Tier 2 – The Ice Wraith of Frosthaven

**Tier 2 play**

In the icy realm of Glaciaris, a fierce blizzard rages across the land, blanketing the once vibrant landscapes in shimmering white. The howling winds carry the scent of frost and magic, as the party finds themselves in the village of Frosthaven—a small settlement nestled against the towering peaks of the Frostfire Mountains. The villagers, known for their resilience, are in a state of panic, whispering tales of a mysterious figure seen wandering the tundra during the storm.

As the players gather in the dimly lit tavern, the warmth of the flickering hearth contrasts sharply with the biting cold outside. The tavern keeper, a burly man with a thick beard, beckons them over, his voice barely audible above the roaring winds. “You’re adventurers, right? We could use your help. There’s something out there… someone… or something. It’s left footprints in the snow. Barefoot, in this weather! It must be a madman or a sorcerer.”

The party is drawn to the challenge, determined to investigate the strange occurrences. As they step outside, the snow crunches beneath their feet, and the howling winds create an eerie symphony of whispers. Their breath fogs in the icy air, a reminder of the frigid conditions they face.

Following the fresh footprints that cut through the deep snow, the party ventures into the heart of the blizzard. The footprints lead them to an ancient, half-buried stone shrine dedicated to a long-forgotten deity. The shrine is adorned with intricate carvings of frost and flame, and a shimmering aura pulses around it, hinting at the residual magic of the site.

However, the moment the party steps closer, they are ambushed by the enigmatic figure—an Ice Wraith, a spectral being born from the bitter cold and despair. The Wraith, cloaked in swirling snow and ice, floats above the ground, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly light.

**Ice Wraith Stats**:

– **Armor Class**: 13

– **Hit Points**: 45 (10d8)

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

– **Abilities**:

– **Frost Touch**: Melee Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (3d10) cold damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed until the end of its next turn.

– **Frigid Aura**: At the start of each of its turns, each creature within 10 feet of the Wraith takes 5 (1d10) cold damage.

As the party confronts the Ice Wraith, they must not only defeat it but also uncover the truth behind its existence. Why is it bound to the shrine? Was it once a villager cursed by an ancient power? Or perhaps it is a guardian of the shrine, protecting secrets of the past?

The adventure offers opportunities for exploration, as the players can search the shrine for clues, interact with the villagers for lore, and ultimately unravel the mystery behind the Ice Wraith and the powerful magic that binds it. Will they lay the Wraith to rest, or will they uncover a deeper threat lurking beneath the snow? The fate of Frosthaven hangs in the balance, and only the bravest adventurers can restore peace to this frozen land.