Tier 2 – The Greed Wraith of Eldergrove

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant heart of the Eldergrove Forest, where sunlight filters through a canopy of emerald leaves and the air is thick with the scent of blooming flowers, an elf named Thalion has taken it upon himself to protect his cherished home. With centuries of wisdom and a keen understanding of the human condition, Thalion has established a unique banking service for the nearby human settlements, offering "long-term loans" to help them thrive. However, for his fellow elves, the terms are drastically different—short-term loans that must be repaid within mere months.

As the party embarks on their adventure, they find themselves drawn to Eldergrove by rumors of a peculiar disturbance. The once harmonious relationship between Thalion and the human villagers has soured, leading to whispers of unrest and betrayal. The elves feel exploited, while the humans struggle under the weight of their debts. The balance of peace hangs by a thread, and the party must navigate this delicate situation.

Upon arriving at the forest's edge, the adventurers are greeted by the enchanting sounds of nature—a symphony of chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the distant gurgle of a stream. They soon encounter a group of distressed villagers gathered around a flickering campfire, their faces drawn with worry. The villagers share tales of Thalion's sudden change in demeanor; he has become reclusive, hoarding his wealth and neglecting the needs of those he once helped.

To unravel the mystery, the party must venture deeper into the forest, where they will face both natural and magical challenges. The path is lined with ancient trees that seem to whisper secrets, and the air crackles with latent magic. As they explore, they discover clues that hint at a darker force at play—an insidious spirit known as the Greed Wraith, which has taken root in Thalion's heart, twisting his intentions and corrupting his once noble purpose.

As the party gathers evidence and confronts the villagers, they learn that the Greed Wraith feeds on the despair and avarice of those around it. To save Thalion and restore harmony to Eldergrove, the adventurers must confront this malevolent entity in a climactic showdown.

**Boss Enemy: Greed Wraith**

– **Type:** Undead

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 85 (10d10 + 30)

– **Speed:** 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)

– **Abilities:**

– **Strength:** 12 (+1)

– **Dexterity:** 18 (+4)

– **Constitution:** 16 (+3)

– **Intelligence:** 14 (+2)

– **Wisdom:** 16 (+3)

– **Charisma:** 20 (+5)

– **Actions:**

– **Life Drain:** Melee Spell Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 27 (5d10) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have its maximum hit points reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken until it finishes a long rest.

– **Corrupting Whispers (Recharge 5-6):** The Wraith targets one creature it can see within 60 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. The frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

As the party delves into the heart of the forest, they must confront not only the Greed Wraith but also the moral implications of their actions. Will they restore Thalion to his former self and mend the rift between elves and humans, or will they succumb to the very greed that threatens to consume the forest? The fate of Eldergrove hangs in the balance, and only the adventurers can decide its future.