Tier 2 – The Wraith of the Grove A Battle for Eldenwood’s Future

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where the skies shimmer with hues of violet and gold, a peculiar disturbance has rippled through the tranquil town of Eldenwood. The townsfolk, once bustling with life, now whisper in hushed tones about the strange occurrences that have plagued their peaceful existence. Crops have withered overnight, livestock have vanished without a trace, and a chilling fog has settled over the town, obscuring the sun and casting eerie shadows.

As the party arrives in Eldenwood, they are greeted by the sight of worried faces and the scent of damp earth mingling with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers, now wilting under the oppressive fog. The air crackles with an unsettling energy, and the distant sound of a mournful howl echoes through the streets, sending shivers down the spines of the townsfolk.

The mayor, a stout man with a bushy beard and eyes filled with desperation, approaches the party. "Adventurers! You must help us! Our town is cursed! It began when a mysterious figure appeared in the woods, claiming to be the guardian of the ancient grove. He demands tribute from us, or else he threatens to unleash his wrath upon Eldenwood. We cannot afford to lose more than we already have!"

The party learns that the figure is known as the Wraith of the Grove, a once-benevolent spirit turned malevolent due to the encroachment of dark magic. The townsfolk believe that the Wraith is guarding a powerful artifact hidden deep within the grove, an artifact that could either restore balance or bring about destruction.

**Exploration Component:**

The party must venture into the Enchanted Grove, a mystical forest filled with towering trees that seem to whisper secrets and paths that shift like the tides. As they navigate through the grove, they encounter various magical creatures—some friendly, others hostile. They may find clues about the Wraith's past, including remnants of a once-harmonious relationship with the townsfolk, and hints about the dark magic that corrupted him.

**Investigation Component:**

The party can gather information from the townsfolk, uncovering tales of the Wraith's sorrow and the artifact's true nature. They may discover that the artifact is a Heartstone, capable of amplifying the wielder's magic but also susceptible to corruption. The townsfolk believe that if the Heartstone can be purified, the Wraith may return to his former self.

**Enemy Encounter:**

As the party delves deeper into the grove, they confront the Wraith of the Grove, a spectral figure cloaked in shadows, with glowing green eyes that pierce through the fog. He wields the power of nature twisted by dark magic, summoning vines and spectral beasts to defend himself.

**Wraith of the Grove Stats:**

– **HP:** 75

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Shadow Tendril (Melee Attack, +6 to hit, 2d8 + 3 necrotic damage)

– **Special Ability:** Ensnaring Roots (Recharge 5-6): The Wraith can summon roots to restrain up to three targets in a 20-foot radius. Targets must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be restrained for 1 minute.

As the party battles the Wraith, they must decide whether to defeat him outright or attempt to purify the Heartstone, risking their own safety for the chance to restore peace to Eldenwood. The choices they make will shape the fate of the town and the Wraith himself, leading to multiple possible endings for this one-shot adventure.

Will they bring harmony back to Eldenwood, or will they succumb to the darkness that has taken root in the grove? The fate of the town lies in their hands.