Tier 2 – The Whispering Woods Mystery (1)
**Tier 2 play**
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the bustling market town of Eldergrove, your party finds themselves drawn to an ancient, weathered tavern known as The Wandering Star. The scent of roasting meat and the sound of laughter spill from its open doors, inviting weary travelers and adventurers alike. However, beneath the jovial atmosphere lies a palpable tension; whispers of a dark force lurking in the shadows have begun to circulate.
As your party settles in, a mysterious figure cloaked in deep emerald fabric approaches your table. With piercing, emerald eyes that seem to glimmer in the dim light, the figure introduces themselves as Elowen, a local scholar. They reveal that several townsfolk have gone missing over the past fortnight, vanishing without a trace. The townspeople speak of strange lights flickering in the nearby Whispering Woods at night, a place said to be haunted by ancient spirits. Elowen believes that investigating these woods may reveal the truth behind the disappearances.
Your party must prepare for an expedition into the heart of the Whispering Woods. As twilight deepens, the woods come alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant animal calls. The air is thick with magic, and the trees seem to whisper secrets of old. As your party ventures deeper, they encounter ethereal will-o'-the-wisps, leading them deeper into the forest.
Suddenly, the atmosphere shifts. The air grows colder, and an eerie silence envelops the woods. In a clearing, the party stumbles upon a decrepit stone altar, overgrown with thorny vines. Atop the altar lies a shimmering crystal, pulsing with an ominous energy. As the party approaches, they are confronted by the guardian of the altar, a powerful entity known as the Wraith of Lost Souls.
**Wraith of Lost Souls**
– **HP**: 60
– **AC**: 15
– **Attack**: Ethereal Touch (Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) necrotic damage.)
– **Special Ability**: Soul Drain – On a hit, the Wraith regains hit points equal to the necrotic damage dealt.
– **Legendary Action**: Ethereal Step – The Wraith can shift between the material plane and the ethereal plane, making it difficult to target.
The Wraith, a manifestation of the lost souls from the town, seeks to protect the crystal, which is the source of its power. To defeat this foe, the party must work together, utilizing their skills and magic to uncover the Wraith's vulnerabilities while protecting one another from its soul-draining touch.
As the battle rages, the party will need to decide whether to destroy the crystal, which could release the trapped souls and potentially free the townsfolk, or harness its power to aid them in their quest. The outcome will shape the fate of Eldergrove and determine whether the lost souls find peace or remain in torment.
Will your party uncover the truth behind the Wraith and the missing townspeople? Only time will tell as they delve into the mysteries of the Whispering Woods.