Tier 2 – The Shadow of Eldenwood

**Tier 2 play**

In the high-fantasy realm of Eldoria, where magic flows through the very air and the skies shimmer with vibrant colors, the threads of fate weave a tale of intrigue and danger. Your party finds themselves in the bustling town of Eldenwood, famed for its sprawling market and enchanting architecture, where ancient trees twist into elegant buildings. However, a shadow looms over the town—a series of mysterious disappearances has left the townsfolk in a state of panic.

The adventure begins in the heart of Eldenwood, within the warm and inviting tavern known as The Whispering Willow. As the party gathers around a sturdy oak table, the tavern keeper, a sprightly half-elf named Lyra, approaches with a look of concern etched on her face. "I have a job for you, brave souls," she whispers, glancing around the room to ensure no one is eavesdropping. "People have been vanishing near the ancient ruins in the Whispering Woods. They say a dark force has awakened. Will you help us uncover the truth?"

After gathering their supplies, the party sets out on their quest, venturing into the Whispering Woods. The air grows thick with magical energy as they navigate through the towering trees, their leaves glimmering with a faint luminescence. The forest hums with the sounds of nature, but an unsettling silence often falls, hinting at the danger that lies ahead.

As the party delves deeper, they stumble upon the ruins—a crumbling structure entwined with vines and adorned with mystical symbols. The ground is littered with remnants of past civilizations, and echoes of lost voices seem to whisper secrets on the breeze. Here, they must investigate the area, searching for clues that may lead them to the missing townsfolk.

During their exploration, the party encounters a creature of darkness: the Shadow Wraith, a spectral being born from the fears of the townsfolk. This formidable enemy feeds on despair and is known to ensnare its victims in an ethereal grip.

**Shadow Wraith Stats:**

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 50

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

– **Abilities:**

– **Dark Grasp:** Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (3d10) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed until the end of their next turn.

– **Fear Aura:** Each creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the Wraith must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of its next turn.

As the party battles the Shadow Wraith, they must also uncover the source of its power. The creature is tethered to an ancient artifact hidden within the ruins—a cursed amulet that amplifies fear. The party must decide whether to destroy the amulet, freeing the captured souls, or harness its power for their own purposes.

With clever role-playing and strategic combat, the party can navigate the challenges of the Whispering Woods, uncovering the mystery behind the disappearances and potentially saving the town of Eldenwood from a dark fate. Will they emerge victorious, or will they fall prey to the shadows? The fate of Eldoria rests in their hands.