Tier 2 – Confronting the Winter Wraith in Eldoria
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a peculiar event has stirred the hearts of its inhabitants. The once-bustling village of Eldenwood, nestled at the edge of the Whispering Woods, has fallen into an unsettling silence. The townsfolk whisper of a shadowy figure that has emerged from the depths of the forest, casting a pall over their lives and draining the warmth from their hearths.
As the sun sets, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets, the party finds themselves drawn to Eldenwood by tales of a mysterious entity known as the Winter Wraith. This spectral being is said to have appeared shortly after the government announced cuts to winter fuel payments, leaving many elderly villagers shivering in their homes. The Wraith feeds on despair, growing stronger with each flicker of hope extinguished.
The party arrives to find the village cloaked in an eerie fog, the air thick with the scent of pine and frost. The villagers, gaunt and weary, gather in the town square, their eyes filled with fear and uncertainty. An elder approaches the party, her voice trembling as she recounts the Wraith's attacks—how it appears at dusk, stealing warmth and joy, leaving only cold and sorrow in its wake.
To confront the Winter Wraith, the party must first gather information. They can explore the village, speaking with the villagers to learn about the Wraith's habits and weaknesses. Some may offer clues, while others may be too frightened to speak. The party can also investigate the nearby Whispering Woods, where the Wraith is said to dwell, seeking out ancient runes or artifacts that may aid them in their battle.
As night falls, the party must prepare for the confrontation. The Wraith is a formidable foe, capable of draining life energy and instilling fear. Here are its basic stats for the encounter:
**Winter Wraith**
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 85
– **Speed:** 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)
– **Abilities:**
– **Chilling Touch:** Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3d8 necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed until the end of its next turn.
– **Life Drain:** The Wraith can drain the warmth from a creature within 30 feet, dealing 4d6 cold damage and regaining half the amount as hit points.
– **Fear Aura:** Creatures within 10 feet of the Wraith must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns.
The party must strategize, using their skills and spells to weaken the Wraith and protect the villagers. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they may uncover the Wraith's tragic backstory—a once-kind soul who succumbed to despair and bitterness, now trapped in a cycle of vengeance.
Ultimately, the party's choices will determine the fate of Eldenwood. Will they banish the Winter Wraith and restore warmth to the village, or will they succumb to the chilling darkness that threatens to engulf them all? The adventure awaits, filled with magic, mystery, and the chance to bring hope back to a weary land.