Tier 2 – Whispers of the Mistwood

**Tier 2 play**

In the enchanting realm of Eldoria, where the sun drenches the lush green valleys and the air is thick with the scent of blooming wildflowers, trouble brews beneath the serene surface. Your party finds themselves in the bustling town of Willowbrook, a quaint settlement known for its vibrant market and the revered Elderwood Tree at its heart. However, a dark shadow looms as the townsfolk whisper of strange occurrences: crops withering overnight, livestock disappearing, and an unusual fog that rolls in at dusk, thick and foreboding.

As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the cobblestone streets, the town’s mayor, a nervous halfling named Mayor Thistlefoot, approaches your group. He implores you to investigate the source of this creeping malaise that threatens their livelihoods. He mentions the old stories of a forgotten spirit that once protected the land but has become restless due to a disturbance in the nearby Mistwood Forest.

Your investigation leads you to the edge of the Mistwood, where the trees grow tall and ancient, their leaves whispering secrets to those brave enough to listen. As night falls, the fog thickens, wrapping around your party like a shroud. You must navigate through the twisted paths, following the flickering glow of will-o'-the-wisps that seem to guide you deeper into the heart of the forest.

Suddenly, a chilling howl pierces the air, and the ground trembles as a pack of shadowy wolves emerges from the fog. These ethereal creatures serve as guardians of the forest, and they are fiercely loyal to the spirit that dwells within. The leader of the pack, a magnificent spectral wolf with glowing eyes, stands before you, its growl resonating with power.

**Spectral Wolf Leader Stats:**

– **Armor Class:** 14

– **Hit Points:** 45

– **Speed:** 50 ft.

– **Abilities:**

– **Multiattack:** The wolf can make two attacks: one with its bite and one with its ethereal claws.

– **Bite:** Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage.

– **Ethereal Claw:** Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) slashing damage.

– **Fog of Confusion (Recharge 5-6):** The wolf emits a 20-foot radius of fog for 1 minute, causing all creatures inside to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become confused, unable to take actions until the start of their next turn.

As the pack closes in, the party must decide whether to fight the spectral wolves or try to communicate with them. A successful check with a spell or skill could reveal the true nature of the disturbance: a corrupted artifact buried deep within the forest, the source of the spirit's unrest.

If the party chooses to confront the artifact, they will face a series of trials and puzzles tied to the natural elements of the forest, each step bringing them closer to the heart of the corruption. The resolution of this one-shot hinges on their choices: will they restore balance to the spirit’s realm, or will the dark forces lurking within the Mistwood continue to haunt Willowbrook?

As dawn breaks, the first rays of sunlight pierce through the fog, and the fate of the town rests in your hands. Will you emerge victorious, or will the shadows of Mistwood claim yet another tale?