Tier 2 – The Lurking Wraith of Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where the skies shimmer with hues of violet and gold, a mysterious phenomenon has begun to unfold. The once-bustling village of Elden Hollow, nestled between the Whispering Woods and the Crystal Lake, has fallen eerily silent. The townsfolk speak of strange lights flickering in the woods at night and whispers echoing through the trees, drawing them into a trance. The village elder, a wise woman named Elara, has summoned brave adventurers to investigate the source of this disturbance.

As the party arrives in Elden Hollow, they are greeted by a chilling breeze that carries the scent of damp earth and moss. The villagers, with worry etched on their faces, share tales of a malevolent spirit known as the Lurking Wraith, said to be the restless soul of a long-forgotten sorcerer. It is believed that the wraith has awakened, seeking revenge on the living for a betrayal that occurred centuries ago.

The adventurers must venture into the Whispering Woods, where the trees seem to lean closer, their branches twisting like gnarled fingers. As they delve deeper, the air thickens with an otherworldly energy, and the light dims, casting long shadows that dance along the forest floor. The party must navigate through enchanted glades, solving ancient riddles inscribed on stone tablets and avoiding traps set by the wraith to protect its lair.

**Exploration Component:** The party will encounter various magical creatures, such as mischievous sprites that can either aid or hinder their progress. They may also discover hidden treasures, including potions of healing and enchanted trinkets that grant temporary abilities.

**Investigation Component:** Clues scattered throughout the woods hint at the wraith's past. The adventurers might find remnants of a ruined tower, where the sorcerer once conducted dark experiments. They will need to piece together the story of betrayal, uncovering the identity of the traitor and the reason for the wraith's wrath.

As they approach the heart of the woods, the party will face the Lurking Wraith itself, a spectral figure cloaked in shadows, its eyes glowing with a haunting light.

**Boss Enemy: Lurking Wraith**

– **HP:** 80

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch (Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (3d8) necrotic damage.)

– **Special Ability:** Shadow Step – The wraith can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see, allowing it to evade attacks and reposition itself during combat.

To defeat the wraith, the party must not only rely on their combat skills but also on the knowledge they’ve gathered throughout their journey. By confronting the spirit with the truth of its past, they may find a way to lay it to rest, freeing Elden Hollow from its haunting presence.

As the adventurers emerge victorious, the village will begin to heal, and the once-ominous woods will return to their serene state, filled with the sounds of laughter and life. The party will be celebrated as heroes, their names etched into the annals of Eldoria’s history, forever remembered for their bravery and cunning in the face of darkness.