Tier 2 – The Shadow Wraith of Eldergrove (4)
**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 town of Eldergrove, nestled at the edge of the Enchanted Forest, has fallen silent. The townsfolk speak in hushed tones of a dark presence that has emerged from the depths of the forest, casting a shadow over their lives. Crops have withered, livestock have gone missing, and an eerie fog now blankets the town each night.
Your party finds themselves drawn to Eldergrove, where the air is thick with tension and the scent of damp earth mingles with the sweet aroma of wildflowers. As you approach the town square, you notice the townspeople gathered around a flickering lantern, their faces etched with worry. An elder steps forward, his voice trembling as he recounts the tale of the Shadow Wraith—a malevolent spirit said to haunt the forest, seeking vengeance for a long-forgotten betrayal.
The elder implores your party to investigate the source of the wraith's power, believed to be hidden deep within the Enchanted Forest. He hands you an ancient map, its edges frayed and ink faded, marking the location of the Wraith's lair. As you set off, the forest looms ahead, its towering trees whispering secrets and casting long shadows.
As you delve deeper into the forest, the atmosphere shifts. The air grows colder, and the vibrant colors of the foliage fade into muted tones. Strange creatures flit between the trees, their eyes glinting with curiosity. You must navigate through twisted paths, avoiding traps set by the wraith to deter intruders. The sound of rustling leaves and distant howls fills the air, heightening your senses.
After overcoming various challenges—solving riddles posed by enchanted creatures, avoiding pitfalls, and gathering clues from the remnants of past adventurers—you finally arrive at the Wraith's lair. The entrance is marked by a gnarled tree, its bark twisted and darkened, exuding an aura of dread.
Inside, the lair is a cavernous space filled with swirling shadows and flickering lights. The Wraith, a spectral figure cloaked in darkness, emerges from the shadows, its hollow eyes burning with rage. It speaks in a voice that echoes like thunder, demanding to know why you have trespassed into its domain.
**Boss Enemy: Shadow Wraith**
– **HP:** 80
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Shadow Strike (Melee, +7 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Shadow Veil (Once per encounter, the Wraith can become incorporeal for one turn, avoiding all damage and reappearing in a different location within the lair.)
The battle is fierce, with the Wraith using its ability to manipulate shadows, creating illusions to confuse your party. As you fight, you must also uncover the truth behind the Wraith's anger—an ancient betrayal that can be resolved through dialogue or by retrieving a lost artifact hidden within the lair.
Will your party vanquish the Shadow Wraith and restore peace to Eldergrove, or will they succumb to the darkness that lurks within the Enchanted Forest? The fate of the town rests in your hands as you navigate this high-stakes adventure filled with magic, mystery, and the echoes of the past.