Tier 2 – The Phantom Instructor of Willowbrook
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a dark shadow looms over the peaceful village of Willowbrook. The townsfolk have been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances, each linked to a sinister figure known only as the Phantom Instructor. This malevolent spirit, once a driving instructor in life, now haunts the roads and byways, seeking vengeance on those who dare to learn the art of travel.
As the sun sets, casting an orange glow over the cobblestone streets, the party finds themselves in the bustling tavern, The Wandering Wyvern. The air is thick with the scent of roasted meats and the sound of laughter, but the mood is somber. Villagers whisper of the Phantom Instructor, a ghostly figure who appears to those learning to drive, leading them astray and into the depths of the nearby Whispering Woods, never to return.
The party is approached by Elara, a determined young woman whose brother vanished after his driving lesson. She pleads for their help, offering a small pouch of gold and her family's heirloom amulet, said to ward off evil spirits. She believes that if they can uncover the truth behind the Phantom Instructor, they might save her brother and put the spirit to rest.
**Adventure Components:**
1. **Investigation in Willowbrook:**
– The party can gather information from the villagers, who share tales of the Phantom Instructor's appearance and the eerie sounds that echo through the woods at night. They may discover that the instructor was wronged in life, accused of a crime he did not commit, and now seeks revenge on those who remind him of his failures.
2. **Exploration of the Whispering Woods:**
– As the party ventures into the woods, they encounter magical phenomena—trees that whisper secrets, glowing mushrooms that light the path, and illusions that test their resolve. They must navigate through these challenges, using their wits and skills to avoid traps set by the Phantom Instructor.
3. **Confrontation with the Phantom Instructor:**
– Deep within the woods, the party finds a clearing where the Phantom Instructor manifests, a spectral figure clad in tattered robes, his face obscured by shadows. He wields a ghostly driving wheel that can unleash blasts of necrotic energy.
**Boss Stats:**
– **Name:** Phantom Instructor
– **Type:** Undead
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 75
– **Speed:** 0 ft., fly 40 ft. (hover)
– **Attack:** Ethereal Grasp: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d10) necrotic damage.
– **Special Ability:** Haunting Whispers – Once per encounter, the Phantom Instructor can cast *Fear* (DC 15 Wisdom saving throw) on all players within a 30 ft. radius.
4. **Resolution:**
– Upon defeating the Phantom Instructor, the party can uncover his tragic backstory through a vision, revealing his innocence and the true culprit behind his demise. They may choose to lay his spirit to rest, freeing the woods from his torment, or they could seek vengeance against those who wronged him, leading to further adventures.
As the party returns to Willowbrook, they are hailed as heroes, their names forever etched in the hearts of the villagers. Elara's brother is found, and the village can finally breathe easy, knowing that the roads are safe once more. The adventure concludes with a celebration at The Wandering Wyvern, where tales of their bravery will be told for generations to come.