Tier 2 – The Mystery of Elara’s Disappearance

**Tier 2 play**

In the high magic realm of Eldoria, where the rivers shimmer with ethereal light and the mountains whisper ancient secrets, a storm has recently ravaged the land. The once serene River Aln now churns violently, swollen with rain and debris, while the nearby village of Abberwick is gripped by fear and uncertainty.

The townsfolk speak in hushed tones of a missing person, a beloved local herbalist named Elara, who vanished without a trace during the storm. Her absence has left the village in disarray, as her knowledge of the land and its healing properties was invaluable. Desperate for answers, the village elder has summoned brave adventurers to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

As the party approaches Abberwick, they are greeted by the sight of worried villagers, their faces etched with concern. The elder, a frail but determined woman named Maelis, explains that Elara was last seen gathering herbs near the ford just before the storm hit. She urges the party to search the area, warning them of strange occurrences reported by the rescue teams who have scoured the riverbanks.

The party sets out towards the ford, where the remnants of the storm are still evident. The air is thick with the scent of wet earth and wildflowers, and the sound of rushing water fills their ears. As they arrive, they notice the river has carved new paths through the landscape, revealing hidden caves and treacherous cliffs.

**Exploration Component:**

The party can choose to investigate the following areas:

1. **The Flooded Cave:** A dark cave partially submerged in water. Inside, they may find remnants of Elara's belongings and clues leading to her fate. However, they must navigate through the murky waters and avoid lurking creatures that have made the cave their home.

2. **The Cliffside Path:** A narrow trail that winds up the mountainside, offering a vantage point over the river. Here, the party might encounter a group of mountain rescue teams who have witnessed strange lights and heard eerie sounds emanating from the depths of the forest.

3. **The Enchanted Grove:** A serene glade filled with vibrant flora and magical creatures. The party may discover a hidden portal that leads to another realm, where Elara may have been taken against her will.

**Enemy Encounter:**

As the party investigates, they are ambushed by a group of **River Wraiths**, spectral beings that haunt the waters of the River Aln. These wraiths are drawn to the sorrow of the villagers and seek to drain the life force of any who disturb their domain.

**River Wraith Stats:**

– **Armor Class:** 12

– **Hit Points:** 45 (6d8 + 18)

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

– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or have their maximum hit points reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest.

Once the party defeats the River Wraiths, they may find a clue that leads them deeper into the mystery of Elara's disappearance. Perhaps she was taken by a rival herbalist who sought to harness her knowledge for dark purposes, or maybe she ventured too close to a hidden portal that has now trapped her in another realm.

As the adventurers unravel the threads of this mystery, they will face challenges that test their resolve, ingenuity, and teamwork. Will they rescue Elara and restore peace to Abberwick, or will they become another tale lost to the river's depths? The fate of the village rests in their hands.