Tier 2 – The Curse of the Budget Wraith
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a peculiar disturbance has caught the attention of the local populace. The once-bustling town of Eldenwood, known for its lush forests and vibrant markets, has fallen into an eerie silence. Whispers of a shadowy figure known only as the "Budget Wraith" have spread like wildfire, instilling fear in the hearts of its citizens.
The party finds themselves in Eldenwood, drawn by tales of a mysterious figure that has been siphoning the town’s wealth and prosperity. The townsfolk speak of a cursed ledger that the Wraith possesses, one that holds the power to manipulate the very essence of the town’s finances. As the party arrives, they notice the once-bustling market square is now a ghost town, with shops shuttered and a palpable tension in the air.
### Adventure Hook:
The mayor of Eldenwood, a stout dwarf named Mayor Thrain, approaches the party with desperation in his eyes. He explains that the Budget Wraith has been stealing from the town’s coffers, causing prices to skyrocket and leaving families in despair. He implores the adventurers to investigate the Wraith's lair, rumored to be hidden deep within the Whispering Woods, where the trees themselves seem to murmur secrets.
### Exploration Component:
As the party ventures into the Whispering Woods, they must navigate through a maze of ancient trees, their gnarled branches twisting like fingers reaching for the sky. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming nightshade, and the sounds of rustling leaves echo around them. They may encounter magical creatures, such as mischievous sprites or a wise old treant, who can offer cryptic clues about the Wraith’s whereabouts.
### Investigation:
The party discovers remnants of the Wraith’s influence scattered throughout the woods—cursed coins that shimmer with dark magic, and enchanted contracts that bind the townsfolk to servitude. They must piece together the clues to uncover the Wraith’s true identity and motives. Perhaps the Wraith was once a respected financial advisor who was wronged by the town, leading to a tragic transformation into a vengeful spirit.
### The Confrontation:
After gathering enough information, the party locates the Wraith’s lair, a decrepit mansion overgrown with vines and shadowy tendrils. Inside, they find the Budget Wraith, a spectral figure cloaked in tattered robes, with glowing eyes that pierce through the darkness. The Wraith wields the cursed ledger, summoning illusions of the town’s past prosperity to confuse and distract the adventurers.
**Boss Enemy Stats: Budget Wraith**
– **HP:** 70
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Shadow Bolt (Ranged Spell Attack, +6 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Ledger of Despair – Once per encounter, the Wraith can force a player to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 15) or become frightened for 1 minute, seeing visions of their greatest failures.
### Conclusion:
Upon defeating the Budget Wraith, the party can choose to destroy the cursed ledger, freeing the town from its grip, or attempt to redeem the spirit by uncovering the truth of its past. The townsfolk will rejoice, and the party will be hailed as heroes, their names etched into the annals of Eldoria’s history. As they leave Eldenwood, the once-silent town begins to hum with life again, a testament to the adventurers’ bravery and cunning.
This one-shot adventure offers a blend of exploration, investigation, and combat, allowing players to engage with the world of Eldoria in a meaningful way while facing the consequences of greed and the power of redemption.