Tier 2 – The Curse of the Filth Wraith
**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 dark shadow looms over the quaint village of Willowbrook. Once a place of laughter and joy, it now suffers under the weight of a sinister curse. The villagers whisper of a malevolent spirit known as the Filth Wraith, a creature born from the refuse and decay that has seeped into their homes, turning their lives into a nightmare of sewage spills and swarming maggots.
As the party arrives in Willowbrook, they are greeted by the stench of rot and despair. The streets, once lined with blooming flowers, are now choked with muck and grime. The villagers, gaunt and weary, plead for help. They speak of a hidden lair beneath the village, where the Filth Wraith is said to dwell, feeding off the misery it has wrought. The party must investigate the source of this corruption and confront the Wraith to restore peace to Willowbrook.
### Adventure Hook:
The party is approached by Fauzia, a brave villager whose family has been particularly affected by the Wraith's curse. She leads them to her home, a dilapidated structure teetering on the edge of collapse, where the stench is unbearable. Fauzia reveals that her family has been living in horrific conditions, and she believes the Wraith is tied to a cursed artifact hidden deep within the village's ancient well.
### Exploration Component:
The party must navigate through the village, gathering clues from the frightened villagers. They can explore the following locations:
1. **The Abandoned Well**: A crumbling stone structure overgrown with weeds. Inside, they find remnants of old rituals and a faint magical aura. Investigating the well reveals a hidden passage leading to the Wraith's lair.
2. **The Market Square**: Once bustling with trade, it now lies in disarray. The party can speak to merchants who have lost their livelihoods, gaining insight into the Wraith's origins and the artifact that binds it to the village.
3. **The Old Library**: Dusty tomes and scrolls hold secrets of ancient magic. A successful investigation here may reveal a spell or ritual that could weaken the Wraith.
### Confrontation:
Deep within the lair, the party encounters the Filth Wraith, a grotesque apparition formed from swirling muck and filth, its eyes glowing with malice. The Wraith lashes out with tendrils of sludge, attempting to ensnare the party.
**Filth Wraith Stats:**
– **HP**: 60
– **AC**: 14
– **Attack**: Sludge Tendril (Melee Attack: +6 to hit, 2d8 + 3 bludgeoning damage)
– **Special Ability**: Filth Aura – Any creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the Wraith must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned until the end of its next turn.
### Resolution:
Upon defeating the Wraith, the party discovers the cursed artifact—a tarnished amulet that once belonged to a powerful sorceress. With the Wraith vanquished and the amulet destroyed, the village begins to heal. The air clears, and the villagers emerge from their homes, gratitude shining in their eyes.
Fauzia and her family invite the party to a humble feast, celebrating their bravery and the return of hope to Willowbrook. As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the village, the adventurers realize that their actions have not only saved a community but also restored the magic of kindness and resilience that binds them all together.