Tier 2 – The Wailing Shade of Whispering Woods
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a peculiar disturbance has unsettled the townsfolk of Willowbend. The once-peaceful village, nestled between lush forests and rolling hills, has been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances. Rumors whisper of a dark force lurking in the shadows, drawing the curious and the unwary into its depths.
As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the cobblestone streets, the party finds themselves gathered at the local tavern, The Gilded Griffin. The air is thick with the scent of roasted meats and the sound of laughter, but the atmosphere is tinged with unease. The tavern keeper, a stout dwarf named Borin, approaches the party with a furrowed brow.
“Adventurers! I’ve heard tales of your exploits. We need your help,” he implores, his voice low. “People have been vanishing, and the last one seen was young Elara, the baker’s daughter. They say she was last spotted near the old ruins in the Whispering Woods. Some say it’s the work of a malevolent spirit, others speak of a witch who dwells there. Whatever it is, it must be stopped before more lives are lost.”
The party must decide whether to investigate the ruins, embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind the disappearances, and confront whatever darkness lies within the Whispering Woods. As they prepare for their journey, they gather supplies, consult with locals for information, and perhaps even seek out the village’s eccentric wizard, Old Man Thistle, who may have insights into the supernatural.
**Exploration Component:**
As the party ventures into the Whispering Woods, they encounter a series of challenges. The forest is alive with magic; trees whisper secrets, and the ground is carpeted with luminescent flowers that pulse with an otherworldly glow. They must navigate through enchanted thickets, solve riddles posed by mischievous forest sprites, and avoid traps set by the witch to protect her domain.
**Enemy Encounter:**
Deep within the woods, the party discovers the ruins of an ancient temple, overgrown with vines and shrouded in mist. Here, they confront the source of the disturbances: a powerful spirit known as the Wailing Shade. This entity, once a guardian of the forest, has been twisted by sorrow and rage, seeking vengeance for its lost love.
**Wailing Shade Stats:**
– **HP:** 60
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch (Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d10 necrotic damage.)
– **Special Ability:** Wail of Despair (Recharge 5-6): The Wailing Shade emits a haunting wail. Each creature within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
As the party battles the Wailing Shade, they must also uncover the truth behind its sorrow, perhaps finding a way to release its spirit from the chains of grief. Will they defeat the malevolent force and save Elara, or will they fall victim to the darkness that lurks in the Whispering Woods? The fate of Willowbend rests in their hands.