Tier 2 – The Winter Wraith of Eldoria
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant city of Eldoria, where magic hums in the air and the streets are alive with the laughter of its citizens, a peculiar chill has settled over the bustling market square. The townsfolk whisper of a shadowy figure known only as the "Winter Wraith," who has emerged from the depths of the Frostwood Forest, spreading an unnatural winter across the land. Flowers wilt, crops freeze, and a sense of dread looms over Eldoria as the once-bustling market falls silent.
Your party, a group of intrepid adventurers, is drawn to the heart of this mystery, where the townsfolk gather beneath the flickering lanterns, their faces pale with fear. The local innkeeper, a stout dwarf named Thrain, shares tales of the Winter Wraith's malevolence—the creature is said to steal warmth and joy from the hearts of the innocent, leaving behind only despair. The villagers plead for help, offering a modest reward for anyone brave enough to confront the Wraith and restore balance to their home.
As your party gathers information, they learn of a hidden glade deep within the Frostwood, where the Wraith is rumored to dwell. Adventurers have been warned that the way is fraught with danger: treacherous ice patches, enchanted snowdrifts, and the eerie howl of winter spirits that guard the Wraith's lair.
**Exploration Component: The Frostwood Forest**
Your journey begins at the edge of the Frostwood, where the air is sharp and the trees are draped in shimmering frost. As your party ventures deeper, they must navigate the following challenges:
1. **Enchanted Snowdrifts**: These magical drifts can ensnare unwary travelers. Characters must succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw to avoid being trapped in a snowbank, requiring a Strength check to escape.
2. **Frost Spirits**: Ethereal beings that flit through the trees, these spirits may offer guidance or mislead the party. A successful DC 15 Charisma check can persuade a spirit to reveal a safe path.
3. **The Icebound Stream**: A narrow, frozen stream must be crossed. Characters must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw to avoid slipping and falling into the icy waters below.
Once the party navigates the forest, they arrive at the hidden glade, where the air is thick with magic and the ground is covered in a thick layer of frost. At the center stands the Winter Wraith, a tall, gaunt figure cloaked in tattered robes of ice and shadow. Its eyes glow with an eerie blue light, and frost emanates from its form.
**Boss Enemy: The Winter Wraith**
– **HP**: 60
– **AC**: 15
– **Attack**: Frost Touch: +5 to hit, 2d8 cold damage on a hit.
– **Special Ability**: Ice Shard (Recharge 5-6): The Wraith conjures sharp shards of ice, dealing 3d6 cold damage in a 15-foot cone (DC 14 Dexterity saving throw for half damage).
As the party engages the Winter Wraith, they must leverage their skills—using fire spells to counter the cold, clever tactics to avoid its icy blasts, and teamwork to whittle down its hit points. The Wraith, desperate to maintain its hold on the town, will fight fiercely, summoning winter spirits to aid it in battle.
With courage and clever strategy, your party can defeat the Winter Wraith, bringing warmth and joy back to Eldoria. As the creature falls, the chill in the air begins to dissipate, and the first hints of spring break through the frost, signaling hope and renewal for the grateful townsfolk. The party will be celebrated as heroes, forever remembered for their bravery in the face of darkness.