Tier 2 – The Veil Wraith of Eldermoor

**Tier 2 play**

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets of Eldermoor, an unsettling chill fills the air. The once-bustling town square now whispers of secrets and sorrows, for the citizens of Eldermoor have been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances. Each night, residents vanish without a trace, leaving behind only echoes of their last words—frantic cries warning of a lurking darkness.

Your party gathers at the local tavern, The Gilded Griffin, where the air is thick with the scent of spiced ale and roasted meats. Villagers huddle in corners, their faces etched with worry as they recount tales of the ominous fog that rolls in each night, swallowing homes and heartbeats alike. The tavern keeper, a burly dwarf named Brolin, approaches your party with a desperate plea for help. "The last to go was young Mara, a bright light in this dim town! We need you to uncover the truth and put an end to this nightmare."

The party's investigation begins at the edge of the town where the fog seems to gather most thickly. As they venture into the mist, the air grows heavy with an otherworldly energy. The surroundings shift, and soon they find themselves in a dreamlike realm where the rules of reality bend like the branches of ancient trees. Here, they encounter ethereal creatures and whispering shadows that both guide and mislead them.

In the heart of this realm lies the source of the disappearances—a sinister entity known as the Veil Wraith, a being of pure shadow that feeds on fear and despair. The Wraith manifests as a swirling mass of darkness with glowing red eyes, its form ever-changing, reflecting the deepest fears of those who dare to confront it.

**Veil Wraith Stats:**

– **HP:** 60

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Shadow Touch (Melee Attack +6 to hit, 2d10 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Fearful Gaze (Each creature within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. The creature can repeat the save at the end of each of its turns.)

The party must gather clues from the realm, facing their own fears in the process. They may discover that the Wraith can only be defeated by confronting the emotional pain it feeds upon. To weaken the Wraith, they must collect tokens of hope—remnants of joy and love from the townsfolk who have been lost. Each token acts as a key to unlocking the Wraith's vulnerability.

The climax unfolds in a dramatic showdown where the party must combine their tokens of hope to confront the Veil Wraith. As they face their fears, they transform the energy of despair into a blinding light, forcing the Wraith to reveal its true form and ultimately banishing it back to the shadowy depths.

With the Wraith defeated, the mist begins to recede, and the townsfolk emerge from their hiding places, rejoicing in the return of their loved ones. Eldermoor is saved, and your party becomes the celebrated heroes of the town, forever remembered in song and story.

As the sun rises on a new day, the party reflects on their journey, the bonds they’ve forged, and the strength they’ve found within themselves. The adventure may have ended, but the echoes of their bravery will resonate throughout Eldermoor for generations to come.