Tier 2 – The Witch of the Whispering Woods

**Tier 2 play**

As the sun sets behind the jagged peaks of the Eldrin Mountains, the townsfolk of Willowbend whisper tales of a mysterious witch girl said to dwell within the depths of the Whispering Woods. It is said that she possesses the power to weave spells that manipulate the very fabric of reality, but her magic has taken a dark turn. Crops have withered, and strange creatures have begun to stalk the night, drawn to her growing power. The village elder, desperate for help, has summoned brave souls to uncover the truth behind the witch's transformation and restore peace to Willowbend.

**Adventure Hook:**

The party arrives in Willowbend, where they are greeted with anxious faces and hushed voices. The elder, a silver-haired woman named Elara, implores them to investigate the witch's lair deep within the Whispering Woods. She provides them with a map marked with peculiar symbols and warns them of the enchanted creatures that guard the witch's domain.

**Exploration Component:**

As the party ventures into the Whispering Woods, they will encounter various magical phenomena. The trees seem to whisper secrets, and bioluminescent flowers illuminate their path. However, they must be cautious, for mischievous fae and enchanted beasts lurk in the shadows, testing their resolve. The forest is alive, and the party must navigate through illusions and traps, deciphering the map to find the witch's hidden sanctuary.

**Investigation Component:**

Upon reaching the witch's lair, a crumbling stone tower overgrown with vines and glowing fungi, the party discovers remnants of her past—a collection of spellbooks, potion ingredients, and a diary filled with her thoughts. The diary reveals her struggles with an ancient curse that has warped her magic and led her down a dark path. The party must piece together clues from her writings to understand how to confront her and potentially save her from her fate.

**Enemy Encounter:**

As the party delves deeper into the lair, they encounter the witch girl herself, now transformed into a shadowy figure wreathed in dark magic. She is tormented by her powers and lashes out at intruders, believing they are here to take her magic away.

**Boss Enemy: Witch of the Whispering Woods**

– **HP:** 80

– **AC:** 15

– **Spellcasting:** The witch can cast spells such as *Entangle*, *Shadow Bolt* (1d10 necrotic damage), and *Invisibility*.

– **Special Ability:** *Hex of Despair* – Once per encounter, the witch can target one player, imposing disadvantage on their next attack roll and saving throw.

**Conclusion:**

The party must decide how to approach the confrontation. Will they attempt to subdue her or find a way to break the curse? If they can reason with her, they may learn how to reverse the dark magic that has corrupted her. If they fail, they risk battling a powerful foe amid a forest that seems to conspire against them.

As they unravel the mystery and confront the witch, the fate of Willowbend—and the witch girl herself—hangs in the balance, awaiting their courageous choices.