Tier 2 – The Wraith of Despair (1)

**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 mystery has arisen in the quaint village of Willowbrook. The villagers, once filled with joy and laughter, now whisper tales of a shadowy figure that haunts the outskirts of their home. Crops have begun to wither, and livestock has gone missing, leaving the townsfolk in a state of fear and despair.

Your party arrives in Willowbrook just as the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming wildflowers, but an unsettling chill lingers, hinting at the dark presence that looms nearby. As you gather in the village square, the townsfolk approach, their faces etched with worry.

An elderly woman, her hands trembling, steps forward. "Please, brave adventurers, we need your help! Our beloved Mayor Elara has gone missing. She was last seen near the old bridge that crosses the Misty River. They say a dark spirit has taken her, and we fear for her life!"

With a sense of urgency, the party sets off towards the bridge, the path winding through lush forests filled with the sounds of chirping crickets and rustling leaves. As you approach the bridge, the moonlight reveals a figure standing at the edge, cloaked in shadows. The air grows colder, and a sense of foreboding washes over you.

Suddenly, the figure turns, revealing itself to be a malevolent spirit, a Wraith of Despair, drawn to the sorrow of the villagers. Its hollow eyes glow with an eerie light, and it lets out a chilling wail that echoes through the night.

**Wraith of Despair Stats:**

– **HP:** 45

– **AC:** 14

– **Attack:** Ethereal Touch (Melee Attack, +6 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Fearful Presence (Each creature within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 13 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.)

As the battle ensues, the party must not only defeat the Wraith but also uncover the truth behind its connection to Mayor Elara's disappearance. Perhaps the spirit is bound to the bridge by an ancient curse, or it seeks revenge for a wrong done to it in life.

Once the Wraith is vanquished, the party can search the area for clues. Hidden beneath the bridge, they may discover a weathered journal belonging to Mayor Elara, detailing her attempts to lift the curse that has plagued the village for generations.

With the Wraith defeated and the mystery unraveled, the party returns to Willowbrook as heroes, restoring hope to the villagers and ensuring that the laughter of children once again fills the air. The adventure concludes with a celebration, where the villagers express their gratitude, and the party reflects on the bonds forged through their trials.

In this high magic, high fantasy world, your players will experience the thrill of exploration, the tension of combat, and the satisfaction of solving a mystery, all while weaving their own stories into the fabric of Eldoria.