Tier 2 – The Frost Wraith’s Curse (2)

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant and enchanted realm of Eldoria, where shimmering lakes reflect the colors of the sky and mystical creatures roam the verdant forests, a peculiar event has captured the attention of the town of Winterhaven. As the holiday season approaches, an ancient prophecy has resurfaced, hinting at the return of the Frost Wraith, a malevolent spirit that threatens to cast the region into eternal winter.

As your party gathers at the local tavern, The Frosty Mug, whispers of the Frost Wraith fill the air. The townsfolk are worried; crops are failing, and the once-festive spirit of Winterhaven is fading. An elderly woman named Elara approaches your group, her eyes glistening with urgency. She believes that the Frost Wraith can be vanquished by retrieving the Crystal of Thaw from the Icebound Caverns, a treacherous place filled with frost-covered dangers.

### Adventure Overview

1. **Gathering Information**:

– The players can interact with various NPCs in the tavern to gather clues about the Icebound Caverns. They might learn about the caverns’ icy traps and the creatures that inhabit them, such as Frost Goblins and Ice Elementals.

2. **Journey to the Icebound Caverns**:

– As the party makes their way to the caverns, describe the wintery landscape, with snowflakes swirling in the air and the crunch of snow beneath their feet. They may encounter a band of Frost Goblins attempting to ambush them, leading to their first battle.

**Frost Goblin Stats** (use the following for a basic enemy):

– HP: 15

– AC: 13

– Attack: Shortbow +4 to hit, 1d6+2 piercing damage

– Special: If they are in a snowy area, they can attempt to hide as a bonus action.

3. **Exploration of the Caverns**:

– Upon reaching the Icebound Caverns, the players must navigate through winding tunnels filled with ice sculptures and hidden dangers. The air is frigid, and the sound of dripping water echoes ominously. They can find clues left by previous adventurers, warning them of the Frost Wraith’s power.

4. **Confrontation with the Frost Wraith**:

– At the heart of the cavern, the players will confront the Frost Wraith, an ethereal figure cloaked in swirling snow and ice. The Wraith will attempt to freeze the players in place with its chilling gaze and summon icy minions to aid it.

**Frost Wraith Stats** (use the following for a boss enemy):

– HP: 50

– AC: 15

– Attack: Frost Touch +5 to hit, 2d8 cold damage, and target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed until the end of its next turn.

– Special: Ice Storm (Recharge 5-6) – The Wraith summons a storm of ice, dealing 3d10 cold damage in a 20-foot radius (Dexterity saving throw DC 15 for half damage).

5. **Resolution**:

– Upon defeating the Frost Wraith, the Crystal of Thaw will be revealed, glowing with a warm light. As the party retrieves it, the cavern begins to thaw, and the curse on Winterhaven is lifted. The townsfolk will celebrate their heroes, and the players can enjoy a well-deserved feast as snowflakes fall gently outside, hinting at a joyful, if not white, Christmas.

### Conclusion

This one-shot offers a blend of combat, exploration, and role-playing opportunities, allowing players to immerse themselves in the high-magic, high-fantasy world of Eldoria. Encourage creativity and teamwork as they face the challenges ahead, and let their decisions shape the outcome of their adventure!