Tier 2 – The Phantom Guardian of Eldorwyn

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of Eldorwyn, a bustling city teeming with magic and whimsy, rumors swirl like autumn leaves in a brisk wind. The townsfolk whisper of a shadow, a phantom that has emerged from the Enchanted Woods, plaguing the peaceful hamlets on the outskirts of the city. Livestock have vanished, crops have wilted overnight, and a creeping despair has taken root in the hearts of those once filled with hope. The local authorities, overwhelmed and wary, have spread word of a bounty: a reward for anyone brave enough to confront the source of this growing menace.

As your party gathers in the Drunken Dragon inn, a tapestry of exotic flavors wafts through the air, and the clattering of tankards provides a lively backdrop. Here, a trembling bard recounts tales of the phantom, depicting it as a wraith-like figure with emerald eyes, rumored to guard a hidden treasure deep within the Enchanted Woods. It becomes clear that your mission is twofold: find the phantom, uncover its motives, and put a stop to the mischief.

**The Enchanted Woods**:

The woods are an ethereal realm where the colors seem more vibrant and sounds more melodious than in the mundane world. Glowing flowers line the pathway, and faint whispers of ancient spirits echo through the air. As the party ventures deeper, they notice peculiar phenomena: time feels distorted, with sunlight flickering like candle flame and shadows moving of their own accord.

Here, each step takes the party through a series of encounters that blend exploration with investigation. They may come across magical glyphs inscribed on trees that impel them to solve riddles, or streams that shift course as if alive, prompting them to use ingenuity to cross.

**The Phantom**:

The party soon finds themselves face-to-face with the phantom—a spectral figure entwined with shadows, exuding a haunting musical melody. As it closes the distance, the melody intensifies, revealing that this entity is not simply a malevolent force, but a guardian of ancient secrets and treasures of the woods. Its spectral visage masks a heart broken by time, longing for companionship lost to it long ago.

**Boss Encounter**:

– **Name**: The Phantom Guardian

– **Type**: Undead

– **Armor Class**: 15

– **Hit Points**: 75

– **Speed**: 0 ft., fly 40 ft. (hover)

– **Attacks**:

– **Mournful Melody**: (Magic) Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 60 ft., one creature. Hit: 13 (3d8) psychic damage, and the target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw (DC 15) or be frightened until the end of its next turn.

– **Soul Siphon**: Melee Spell Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (2d10) necrotic damage, gains temporary hit points equal to the damage dealt.

The phantom not only seeks to defend its territory but has been driven mad by the loss of its loved ones, believing that reclaiming their essence will restore what has been lost. The party must choose whether to confront and defeat it or find a way to heal its sorrow.

**Resolution**:

If the party engages in combat, they may eventually weaken the phantom, allowing them to discover the truth behind its torment. Alternatively, if they choose to connect with its sorrow through a skill challenge or a poignant roleplay exchange, they can help liberate its spirit, revealing hidden treasures left behind by the elder protectors of the woods—ancient artifacts that resonate with the power of friendship and love.

As the party emerges from the woods, clutching the treasures of the past and newfound wisdom, the sun sets—a promise of hope for Eldorwyn, a newfound understanding of those who guard us, and the magic that binds their spirits to the living world.