Tier 2 – The Sylvan Wraith’s Grasp
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the colors of enchantment, a peculiar disturbance has caught the attention of the local authorities. The once-peaceful village of Eldenwood has been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances, with villagers vanishing without a trace. Whispers of a malevolent force lurking in the nearby Whispering Woods have spread like wildfire, and the townsfolk are gripped by fear.
As the party arrives in Eldenwood, they are greeted by the anxious faces of the villagers. The air is thick with tension, and the scent of damp earth and wildflowers fills their nostrils. An elder, her voice trembling, approaches the adventurers. "Please, brave souls, we need your help. Our loved ones have vanished, and we fear they may be lost to the dark magic of the woods. Will you investigate?"
The party learns that the last known location of the missing villagers was a clearing deep within the Whispering Woods, where an ancient stone circle stands. Legends speak of a powerful fey creature, the Sylvan Wraith, who guards the secrets of the forest. It is said that those who enter the circle may be granted a boon—or face dire consequences.
As the adventurers make their way through the woods, they encounter vibrant flora and fauna, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls creating a symphony of nature. However, the deeper they venture, the more the atmosphere shifts. Shadows lengthen, and an eerie silence envelops them, broken only by the occasional whisper of the wind.
Upon reaching the stone circle, the party discovers a shimmering portal at its center, pulsating with arcane energy. Suddenly, the Sylvan Wraith materializes, a ghostly figure adorned with leaves and vines, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. "Intruders! You dare to trespass in my domain?" it hisses, its voice echoing like a haunting melody.
**Boss Enemy: Sylvan Wraith**
– **HP:** 75
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch (Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) necrotic damage.)
– **Special Ability:** Ensnaring Roots – Once per encounter, the Wraith can summon roots to restrain up to three players within a 20-foot radius. Affected players must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be restrained for 1 minute.
The Wraith demands to know why they have come, and the party must decide whether to negotiate, fight, or attempt to uncover the truth behind the disappearances. As they engage with the Wraith, they may discover that the missing villagers are trapped in a dream-like state, held captive in a realm of illusions created by the Wraith to protect the forest from outsiders.
The adventurers must unravel the mystery, confront the Wraith, and decide the fate of the villagers. Will they free them from the Wraith's grasp, or will they succumb to the dark magic of the Whispering Woods? The choices they make will shape the destiny of Eldenwood and its people.
As the session unfolds, encourage players to explore their characters' motivations and relationships with the villagers, adding depth to the narrative. The fate of Eldenwood lies in their hands, and the echoes of their adventure will resonate through the ages.