Tier 2 – The Girl on the Bridge A Haunting Tale in Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where the skies shimmer with hues of lavender and gold, a peculiar mystery has begun to unfold. The townsfolk of Willowbend, a quaint village nestled beside the Enchanted River, have been plagued by whispers of a haunting presence. Each twilight, a girl in a flowing white gown appears on the ancient stone bridge that arches over the river, her melancholic song echoing through the valley. Many say she is a spirit, a lost soul seeking solace, while others believe she is a harbinger of doom.

The party finds themselves in Willowbend, drawn by tales of the girl and the strange occurrences that follow her appearances. Livestock has gone missing, and eerie lights flicker in the woods at night. The villagers, fearful and desperate, plead for help. They offer a modest reward of gold and the promise of a rare magical artifact rumored to be hidden in the depths of the bridge.

As the sun sets, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets, the party makes their way to the bridge. The air is thick with anticipation, and the scent of blooming nightshade fills their lungs. The river flows gently beneath them, its surface glimmering like liquid silver. Suddenly, the girl appears, ethereal and enchanting, her eyes reflecting the moonlight.

**Investigation and Exploration:**

The party must gather clues about the girl’s identity and the source of her sorrow. They can speak to the villagers, investigate the bridge, and explore the surrounding woods. Key locations include:

1. **The Old Woman’s Cottage:** A wise elder who claims to have seen the girl in her dreams. She hints at a tragic love story that binds the girl to the bridge.

2. **The Abandoned Mill:** Rumored to be haunted, it holds secrets of the past and may contain clues about the girl’s fate.

3. **The Whispering Woods:** A mystical forest where the trees seem to speak. Here, the party can encounter magical creatures that may offer guidance or mislead them.

**Enemy Encounter:**

As the party delves deeper into the mystery, they discover that the girl is not alone. A malevolent spirit, once a powerful sorcerer betrayed by love, has taken residence in the bridge, feeding off the sorrow of the girl. This spirit seeks to keep her bound to the mortal realm, using her anguish to grow stronger.

**Boss Enemy: The Weeping Sorcerer**

– **Type:** Undead Spirit

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 80

– **Speed:** 0 ft., fly 40 ft. (hover)

– **Abilities:**

– **Wisdom Drain:** Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d10 + 3) psychic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on Wisdom saving throws until the end of its next turn.

– **Haunting Lament:** All creatures within 30 feet must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.

– **Legendary Action:** The Weeping Sorcerer can use its action to teleport to a point within 60 feet, leaving behind a shadowy afterimage that lasts until the end of its next turn.

**Conclusion:**

The party must confront the Weeping Sorcerer, unravel the tragic tale of the girl, and decide her fate. Will they free her spirit, allowing her to find peace, or will they succumb to the sorcerer's dark influence? The choices they make will shape the destiny of Willowbend and echo through the realms of Eldoria.

As the final confrontation unfolds, the air crackles with magic, and the fate of the girl on the bridge hangs in the balance. Will the party emerge victorious, or will they become part of the haunting tale? The adventure awaits!