Tier 2 – The Shadow Wraith’s Lair
**Tier 2 play**
As your players gather around the table, the air crackles with the anticipation of adventure. The world they are about to enter is known as Eldoria, a realm steeped in magic and mystery, where ancient forests whisper secrets and towering mountains hide untold treasures.
The session begins in the bustling town of Eldenwood, where the vibrant market square is alive with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares and children laughing as they chase each other between stalls. The scent of freshly baked bread mingles with the aroma of exotic spices, creating an intoxicating atmosphere. However, beneath this cheerful facade lies a growing unease. Whispers of a dark force have begun to spread, and the townsfolk are gripped by fear.
The players are approached by a distraught villager named Elara, her eyes wide with worry. She explains that several children have gone missing from the town, last seen playing near the edge of the Whispering Woods. Local legends speak of a malevolent spirit known as the Shadow Wraith, said to lure children into the depths of the forest, never to be seen again. Elara pleads for the adventurers to investigate and bring the children home.
As the party ventures into the Whispering Woods, the atmosphere shifts. The trees loom taller, their gnarled branches twisting like skeletal fingers. A thick mist blankets the ground, muffling sounds and creating an eerie silence. The players must navigate through the forest, using their skills to overcome obstacles such as tangled roots and hidden pitfalls. Along the way, they may encounter enchanted creatures—some friendly, others hostile—adding layers of complexity to their journey.
As they delve deeper, the party discovers remnants of a small camp, with toys scattered about and a faint echo of laughter lingering in the air. Here, they find clues that lead them to a hidden glade, where the Shadow Wraith awaits. This spectral foe, a swirling mass of darkness with glowing red eyes, embodies the fears of the children it has taken.
**Boss Enemy: Shadow Wraith**
– **Hit Points:** 75
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Attack:** Shadow Strike (melee attack, +6 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Frightening Presence (all creatures within 30 feet must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute)
As the party confronts the Shadow Wraith, they must use their wits and teamwork to overcome its terrifying presence and rescue the missing children, who are trapped in a dreamlike state, lost in their own fears. The battle will test their resolve, but victory will not only save the children but also lift the shadow of dread hanging over Eldenwood.
With the Wraith defeated, the children awaken, their laughter returning to the woods, and the party emerges as heroes, greeted by the grateful townsfolk. The adventure concludes with a celebration in Eldenwood, where the adventurers are honored and rewarded, setting the stage for future quests in this enchanting realm.