Tier 2 – The Wraith of the Whispering Woods (5)

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and fantastical creatures roam the lush landscapes, a shadow has begun to creep over the tranquil village of Willowbrook. The townsfolk, once filled with laughter and joy, now whisper of a dark figure seen prowling the outskirts of their home, leaving a trail of misfortune in its wake.

The party finds themselves drawn to this quaint village, their curiosity piqued by rumors of strange happenings. As they arrive, the sun hangs low in the sky, casting an orange glow over the thatched roofs and cobblestone streets. The air is thick with the scent of blooming wildflowers, but an undercurrent of fear lingers, palpable in the nervous glances exchanged by the villagers.

The local innkeeper, a stout man named Barnabas, approaches the party with a furrowed brow. "You’re adventurers, aren’t you? We could use your help. There’s a creature in the woods, a wretched thing that demands a toll for safe passage. It has cursed our crops and frightened our livestock. Just last night, it took my prize cow, Bessie!" His voice trembles with urgency.

As the party gathers information, they learn that the creature is known as the Wraith of the Whispering Woods, a malevolent spirit that thrives on fear and despair. It has been demanding a sacrifice, and Barnabas reveals that the villagers believe it requires three lives to be satisfied. The party must venture into the woods, confront this dark entity, and put an end to its reign of terror.

The journey through the Whispering Woods is fraught with challenges. The trees seem to close in around them, their gnarled branches twisting like skeletal fingers. Strange sounds echo through the air—whispers that chill the spine and make the heart race. The party must navigate through illusions and traps set by the wraith, testing their resolve and teamwork.

**Encounter: The Wraith of the Whispering Woods**

– **Type:** Undead Spirit

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 85

– **Speed:** 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)

– **Abilities:**

– **Strength:** 10

– **Dexterity:** 16

– **Constitution:** 14

– **Intelligence:** 12

– **Wisdom:** 18

– **Charisma:** 20

– **Actions:**

– **Life Drain:** Melee Spell Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 27 (5d10) necrotic damage, and the wraith regains hit points equal to half the damage dealt.

– **Terrifying Visage:** Each creature of the wraith's choice within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

As the party delves deeper into the woods, they encounter twisted roots and spectral apparitions that try to lead them astray. They must rely on their wits and skills to uncover the wraith’s weaknesses and ultimately confront it in its lair—a clearing bathed in an eerie, silvery light.

In the final showdown, the wraith reveals its tragic past, a once-innocent soul twisted by grief and anger. The party must decide: will they destroy the wraith, or find a way to redeem it? Their choices will not only determine the fate of Willowbrook but may also echo through the realm of Eldoria itself, leaving a lasting impact on the world around them.

With the fate of the village hanging in the balance, the adventurers must summon their courage and face the darkness head-on, for the wraith’s demands are not just for sacrifice, but for understanding and closure. Will they rise to the challenge, or will the shadows of the woods claim them as well?