Tier 2 – The Shadow Wisp of Valenport
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant kingdom of Eldoria, the air is thick with magic and wonder. Colorful banners flutter in the breeze as townsfolk bustle about, their lives intertwined with fantastical creatures and arcane wonders. Recently, however, an unsettling shadow has fallen over the city of Valenport. Whispers of a malevolent force lurking in the nearby Whispering Woods have reached the ears of the adventurers.
The townspeople have been plagued by strange occurrences—livestock disappearing, eerie sounds echoing through the night, and local children speaking of ominous figures watching from the treetops. The Mayor, a portly man with a worried brow, pleads for brave souls to investigate these disturbances. He offers a reward of 100 gold pieces for any information or, better yet, the safe return of the missing livestock.
As the adventurers set off toward the Whispering Woods, the sun filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air is cool and rich with the scent of damp earth and wildflowers. However, a sense of unease hangs in the air, and the rustle of leaves seems almost like whispers.
Upon reaching the heart of the woods, the party encounters an enchanted glade, where they find remnants of a ritual: strange symbols carved into the ground, a circle of mushrooms, and the faint glow of residual magic. Here, they must make a critical choice—will they investigate the symbols, search for tracks, or set a watch to catch the culprit in the act?
As the sun begins to set, the glade darkens, and from the shadows emerges the source of the disturbances—a **Shadow Wisp**, a spectral creature that feeds on fear and despair. It is an ethereal being that manifests as swirling shadows with glowing eyes, capable of manipulating the darkness around it.
**Shadow Wisp Stats:**
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 45
– **Speed:** 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)
– **Abilities:**
– **Darkness Aura:** Creatures within a 20-foot radius must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.
– **Life Drain:** Melee Spell Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) necrotic damage, and the Wisp regains hit points equal to the damage dealt.
As the adventurers confront the Shadow Wisp, they must navigate the challenges of combat while avoiding the encroaching darkness it creates. Will they be able to uncover the truth behind the creature’s actions and restore peace to Valenport, or will they succumb to the chilling grip of fear?
This one-shot offers a blend of investigation, exploration, and a thrilling confrontation that will keep players on the edge of their seats, all wrapped in the magic and mystery of Eldoria.