Tier 2 – The Shadow Wraith of Eldenwood (4)
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where the skies shimmer with hues of violet and gold, a peculiar phenomenon has captured the attention of the local populace. The once-bustling town of Eldenwood has fallen eerily silent, its streets deserted and its markets abandoned. Whispers of a malevolent force lurking in the nearby Whispering Woods have spread like wildfire, igniting fear in the hearts of the townsfolk.
Your party finds themselves in the heart of Eldenwood, where the air is thick with tension and the scent of damp earth mingles with the sweet aroma of blooming nightshade. As you gather in the town square, a desperate villager approaches, his eyes wide with terror. “Please, brave adventurers! We need your help! Our children have gone missing, and we believe they have been taken by the Shadow Wraith, a creature of darkness that haunts the Whispering Woods!”
The villagers speak of the Wraith as a being that thrives on fear, capable of ensnaring the minds of those who wander too close to its lair. It is said that the creature can manipulate shadows, creating illusions that lead the unwary astray. The party must venture into the Whispering Woods, where the trees loom like ancient sentinels, their gnarled branches twisting overhead, casting eerie shadows that dance in the fading light.
As your party delves deeper into the woods, the atmosphere shifts. The air grows colder, and a thick fog begins to roll in, obscuring your vision and muffling sounds. The path becomes treacherous, with roots and underbrush threatening to trip even the most cautious adventurer. Suddenly, the silence is shattered by a chilling laugh echoing through the trees, sending shivers down your spine.
**Encounter: The Shadow Wraith**
As you approach a clearing, the fog swirls to reveal the Shadow Wraith, a tall, gaunt figure draped in tattered black robes that seem to absorb the light around it. Its face is obscured by a hood, but glowing red eyes pierce through the darkness, locking onto your party with a predatory gaze.
**Boss Stats:**
– **Name:** Shadow Wraith
– **HP:** 60
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Shadow Strike (Melee, +5 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Fearful Illusion (Once per encounter, the Wraith can create an illusion of a loved one or ally, forcing a Wisdom saving throw (DC 13) or be frightened for 1 minute.)
The Wraith will attempt to isolate party members, using its illusions to create confusion and fear. The adventurers must work together to dispel the illusions and confront the Wraith, using their wits and skills to overcome the darkness.
As the battle rages on, the party discovers that the Wraith is not merely a monster but a tortured soul, bound by its own fears and regrets. If the adventurers can find a way to break the curse that binds the Wraith, they might not only save the missing children but also free the creature from its torment, revealing a path to redemption.
Once the Wraith is defeated or redeemed, the fog begins to lift, and the children emerge from their hiding places, unharmed but shaken. The grateful townsfolk will reward the party with treasures and tales of their bravery, ensuring that the legend of their adventure will be told for generations to come.
Prepare to guide your players through this haunting tale of bravery, redemption, and the power of light over darkness in the enchanting world of Eldoria!