Tier 2 – The Shadow Wraith of Eldenwood (6)

**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 shadow looms over the bustling town of Eldenwood. The air is thick with the scent of blooming nightshade and the distant sound of laughter from the taverns, but beneath this facade of joy lies a growing unease. Whispers of a dark force have begun to circulate, and the townsfolk speak in hushed tones of a malevolent entity known only as the Shadow Wraith.

The Shadow Wraith, a creature of pure darkness, has been stealing the dreams of the townspeople, leaving them in a state of perpetual exhaustion and despair. As the party arrives in Eldenwood, they are greeted by a frantic town elder, Elara, who pleads for their help. "Please, brave adventurers! Our children are plagued by nightmares, and the Wraith grows stronger with each passing night. We must put an end to this terror before it consumes us all!"

**Adventure Hook:**

The party must investigate the source of the Shadow Wraith's power, rumored to be hidden within the ancient Whispering Woods, a place where the trees themselves seem to speak secrets of old. The woods are said to be enchanted, filled with illusions and magical creatures that can either aid or hinder the adventurers.

**Exploration Component:**

As the party ventures into the Whispering Woods, they encounter various magical phenomena. The trees twist and turn, creating a labyrinthine path, and the air is filled with the soft whispers of lost souls. They may come across:

1. **The Glimmering Stream:** A stream that sparkles with ethereal light. Drinking from it grants temporary insight into the Wraith's weakness (advantage on the next Intelligence check).

2. **The Guardian Spirits:** Friendly spirits that offer riddles. Solving their riddles grants the party a boon, while failure may lead to a minor curse (disadvantage on the next saving throw).

3. **The Illusionary Glade:** A beautiful clearing that appears to be a safe haven. However, it is an illusion created by the Wraith to trap unsuspecting adventurers. Those who fail a Wisdom saving throw become lost in their own dreams, incapacitated for a short time.

**Confrontation:**

Deep within the woods, the party finally confronts the Shadow Wraith in its lair, a darkened grove illuminated by flickering shadows. The Wraith, a swirling mass of darkness with glowing red eyes, hovers above the ground, feeding off the dreams of the townsfolk.

**Boss Enemy: Shadow Wraith**

– **HP:** 60

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Shadow Strike (Melee Attack): +7 to hit, 2d8 + 4 necrotic damage

– **Special Ability:** Dream Drain (Recharge 5-6): The Wraith targets one creature within 30 feet, forcing them to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the target takes 3d10 psychic damage and is incapacitated until the end of their next turn.

**Resolution:**

Upon defeating the Shadow Wraith, the party discovers a shimmering crystal at its core, pulsating with the dreams it had stolen. Returning this crystal to Elara will restore peace to Eldenwood, allowing the townsfolk to reclaim their dreams and banish the darkness that had plagued them.

As the adventurers emerge from the Whispering Woods, the sun breaks through the clouds, casting a warm glow over Eldenwood. The townsfolk gather to celebrate their heroes, and the party is hailed as saviors, their names forever etched in the annals of Eldoria's history.

Will the party take on the mantle of protectors, or will they seek new adventures beyond the horizon? The choice is theirs in this high magic, high fantasy world!