Tier 2 – The Wailing Banshee of Briarsgate
**Tier 2 play**
In the heart of the enchanted realm of Eldoria, where sprawling forests meet shimmering lakes, a shadow looms over the once-harmonious village of Briarsgate. Rumors of a malicious entity, known as the Wailing Banshee, have spread like wildfire among the villagers. The Banshee, a spirit of vengeance, is said to be the cursed remnant of a talented bard, wronged by a corrupt record label, House Anxiety, which stole his music and fortune, leaving his legacy in tatters. The villagers whisper that the Banshee's sorrowful wails can be heard echoing through the night, signaling her desire for retribution.
Your party of brave adventurers arrives at Briarsgate, greeted by anxious faces and the ever-present chill in the air. As townsfolk gather at the village square, an elder named Orin steps forward, his eyes filled with despair. "Please, noble heroes! We have been plagued by the haunting cries of the Banshee for weeks. She shows no signs of ceasing her lament, and many have fallen ill from her cries. We believe she is drawn to the source of her pain—her stolen songs and lost wealth. You must help us put her spirit to rest."
The villagers reveal that the Banshee’s lament echoes from the abandoned House Anxiety headquarters, a once-opulent estate now shrouded in decay and darkness. A few brave souls ventured inside but were driven back by the Banshee's unearthly shrieks. It is here that your adventure begins.
As your party approaches the crumbling estate, the sky darkens, and an unnatural chill fills the air. With each step, the wails grow louder, swirling around you like a haunting melody. The estate’s ornate gates creak open, revealing overgrown gardens and a grand entrance beckoning you inside. Dust dances in the dim light, and shadows seem to flicker just beyond your peripheral vision.
Inside, the air is thick with the scent of mold and faded memories. The walls are adorned with remnants of musical scores, now tattered and torn, each note twisted with sorrow. As you navigate through the eerie halls, you must solve a series of puzzles left behind by the Banshee, each challenge revealing more about her tragic past and the betrayal she faced at the hands of House Anxiety.
**Exploration Component:**
1. **The Gallery of Echoes:** Players discover a room lined with enchanted mirrors that reflect the emotions of those who gaze into them. To proceed, they must each confront a personal fear or regret, overcoming it to reveal a hidden passage.
2. **The Hall of Rhymes:** Here, the adventurers must piece together fragments of the Banshee's songs scattered throughout the room. By successfully arranging the lyrics, they unlock a magical barrier protecting the Banshee’s resting place.
As they delve deeper, they encounter spectral minions—echoes of the Banshee’s lost dreams. These enemies attack with ethereal music that can disorient and confuse. The players must work together to defeat them, using spells and skills to counter their haunting melodies.
**Boss Enemy: The Wailing Banshee**
– **HP:** 80
– **AC:** 14
– **Attack:** Wail (Melee spell attack; +6 to hit; reach 5 ft; on hit, 2d10 psychic damage and the target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.)
– **Abilities:**
– **Haunting Melody:** Each round, the Banshee can choose one player to impose disadvantage on their next attack roll.
– **Sorrowful Lament:** Once per battle, the Banshee can unleash a wave of despair. All players must make a Constitution saving throw or take 3d6 psychic damage and be paralyzed until the end of their next turn.
Once the Banshee is defeated, players find a hidden chamber, where the remnants of her music and the stolen gold of her past lie. By returning this treasure to the villagers, they not only free the Banshee’s spirit but also restore the balance of harmony in Briarsgate.
As the final notes of the Banshee’s song fade into oblivion, a sense of peace envelops the village. The sun breaks through the clouds, bathing Briarsgate in warm light, and the villagers rejoice, forever grateful to the heroes who restored their home and brought closure to a sorrowful tale. The party will leave with newfound respect and rewards, their names whispered in gratitude among the villagers of Briarsgate.