Tier 2 – The Shadow Wraith of Eldergrove (3)

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant, sprawling kingdom of Eldoria, where magic flows as abundantly as rivers and mythical creatures roam beneath the emerald canopy, an ominous shadow looms over the town of Eldergrove. Once a thriving village known for its lavish festivals and joyful inhabitants, Eldergrove now finds itself gripped by fear. Mysterious disappearances have plagued the town, with townsfolk vanishing into thin air, leaving only whispers of a dark force at work.

The adventurers find themselves drawn to Eldergrove by tales of its plight and the promise of adventure. As they arrive, the air is thick with tension. The sky is overcast, casting a dull gray hue over the cobblestone streets. The scent of damp earth and wildflowers mingles with the distant sound of a mournful lute, played by an old bard sitting outside the tavern. His ballad speaks of a malevolent being known as the Shadow Wraith, a spirit said to feast on the life force of the innocent, and believed to be the cause of the town's troubles.

The party's first task is to investigate the eerie happenings. They can begin by gathering information from the townsfolk, who are hesitant to speak but eager for heroes. As they converse, they learn of a peculiar glow that emanates from the old ruins on the outskirts of town—once a sacred site for the ancient druids of Eldoria, now shrouded in mystery.

The adventurers must navigate through the dense woods, where the air grows colder and the trees whisper secrets. As they approach the ruins, they find the entrance overgrown with thorny vines, which seem to pulse with a dark energy. With a successful check, they can cut through the vines and step into the hollowed remains of the ancient temple.

Inside, the atmosphere is thick with enchantment and dread. The flickering light reveals intricate murals depicting the druids communing with nature, but in the center, a dark figure looms, its eyes burning like coals. The party soon realizes they are not alone—the Shadow Wraith rises from the shadows, a creature of pure darkness and despair, its form shifting and writhing as if made of smoke.

**Enemy: Shadow Wraith**

– **Hit Points**: 75

– **Armor Class**: 15

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

– **Abilities**:

– **Darkness Aura**: The area within 30 feet of the Wraith is under the effect of the *Darkness* spell.

– **Life Drain**: Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) necrotic damage, and the Wraith regains hit points equal to half the damage dealt.

– **Incorporeal Movement**: The Wraith can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.

As the party confronts the Wraith, they must use their skills and creativity to overcome the darkness that envelops the ruins. They may attempt to dispel the darkness, use light-based spells, or find ancient artifacts hidden within the temple to weaken the creature. Each decision will affect the flow of battle and the fate of Eldergrove.

If they succeed in defeating the Shadow Wraith, the dark energy dissipates, releasing the captured souls of the townsfolk. They will witness a beautiful transformation, as the ruins glow with a warm light, and the townsfolk return, grateful and filled with joy. The adventurers will be celebrated as heroes, earning not only the town's gratitude but also valuable treasures and perhaps a unique magical artifact from the ancient druids.

The session concludes with the town restored, but not without leaving the adventurers with a sense of mystery—what other threats lurk in the shadows of Eldoria, waiting for brave souls to confront them?