explore the Withered Grove, a twisted forest filled with enchanted flora and treacherous terrain. The air is thick with magic, and the trees seem to whisper secrets of the past.
As you navigate through the grove, you encounter various challenges: mischievous fey creatures that play tricks on your senses, enchanted traps that test your wits, and spectral guardians that rise to defend their territory. Each encounter brings you closer to the heart of the Wraith's sorrow, revealing fragments of its tragic past.
Finally, you reach the Wraith's lair, a clearing shrouded in mist, where the spirit manifests as a swirling mass of shadows and sorrow. Its voice echoes like a mournful wind, demanding to know why it should spare the lives of the villagers.
**Boss Enemy: Wraith of the Withered Grove**
– **HP:** 80
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch (Melee Attack, +6 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Wail of Despair (Recharge 5-6, all creatures within 30 feet must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute)
To defeat the Wraith, your party must not only engage in combat but also uncover the truth of its betrayal. Perhaps a forgotten relic or a heartfelt apology can soothe its rage, allowing for a resolution that spares the village and grants the Wraith peace.
As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the grove, the fate of Willowbrook hangs in the balance. Will your party restore harmony to the land, or will the Wraith's vengeance consume them all? The choice is yours, brave adventurers.