Tier 2 – The Heart of Eldergrove (1)

**Tier 2 play**

As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, the village of Eldergrove sits shrouded in an unsettling stillness. A thick mist rolls in from the nearby Eldenwood Forest, enveloping the quaint cottages and cobblestone paths like an ancient secret waiting to be uncovered. The townsfolk whisper of strange occurrences—cattle going missing, eerie lights flickering in the woods at night, and a chilling voice echoing through the trees that calls out in despair.

Your party arrives in Eldergrove, greeted by the anxious eyes of the villagers. They gather in the town square, their faces pale, casting furtive glances toward the looming forest. An elder, her silver hair tied in a bun, approaches you, desperation etched in her features. “Please, brave adventurers, we need your help. A spirit haunts our village, and it’s been growing stronger with each passing night. We believe it dwells deep within the Eldenwood.”

As you listen, the elder reveals that the spirit is believed to be linked to a long-lost artifact, the Heart of Eldergrove, an ancient jewel said to possess the power to protect the land. It was stolen centuries ago, and the forest has been restless ever since. To restore peace, the party must venture into the Eldenwood, confront the malevolent spirit, and retrieve the Heart.

The Eldenwood is a place of beauty and danger. Towering trees stretch toward the sky, their leaves whispering secrets in the wind. To navigate this mystical forest, the party can choose to rely on their skills in survival, perception, or even arcane knowledge to uncover hidden paths or fend off magical creatures that guard the forest.

As they journey deeper, they encounter glowing wisps that lead them astray and mischievous fey creatures that play tricks on them, testing their resolve and wit. The forest is alive, and it seems to have a mind of its own, drawing them closer to the source of the disturbance.

Eventually, the party finds themselves at a clearing, where a dark figure looms—a Wraith, its form shifting and flickering like smoke. This is the spirit of the forest, bound by rage and sorrow, fueled by the absence of its precious Heart. The Wraith wails, its voice a sorrowful melody that echoes through the trees.

**Boss Enemy: Wraith of Eldergrove**

– **Hit Points:** 70

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Attack:** Shadow Strike (Melee Attack: +6 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Ethereal Step (Once per encounter, the Wraith can become incorporeal, allowing it to move through objects and avoid attacks for one turn.)

– **Weakness:** Radiant Damage (Takes double damage from radiant sources)

The Wraith is not merely a foe to be vanquished; it is a tortured soul. As the battle ensues, the adventurers may discover that defeating it outright may not be the solution. They can attempt to communicate, offering solace or seeking to understand the Wraith’s pain. Perhaps through their words or actions, they can find a way to restore the Heart of Eldergrove and bring peace to the spirit.

As the party navigates this emotionally charged confrontation, they will need to balance their combat prowess with their ability to empathize, leading to a climax that could either end in devastation or redemption. Will they be able to uncover the truth behind the Heart and heal the rift between the realms of the living and the spirit? The fate of Eldergrove rests in their hands.