Tier 2 – Echoes of Thistlewood

**Tier 2 play**

In the high-fantasy realm of Eldoria, a once-vibrant village named Thistlewood now lies shrouded in an unsettling mist, its streets deserted and its laughter replaced by an eerie silence. Whispers echo through the town, tales of a malevolent spirit that has taken residence in the ancient ruins on the outskirts. The villagers, terrified and desperate, speak of a tragic tale: a young hero named Declan, who sought to protect his home but met an untimely end.

As your adventurers step into Thistlewood, the air is thick with magic and heavy with sorrow. The cobblestones glisten with dew under a pale moon, and the wind carries faint echoes of laughter and cries for help. The players will need to investigate the village and uncover the truth behind Declan's death and the spirit that haunts the ruins.

**Investigation Component:**

– Players start by talking to the few villagers who linger in the shadows. They learn of Declan’s bravery and the hope he brought before he vanished into the ruins during a full moon, never to return.

– Clues hidden in the village, such as Declan's old shield, a journal filled with drawings of the ruins, and a pendant with a mysterious symbol, guide players to the source of the haunting.

– Players may also discover an ancient tome in the village elder's home that speaks of a powerful relic hidden within the ruins — a relic that can either bind or free the restless spirit.

**Exploration Component:**

– Upon reaching the ruins, players navigate through overgrown vines and crumbling stone. The atmosphere changes; the air grows heavier, and the light dims as they approach the heart of the ruins. Here, the players must solve puzzles that require them to align ancient symbols to open a sealed chamber.

– As they explore, they encounter ethereal manifestations of Declan’s past — flickering images of his greatest moments — hinting at the spirit’s connection to the young hero.

**Boss Encounter:**

In the heart of the ruins, the players confront the malevolent spirit, which manifests as a wraith-like figure cloaked in shadows, its sorrow palpable. The spirit, tormented by its unfulfilled desires and tied to Declan's fate, must be confronted.

**Spirit Boss Stats:**

– **Name:** Wraith of Lost Dreams

– **HP:** 100

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack: Shadow Grasp:** +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (3d8) necrotic damage.

– **Special Ability: Sorrowful Wail:** All players must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute.

– **Legendary Action:** The Wraith can phase through walls, making it difficult to track, and can teleport to a location within 60 feet at the end of its turn.

As the players engage with the Wraith of Lost Dreams, they must not only defeat it in combat but also understand its pain, perhaps finding a way to grant closure to the spirit, allowing it to finally rest.

With their victory, the adventurers can uncover the relic, which holds the power to restore life to the fallen or bind its essence for a greater purpose. Whether they choose to return Declan’s spirit to the mortal realm or honor his memory by keeping the relic safe, their decision will echo through Thistlewood, forever changing the fate of the village.

Prepare for a night of discovery, combat, and emotional resonance as your players delve into the mysteries of Thistlewood and the legacy of Declan.