Tier 2 – The Ember Wraith of Faeloria
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic dances in the air like fireflies at dusk, a dark cloud looms over the quaint village of Faeloria. The village is nestled between lush green hills, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the melodies of chirping birds. Yet, an unsettling silence has gripped the townsfolk, and whispers of a malevolent force have begun to spread like wildfire.
Your party of intrepid adventurers finds themselves drawn to Faeloria after hearing rumors of a series of mysterious fires that have devastated several homes, leaving families homeless and hearts heavy with grief. One devastating story stands out: a 64-year-old woman named Elara, whose modest cottage was consumed by flames, leaving her with nothing but the ashes of cherished memories—including those of her late daughter. Now, her eyes are filled with sorrow, and a sense of urgency fills the air as she implores your party for help.
"Please," she pleads, her voice trembling, "I watched my house burn down with my daughter's laughter echoing within its walls. I fear there’s a dark force at play, a creature that thrives on despair. I have seen shadows lurking at the edge of the woods, watching… waiting."
Your party must investigate the origins of the fires. As you delve deeper into the mystery, you discover that the village's once-protective magical barrier has been weakened by a powerful entity known as the Ember Wraith, a being formed from the very ashes of lost hopes and dreams. The Wraith seeks to feed on the despair of the villagers, growing stronger with each home it claims.
To defeat the Ember Wraith, you must gather information from the villagers, explore the charred remains of Elara's home for clues, and venture into the enchanted Eldergrove Forest where the Wraith is said to dwell. The forest is filled with luminescent flora and ethereal creatures, but beware—the deeper you go, the more the shadows seem to close in around you.
**Adventure Components:**
1. **Investigation in Faeloria:**
– Speak with townsfolk who have experienced the fires. They may share vital clues or lead to hidden treasures.
– Search for remnants of magical wards that were once in place and find out why they failed.
2. **Exploration of Eldergrove Forest:**
– Navigate through the forest, encountering magical creatures (friendly and hostile) that may aid or hinder your quest.
– Discover ancient druidic ruins that hold secrets about the Ember Wraith’s origins.
3. **Confrontation with the Ember Wraith:**
– The final showdown occurs in the heart of the forest, where the Wraith materializes, its form flickering like a dying flame.
– Use tactics and teamwork to combat the Wraith, whose abilities include shadow manipulation and fire-based attacks.
**Basic Stats for the Ember Wraith:**
– **Hit Points:** 85
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Attack:** Shadow Bolt (ranged, +7 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Wail of Despair (1/day – all creatures within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute)
As your adventurers embark on this journey, they must confront not only the physical threat of the Ember Wraith but also the emotional weight of loss and hope. Will they restore the village's magic and save Elara from her despair, or will they fall victim to the shadows lurking in the heart of Eldoria? The fate of Faeloria lies in their hands!