Tier 2 – The Shadow Wraith of Eldoria (1)

**Tier 2 play**

As the sun sets over the vibrant and mystical realm of Eldoria, a thick fog rolls in from the Whispering Woods, shrouding the landscape in an eerie hush. The air crackles with magic, and the scent of damp earth and blooming nightshade fills your nostrils. The party finds themselves in the quaint village of Elden Hollow, known for its lush fields and the ancient secrets held within the surrounding woods.

Recently, the villagers have been plagued by strange occurrences: livestock disappearing, crops withering overnight, and whispers of a dark force stirring within the heart of the Whispering Woods. The villagers speak in hushed tones of the Shadow Wraith, a malevolent spirit said to be awakened by an ancient artifact—a cursed amulet—that was unearthed during a recent storm.

The party is approached by an elder, her eyes filled with worry. “Please, brave adventurers,” she implores, “we need your help to uncover the truth behind these disturbances. The amulet must be returned to its resting place before the Shadow Wraith can fully awaken and unleash its wrath upon us.”

**Investigation Component:**

The party begins their investigation in Elden Hollow, gathering information from the villagers. They can visit:

1. **The Tavern**: Here, they overhear drunken tales of the woods’ spirits and the recent storm that unearthed the amulet.

2. **The Herbalist’s Shop**: The herbalist has noticed strange plants growing in the woods, believed to be linked to the dark magic surrounding the Wraith.

3. **The Old Ruins**: An ancient structure at the edge of the woods, rumored to be the resting place of the amulet.

As they gather clues, they learn that the amulet must be returned to the Ruins of Eldoria, where the Wraith was once imprisoned.

**Exploration Component:**

The journey to the Whispering Woods is fraught with challenges. The party must navigate through dense foliage, avoiding traps set by the Wraith that manifest as illusory creatures and shifting paths. As they delve deeper, the atmosphere grows colder, and an unsettling silence blankets the surroundings.

Suddenly, they encounter a group of enchanted wolves, guardians of the woods, who test the party’s intentions. The players must convince the wolves of their noble purpose, either through diplomacy or by showcasing their strength in a non-lethal skirmish.

**Confrontation:**

Upon reaching the Ruins, the party discovers the amulet pulsating with dark energy. As they approach, the Shadow Wraith materializes—a swirling mass of darkness with glowing red eyes, emanating an aura of dread. Its voice echoes in the minds of the adventurers, taunting them with their fears.

**Boss Enemy Stats:**

– **Shadow Wraith**

– **HP**: 65

– **AC**: 15

– **Attack**: Shadow Strike (Melee Attack: +7 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability**: Fear Aura (All creatures within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute)

– **Legendary Action**: Shadow Step (The Wraith can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see).

As the battle ensues, the party must utilize their skills and teamwork to overcome the Wraith and return the amulet to its rightful place. With each strike against the Wraith, the fog begins to lift, and the woods breathe a sigh of relief, welcoming back the light.

Should they succeed, the villagers will celebrate their bravery, and the adventurers will leave Elden Hollow as heroes, the story of their triumph echoing through the ages. But if they fail, the Shadow Wraith will unleash its fury, and the land will be plunged into darkness once more.

Will the party rise to the challenge and restore peace to Eldoria? The fate of the village rests in their hands.