Tier 2 – The Shadow Wraith of Glenwood

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a dark shadow looms over the quaint village of Glenwood. The townsfolk have been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances, with whispers of a malevolent force lurking in the nearby Whispering Woods. As the sun sets, casting an orange glow over the horizon, the villagers gather in the town square, their faces etched with worry.

Your party arrives just in time to witness the village elder, a frail but wise figure named Eldrin, addressing the anxious crowd. “Brave adventurers,” he implores, “we beseech you to uncover the truth behind these vanishing souls. Our children, our friends—taken by an unseen terror. We believe it to be the work of a creature known as the Shadow Wraith, a being of pure darkness that feeds on fear and despair.”

As the party listens, they learn that the last known victim was a young girl named Lila, who ventured into the Whispering Woods to gather herbs for her ailing mother. The elder provides the party with a tattered map, marking the path to the heart of the woods where the Wraith is said to dwell. “Be cautious,” he warns, “the woods are alive with magic, and not all that glimmers is gold.”

With the map in hand, the party sets off into the Whispering Woods, where the air is thick with the scent of damp earth and the distant sound of rustling leaves. As they navigate through the towering trees, they encounter enchanted creatures—some friendly, others hostile. A mischievous sprite flits around, offering riddles that, if solved, may grant the party valuable information or magical trinkets.

As night falls, the atmosphere grows tense. The trees seem to whisper secrets, and shadows dance at the edges of vision. Suddenly, the party stumbles upon a clearing where they find remnants of a recent struggle—broken branches, a torn piece of fabric, and a faint, echoing cry that sends chills down their spines. Here, they must make a decision: investigate the area for clues or press deeper into the woods, guided by the haunting sound.

Eventually, the party confronts the Shadow Wraith in its lair, a darkened grove illuminated by flickering wisps of ghostly light. The Wraith, a swirling mass of shadow with piercing red eyes, hovers menacingly. It speaks in a voice that echoes like thunder, “You dare intrude upon my domain? Your fear will nourish me!”

**Shadow Wraith Stats:**

– **HP:** 60

– **AC:** 15

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

– **Special Ability:** Fear Aura (All creatures within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute)

The party must use their wits and courage to defeat the Wraith, dispelling the darkness that has gripped Glenwood. As they battle, they can use the environment to their advantage—perhaps igniting the ghostly wisps to create a barrier or using the enchanted creatures they encountered earlier to aid them.

Upon defeating the Wraith, the party discovers a hidden chamber filled with the lost belongings of the villagers, including Lila’s treasured locket. Returning to Glenwood as heroes, they are celebrated by the grateful townsfolk, who offer them rewards and tales of their bravery that will echo through the ages.

This one-shot adventure invites players to explore a world rich with magic, mystery, and the thrill of heroism, perfect for a night of high fantasy and camaraderie.