Tier 2 – The Veil of Shadows

Tier 2 play

**Party Details:**

– Party Size: 5

– A: 6

– B: 36

– Party Level: 6

**One-Shot Adventure: "The Veil of Shadows"**

**Setting:**

In the vibrant kingdom of Eldoria, where magic flows like a river and fantastical creatures roam the lush landscapes, a dark cloud looms over the city of Luminara. The once-bustling streets are now filled with whispers of fear, as a series of mysterious disappearances plague the populace. Citizens speak of shadowy figures lurking at dusk, and a chilling fog that seems to swallow the light whole.

**Adventure Hook:**

The adventurers find themselves in Luminara, drawn by the promise of gold and glory—or perhaps a personal quest. They are approached by a desperate town guard named Captain Elara, who pleads for their help. "Please, brave souls! We need your assistance to uncover the truth behind these disappearances. The last victim, a beloved merchant, vanished just last night, and we fear the worst."

**Exploration Component:**

The party begins their investigation at the merchant's last known location, a quaint shop filled with exotic goods from across the realm. The shop is dimly lit, with shelves overflowing with trinkets and curiosities. As they search for clues, they must succeed on a series of Investigation checks (DC 14) to uncover hidden notes, a broken window, and strange footprints leading into the nearby Whispering Woods.

**Sensory Details:**

The air is thick with the scent of spices and incense, mingling with the mustiness of forgotten corners. The flickering candlelight casts dancing shadows, creating an atmosphere of unease. As the adventurers delve deeper into the woods, they hear the rustling of leaves, the distant hoot of an owl, and the eerie whispers of the wind that seem to beckon them forward.

**Enemy Encounter:**

As the party ventures into the Whispering Woods, they stumble upon a clearing where they confront the source of the shadows—a sinister entity known as the Shadow Wraith. This creature feeds on fear and despair, using the stolen souls of its victims to grow stronger.

**Boss Enemy Stats:**

– **Name:** Shadow Wraith

– **Type:** Undead

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 85 (10d10 + 30)

– **Speed:** 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)

– **Abilities:**

– **Strength:** 10 (-1)

– **Dexterity:** 16 (+3)

– **Constitution:** 16 (+3)

– **Intelligence:** 1 (-5)

– **Wisdom:** 12 (+1)

– **Charisma:** 18 (+4)

– **Damage Immunities:** Necrotic, Poison; Blinded, Charmed, Deafened, Frightened, Paralyzed, Petrified

– **Condition Immunities:** Grappled, Restrained, Stunned

– **Senses:** Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11

– **Languages:** Understands the languages it knew in life but cannot speak

**Abilities:**

– **Shadow Step:** The Shadow Wraith can teleport from one shadow to another within 60 feet.

– **Fear Aura:** Creatures within 10 feet of the Shadow Wraith must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened until the end of their next turn.

– **Life Drain:** Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (4d8) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have its hit point maximum reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken.

**Conclusion:**

Once the adventurers defeat the Shadow Wraith, they discover a hidden chamber beneath the clearing, revealing the souls it had captured. The party can choose to free these souls, earning the gratitude of Luminara's citizens and a magical reward—a Shadow Amulet that grants the wearer advantage on stealth checks.

As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the woods, the adventurers emerge victorious, their names destined to be remembered in the annals of Eldoria. The kingdom will sing songs of their bravery, and the shadows that once haunted Luminara will be dispelled, at least for now.