Tier 2 – The Ghost of Lady Elara

**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 shadow has fallen over the quaint village of Willowbend. The townsfolk whisper of a haunting presence that has emerged from the depths of the ancient Whispering Woods, a place long believed to be a sanctuary for lost souls.

As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the cobblestone streets, the party gathers at the local tavern, The Gilded Griffin. The air is thick with the scent of roasted meats and spiced ale, but the atmosphere is tense. Villagers speak in hushed tones of a ghostly figure that appears at dusk, a woman in flowing white robes, her face twisted in sorrow. They say she seeks something lost, and her wails echo through the night, chilling the bones of anyone who dares to linger outside.

The party learns from the tavern keeper, an elderly man with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes, that the spirit is believed to be the ghost of Lady Elara, a once-benevolent priestess who served the goddess of love and fertility. According to legend, she was betrayed by her lover, leading to a tragic fate that left her spirit bound to the woods, unable to find peace. The villagers plead for the party’s help, offering a reward of 100 gold pieces and a magical trinket said to grant protection against dark forces.

The investigation begins as the party ventures into the Whispering Woods, where the trees seem to lean in, listening to their every word. The path is overgrown, and the air is thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming nightshade. As they delve deeper, they encounter ethereal wisps that flicker like candle flames, guiding them toward the heart of the forest.

Upon reaching a clearing, the party discovers an ancient stone altar, overgrown with vines and illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight. Here, they must confront the truth of Lady Elara's sorrow. The ghostly figure materializes before them, her eyes filled with anguish. She reveals that she is not merely seeking vengeance but is trapped in a cycle of grief, longing for closure. To free her spirit, the party must uncover the truth behind her lover’s betrayal and confront the dark force that binds her to this realm.

**Boss Encounter: The Shadow of Betrayal**

As the party investigates, they uncover clues that lead them to a malevolent spirit, the Shadow of Betrayal, who feeds on the pain of lost love. This entity has twisted the memories of Lady Elara, making her believe she was wronged by her lover, when in fact, he was a victim of the Shadow’s manipulation.

**Shadow of Betrayal Stats:**

– **Type:** Undead

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 85

– **Speed:** 30 ft.

– **Abilities:**

– **Strength:** 14 (+2)

– **Dexterity:** 16 (+3)

– **Constitution:** 12 (+1)

– **Intelligence:** 10 (+0)

– **Wisdom:** 15 (+2)

– **Charisma:** 18 (+4)

**Actions:**

– **Multiattack:** The Shadow can make two attacks with its Shadow Grasp.

– **Shadow Grasp:** Melee Spell Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d8 + 4 necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.

– **Whispers of the Damned (Recharge 5-6):** The Shadow unleashes a wave of sorrowful whispers. Each creature within a 30-foot radius must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or take 3d10 psychic damage and be incapacitated until the end of their next turn.

As the party battles the Shadow of Betrayal, they must also find a way to help Lady Elara remember the truth of her past. Only by confronting the entity and revealing the love that was lost can they hope to free her spirit and restore peace to Willowbend.

Will the party succeed in their quest, or will they too become lost in the shadows of betrayal? The fate of Lady Elara and the village rests in their hands.