Tier 2 – The Hunger Spirit of Willowdale

**Tier 2 play**

In the enchanted realm of Eldoria, whispers of dark deeds have spread through the air like smoke from a distant fire. The village of Willowdale, nestled between shimmering lakes and verdant forests, has been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of purple and gold, the villagers gather in the town square, their faces etched with worry.

Amidst the flickering lanterns and hushed voices, a desperate call to action rings out. "We must find the source of this horror!" a stout dwarf cries, his voice trembling with urgency. The party finds themselves drawn into this tale, tasked with uncovering the truth behind the vanishing villagers.

The investigation begins at the edge of the Whispering Woods, where the trees loom like ancient sentinels, their gnarled branches swaying gently in the evening breeze. As the adventurers tread deeper into the forest, they encounter a series of eerie signs: strange symbols carved into tree bark, remnants of what appear to be hastily abandoned camps, and unsettling footprints leading further into the shadows.

A sense of dread hangs thick in the air, and the atmosphere shifts as they stumble upon a clearing illuminated by glowing mushrooms and a pool of water that reflects the silvery light of the moon. Here, they uncover an old, crumbling stone altar, adorned with remnants of a gruesome ritual. It becomes clear that the disappearances are linked to an ancient being known as the Hunger Spirit, a cursed entity that hungers for the essence of sentient beings.

The party must confront this foe, who manifests from the shadows, a swirling mass of darkness with eyes that burn like molten gold. The Hunger Spirit, a creature of insatiable appetite, seeks to drain the life force from the adventurers, believing them to be the source of its power.

**Boss Enemy: The Hunger Spirit**

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 100

– **Attack:** Dark Tendril (melee weapon attack): +7 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) necrotic damage.

– **Special Ability:** Devour Essence – The Hunger Spirit can target one creature it can see within 30 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 25 (5d10) necrotic damage and be frightened until the end of their next turn.

As the adventurers engage in a battle of wits and strength, the environment shifts around them, the very roots of the forest twisting and turning in response to the spirit’s rage. The party must find a way to weaken the spirit by using the remnants of the ritual, piecing together clues from the symbols they found earlier, and harnessing the power of friendship and courage to overcome this dark force.

With every ounce of creativity, strategy, and bravery, the party will uncover the truth behind the Hunger Spirit, bringing hope back to the villagers of Willowdale and perhaps learning a bit about the darker corners of their own hearts along the way. Will they succeed in breaking the curse, or will they become the next victims of the insatiable Hunger? The fate of Willowdale rests in their hands.