Tier 2 – The Wraith of the Whispering Woods (7)
**Tier 2 play**
As your adventurers gather in the bustling city of Eldraeth, the sun sets with a vibrant array of colors spilling across the sky. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming Nightshade flowers and the distant sound of laughter resonates from the taverns lining the cobbled streets. Yet, beneath the facade of festivity, an unsettling tension lingers in the air.
A mysterious figure cloaked in deep blue appears at the city square, their voice echoing through the crowd: “Citizens of Eldraeth! Darkness stirs in the Whispering Woods! Every evening, the shadows grow thicker, and creatures of nightmares emerge, terrorizing our farmers and stealing our livestock. We need heroes to investigate and put an end to this menace!”
The players are drawn to the call, and after a brief exchange, they decide to accept the challenge. They gather information at the tavern, where local patrons speak of a malevolent spirit that has emerged from an ancient ruin, believed to house the remnants of a long-forgotten sorcerer.
Equipped with this knowledge, the party makes their way to the Whispering Woods. As they step into the forest, the light dims and the sounds of the city fade, replaced by the rustling of leaves and a distant whispering that seems to come from every direction. The players must navigate through the twisted trees, facing minor challenges like enchanted vines that try to ensnare them and illusions that cause them to stray from the path.
After some exploration, they arrive at the ruins—a crumbling stone structure half-buried by time and nature. The air crackles with residual magic, and an eerie silence blankets the area. Here, they discover clues—ancient glyphs etched into the stones reveal a tragic story of a sorcerer who sought forbidden power, ultimately leading to his downfall. The players must solve a riddle inscribed on a weathered tablet to unlock the inner sanctum of the ruins.
Once inside, they face off against the spirit of the sorcerer, now twisted into a malevolent wraith. He seeks to reclaim his lost power and will stop at nothing to absorb the life force of the heroes.
**Boss Enemy: Wraith of the Fallen Sorcerer**
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 75
– **Abilities:**
– **Strength:** 10
– **Dexterity:** 16
– **Constitution:** 12
– **Intelligence:** 14
– **Wisdom:** 16
– **Charisma:** 18
– **Attacks:**
– **Life Drain:** +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d8 + 4 necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or its hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken.
– **Necrotic Blast (Recharge 5-6):** The wraith unleashes a blast of negative energy in a 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 4d10 necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
As the party confronts the wraith, they must utilize their skills, spells, and teamwork to overcome this spectral foe. With strategy, creative thinking, and perhaps a little luck, they can defeat the wraith, dispelling the fear that has gripped the Whispering Woods and restoring peace to Eldraeth.
Upon victory, the players are greeted as heroes, celebrated for their bravery. They receive a magical artifact—a **Talisman of the Whispering Woods**—a token that grants them protection from necrotic damage and the ability to speak with plants once per day. As the sun rises the next morning, they find themselves forever changed by their experience, ready for their next adventure.