Tier 2 – The Haunting of Elden Hollow
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant and mystical realm of Eldoria, where magic swirls like the autumn leaves and the air hums with the energy of ancient spells, a sense of unease has settled over the town of Elden Hollow. The once-bustling marketplace, usually filled with the lively chatter of merchants and townsfolk, now echoes with whispers of fear and uncertainty. The townspeople have been gripped by a chilling rumor: the spirit of a young girl named Sara, who mysteriously vanished weeks ago, haunts the edges of the enchanted forest that borders their village.
As the adventurers gather in the dimly lit tavern, The Gilded Griffin, they overhear a group of anxious locals discussing the strange occurrences that have plagued Elden Hollow since Sara's disappearance. Reports of flickering lights in the forest at night, eerie wails that chill the bones, and shadows that dance just beyond the tree line have left the villagers terrified. The mayor, desperate for a solution, has offered a generous reward for anyone who can uncover the truth behind these hauntings and bring peace back to the town.
The adventurers decide to investigate the enchanted forest, a place said to be filled with magical creatures and hidden secrets. As they venture deeper into the woods, they encounter vibrant flora that glows softly in the twilight and hear the distant sound of laughter that seems to echo from the treetops. However, the laughter quickly turns to silence, and a sense of foreboding fills the air.
Suddenly, the adventurers stumble upon an ancient stone altar, overgrown with ivy and pulsating with arcane energy. At its center lies a tattered doll that belonged to Sara, its button eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light. As they approach, the ground trembles, and a spectral figure materializes before them—a wraith-like creature, twisted by sorrow and rage. It is the manifestation of Sara’s spirit, unable to find peace due to the circumstances of her death.
**Boss Enemy: Sara's Wraith**
– **HP:** 60
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch (Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) necrotic damage.)
– **Special Abilities:**
– **Haunting Visage:** Each creature within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.
– **Spirit's Grasp:** Once per encounter, Sara's Wraith can attempt to grapple a target. If successful, the target takes 3 (1d6) necrotic damage at the start of each of its turns until it escapes.
As the adventurers engage with the wraith, they must uncover the truth behind Sara's tragic fate and help her find closure. Perhaps she was the victim of a darker scheme, a sacrifice for a powerful sorcerer who seeks to harness the energies of the forest. The party must gather clues from the townsfolk, navigate the magical terrain, and confront the wraith, all while piecing together the mystery of Sara’s death and the looming threat that still haunts Elden Hollow.
Will they be able to free Sara's spirit and unravel the dark secrets of the enchanted forest, or will they succumb to the shadows that dwell within? The fate of Elden Hollow rests in their hands.