Tier 2 – The Veilwalker of Eldergrove (1)

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a dark shadow has begun to creep over the peaceful town of Eldergrove. The townsfolk, once filled with laughter and joy, now whisper of a sinister figure known only as the "Veilwalker." This mysterious entity has been abducting children from their homes under the cover of night, leaving behind only a chilling silence and a lingering sense of dread.

As the sun sets, casting an orange glow over the cobblestone streets, the party finds themselves in the bustling tavern, The Gilded Griffin. The air is thick with the scent of roasted meats and spiced ale. A desperate villager approaches, his eyes wide with fear. "Please, brave adventurers! You must help us! The Veilwalker has taken my son! We believe he resides in the Whispering Woods, a place where the trees seem to speak and shadows dance with malevolence."

The party must gather information from the townsfolk, piecing together clues about the Veilwalker’s whereabouts. They learn of an ancient shrine deep within the woods, rumored to be a place of dark magic. The villagers speak of strange lights flickering among the trees at night and eerie sounds echoing through the air.

As the adventurers venture into the Whispering Woods, the atmosphere shifts. The trees loom tall and twisted, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. The path is overgrown, and the air is thick with an unsettling silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. The party must navigate through this enchanted yet treacherous terrain, facing magical creatures that guard the secrets of the woods.

**Encounter: The Veilwalker**

As the party approaches the shrine, they are confronted by the Veilwalker, a shadowy figure cloaked in darkness, with eyes that glow like embers. The Veilwalker is a master of illusion and deception, capable of creating duplicates of itself to confuse and mislead the adventurers.

**Boss Stats:**

– **Name:** Veilwalker

– **Type:** Medium Undead

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 85

– **Speed:** 30 ft.

– **Abilities:**

– **Strength:** 12 (+1)

– **Dexterity:** 16 (+3)

– **Constitution:** 14 (+2)

– **Intelligence:** 18 (+4)

– **Wisdom:** 15 (+2)

– **Charisma:** 20 (+5)

– **Actions:**

– **Multiattack:** The Veilwalker makes two attacks with its Shadow Blade.

– **Shadow Blade:** Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) psychic damage.

– **Illusionary Duplicate (Recharge 5-6):** The Veilwalker creates 1d4 illusory duplicates of itself. Each duplicate has 1 hit point and lasts until destroyed or until the Veilwalker dismisses them as a bonus action.

The adventurers must use their wits and teamwork to defeat the Veilwalker, dispelling its illusions and uncovering the truth behind its dark magic. Will they save the lost children and restore peace to Eldergrove, or will they fall victim to the shadows that lurk within the Whispering Woods? The fate of the town rests in their hands.