Tier 2 – The Shadow Wraith’s Curse

**Tier 2 play**

In the heart of the enchanted realm of Eldoria, where the vibrant flora hums with arcane energies and the air is thick with the scent of ancient magic, a peculiar phenomenon has emerged. Villagers in the quaint town of Oakshade are reporting strange occurrences—crops wilting overnight, livestock vanishing without a trace, and an eerie fog that rolls in at dusk, whispering secrets of dread.

You gather at The Whispering Willow, a tavern adorned with shimmering fairy lights and the warmth of crackling hearth fires. The local bard, a lively gnome named Lirael, regales patrons with stories of a mythical creature believed to be responsible for the curses plaguing Oakshade. The creature, known only as the Shadow Wraith, is said to dwell in the depths of the haunted Elden Forest, a place where nightmares come to life and echoes of despair linger in the air.

The townsfolk plead for help, offering a reward of 100 gold pieces and the promise of their eternal gratitude to anyone brave enough to confront the Wraith. They speak of a forgotten temple hidden within the forest, rumored to hold the source of the Wraith's powers—an ancient artifact known as the Heart of Shadows.

As you prepare for the daunting journey, the atmosphere shifts. The sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows and igniting the sky with hues of violet and crimson. The forest looms ahead, its twisted trees reaching out like bony fingers, and a sense of adventure fills your hearts.

### Exploration Component:

As you delve into the Elden Forest, the environment shifts dramatically. Check for traps and hidden paths; the forest is alive with both magic and malevolence. Shadows flicker at the edges of your vision, and strange sounds echo around you.

The party must navigate through dense thickets and avoid treacherous pitfalls while keeping an eye out for clues. Along the way, they encounter peculiar woodland spirits, who may provide cryptic hints about the Wraith’s weakness or lead the players astray.

### Investigation Component:

Upon reaching the hidden temple, you discover it overgrown and cloaked in shadow. Inside, the walls are etched with ancient runes, depicting a struggle between light and dark. Players must solve puzzles related to the lore of the Heart of Shadows to unlock the sacred chamber, avoiding magical traps that could hinder their progress.

### Enemy Encounter:

As the adventurers prepare to claim the Heart of Shadows, the Shadow Wraith reveals itself—a creature of pure darkness with glowing red eyes and an aura of despair.

**Shadow Wraith**

– **Hit Points:** 85

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Attack:** Shadow Strike (Melee Attack: +7 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Wraith's Embrace (Once per encounter, drain 1d6 hit points from all players within 10 feet)

Wielding powers of darkness, the Wraith seeks to instill fear and confusion. It can teleport within the shadows and summon lesser shadow minions to assist in combat.

### Conclusion:

Should the players succeed in vanquishing the Shadow Wraith and retrieving the Heart of Shadows, they are heralded as heroes in Oakshade. The artifact can either be returned to the village or destroyed, with consequences altering the very fabric of the Eldoria realm.

Celebrate at The Whispering Willow, where songs of your bravery echo through the night, and tales of the adventure will be told for generations to come. Prepare for the unknown as the players forge their paths in this high magic, high fantasy world, filled with rich lore and daring challenges!