Tier 2 – Tier 2 play (5)

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant kingdom of Eldoria, where magic pulses through the very fabric of reality, a new adventure beckons. The sun hangs high in a cerulean sky, casting golden rays upon the bustling marketplace of the town of Glimmerhaven. Colorful stalls overflow with enchanted wares, potions bubbling with shimmering colors, and the tantalizing aroma of roasted meats wafting through the air. Yet, beneath this lively façade lies a dark mystery waiting to be unraveled.

The party finds themselves drawn to an unsettling tale whispered among the townsfolk: a series of strange occurrences have plagued Glimmerhaven. Livestock are found mysteriously drained of life, and townspeople have reported sightings of a grotesque creature lurking near the ancient ruins on the outskirts of town. The townsfolk speak of an ancient prophecy foretelling a creature born from the very essence of despair—an entity known as the Wailing Wretch.

As your party gathers to discuss their next steps, a trembling villager approaches. Her eyes are wide with fear as she explains that her infant son has gone missing. In her hands, she holds a tattered cloth, stained and reeking with an otherworldly odor—evidence of the creature's presence. She begs the party to find her child before it is too late. With a sense of urgency, the adventurers set off toward the ruins, their hearts racing with the weight of their quest.

Upon reaching the ancient site, overgrown with thorny vines and dark shadows, the party must navigate through eerie silence, the air thick with tension. The ruins are adorned with strange sigils, pulsating with a faint magical glow, hinting at the dark ritual that binds the Wailing Wretch to this realm. As they delve deeper, the sound of wailing echoes through the crumbling stones, growing closer with each step.

At the heart of the ruins, the party encounters the Wailing Wretch itself—a swirling mass of shadows and sorrow, its form shifting between that of a monstrous entity and the crying visage of a human child. It is a creature of despair, feeding on the pain and fear of the world around it. The air grows heavy, and the scent of decay permeates the area.

**Boss Enemy: The Wailing Wretch**

– **HP:** 120

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Shadow Grasp (Melee Attack, +6 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage)

– **Abilities:**

– **Wail of Despair:** All creatures within 30 feet must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute.

– **Shadow Step:** The Wretch can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see.

The Wretch will attempt to manipulate the party's emotions, using its wail to sow discord among them. As they face this formidable foe, they must work together, using their unique abilities to counter its despair and protect the innocent child.

Should the adventurers succeed in defeating the Wretch, they will be faced with a choice: will they destroy the creature and end its torment, or will they seek to redeem it, possibly uncovering the tragic story that led to its creation? The fate of Glimmerhaven—and the lost child—lies in their hands.

As the final wails fade into silence, the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow through the ruins. The adventurers stand victorious, but the lingering question of redemption remains, echoing through the hearts of those who dared to confront the darkness.