Tier 2 – The Wraith of the Whispering Woods (6)

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and the skies shimmer with ethereal hues, a peculiar event has captured the attention of its inhabitants. The once-peaceful town of Elden Hollow is now shrouded in mystery and fear. Whispers of a phantom known as the Wraith of the Whispering Woods have spread like wildfire, sending shivers down the spines of even the bravest souls. The townsfolk speak of eerie sounds echoing through the trees at night, and of villagers disappearing without a trace.

Your party finds themselves at the bustling Elden Hollow tavern, The Gilded Griffin, where a desperate mayor, Elara Windrider, pleads for help. She explains that the Wraith has been stealing away the town's children, luring them into the woods with haunting melodies. The townsfolk are too terrified to venture into the forest, and the mayor offers a handsome reward for anyone brave enough to confront the malevolent spirit.

As the party prepares for their quest, they gather information from the locals. The tavern is filled with the scent of roasted meats and the sound of laughter, but the atmosphere is heavy with dread. An old woman, her eyes clouded with age, warns them of the Wraith’s true nature: “It was once a guardian of the forest, twisted by dark magic. It seeks to reclaim what was lost.”

With this knowledge, the party sets off toward the Whispering Woods. The trees loom tall and twisted, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching for the sky. As they delve deeper, the air grows thick with an unsettling silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or distant whispers that seem to beckon them further into the heart of the forest.

**Exploration Component:**

The party must navigate through the woods, facing various challenges along the way. They may encounter enchanted creatures, such as mischievous sprites or a wise old treant who offers cryptic advice. The forest itself is a living entity, with paths that shift and change, requiring the party to rely on their survival skills and perception to find the Wraith’s lair.

**Investigation Component:**

As they explore, the party can discover remnants of the Wraith’s past—a hidden glade with ancient runes that tell the story of the guardian’s fall from grace. They may find clues that hint at the source of the dark magic that corrupted the spirit, leading them to a hidden artifact that can either weaken or strengthen the Wraith.

**Enemy Encounter:**

When the party finally confronts the Wraith, they find themselves in a moonlit clearing, where the spirit manifests as a swirling mass of shadows and sorrow. Its mournful wails resonate through the air, chilling the hearts of those who hear it.

**Wraith Stats:**

– **Hit Points:** 80

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Attack:** Shadow Grasp (Melee Attack)

– *Attack Bonus:* +7 to hit

– *Damage:* 2d10 necrotic damage

– **Special Ability:** Haunting Melody (Recharge 5-6)

– Each creature within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute.

As the confrontation unfolds, the party must decide whether to vanquish the Wraith or find a way to redeem it, potentially using the artifact they discovered. Their choices will shape the fate of Elden Hollow and the Wraith itself, leading to multiple possible endings for this high-stakes adventure.

Will they emerge as heroes, or will the shadows of the forest claim them too? The fate of the town rests in their hands.