Tier 2 – The Wraith of Mistwood
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where the sun sets in a cascade of crimson and gold, a dark cloud looms over the quaint village of Willowbend. Whispers of a sinister force fill the air, as townsfolk speak in hushed tones about the mysterious disappearance of children. It is said that a shadowy figure has been seen lurking in the nearby Mistwood Forest, a place once known for its enchanting beauty but now shrouded in fear.
The party finds themselves drawn to Willowbend, where they are greeted by the worried faces of the villagers. An elder named Maelis approaches them, her voice trembling. "Please, brave adventurers, you must help us! Our children have gone missing, and we fear they have been taken by the Wraith of Mistwood, a malevolent spirit that preys on the innocent."
The adventurers learn that the Wraith was once a guardian of the forest, corrupted by dark magic after a tragic event. To defeat this creature, they must uncover the truth behind its transformation and seek the lost souls of the children.
### Investigation Component
The party can gather clues by speaking with villagers, who share their own encounters with the Wraith. They learn of a hidden glade deep within Mistwood, where a once-sacred shrine now lies in ruins. The adventurers must explore this area, solving riddles left by the Wraith's former self to unlock the secrets of the forest.
As they venture deeper, they encounter enchanted wildlife and magical phenomena, such as glowing orbs and whispering winds that guide or mislead them. They may also find remnants of the children's belongings scattered throughout the forest, adding to the urgency of their quest.
### Exploration Component
The Mistwood Forest itself is a character in this tale, with twisted trees that seem to watch the adventurers and shimmering streams that sing haunting melodies. They must navigate through treacherous terrain, including areas covered in thick fog and sections where the ground shifts unexpectedly. Encountering magical guardians or illusions will test their resolve and ingenuity.
### Final Confrontation
After piecing together the Wraith’s tragic backstory, the party must confront the creature at the ruined shrine. Here, they will face the Wraith of Mistwood, a formidable enemy that embodies the sorrow and pain of the lost children.
**Wraith of Mistwood Stats:**
– **HP:** 60
– **AC:** 15
– **Attacks:**
– **Shadow Strike:** Melee Attack: +7 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage
– **Soul Scream (Recharge 5-6):** A wave of despair, all creatures within a 30-foot radius must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or take 3d10 psychic damage and be frightened for 1 minute.
When defeated, the Wraith reveals the location of the missing children, held captive in a pocket dimension filled with their worst fears. By facing these phantoms, the party will free the children, restoring peace to the forest and the village.
As the adventurers return to Willowbend, the grateful villagers celebrate their bravery. In the warmth of the evening sun, the laughter of children fills the air once more, and the dark shadow that once loomed over the village is lifted, thanks to the courage of the brave adventurers.