Tier 2 – The Wraith of the Whispers

**Tier 2 play**

In the mystical realm of Eldoria, nestled between the soaring peaks of the Ember Mountain and the expansive Verdant Glade, lies the quaint village of Oakshade. Recently, an unease has settled heavily in the atmosphere. Villagers whisper of ominous shadows creeping through the dense woods at twilight and the strange disappearance of livestock overnight.

The party finds themselves in the bustling marketplace of Oakshade, where the scent of baked bread and sweet fruits lingers in the air. The villagers, clad in vibrant local attire, bustle around, their laughter punctuated by fleeting glances towards the beckoning forest at the edge of town. An elder, Emeris, approaches the adventurers, her gnarled hands trembling as she clutches a faded parchment adorned with ancient sigils.

"Brave souls!" she pleads, her voice quivering like autumn leaves. "A darkness has fallen over our land—the dreaded Wraith of the Whispers. It has taken the form of a dark druid, Sirrion, who seeks to corrupt the sacred Grove of Cinders. We beseech you to investigate this foul sorcery, for night after night, we hear echoes of shrill laughter, and shadows flicker where they should not."

Emeris points towards the forest, where the trees seem to twist unnaturally, their bark a sickly shade. The party must choose whether to explore the woods, seek allies among the villagers, or perhaps decipher the elder's scroll for clues about the wraith’s powers.

*Adventure Component: Investigation/Exploration*

Once the party delves into the woods, they must navigate the warped paths filled with sinister flora that snaps and hisses at their approach. Glimmers of magic hover in the air, hinting at the druid's powerful enchantments. The deeper they venture, the more they must rely on perception and investigation to discover hidden traps and illusions created by the wraith.

As they uncover the truth, they encounter enchanted creatures and corrupted fey; each encounter serves to weaken the wraith's hold over the forest. Players will gather items such as the “Flickering Lantern,” which can dispel minor illusions, and “Petals of Purity,” which can heal or mend magical corruptions.

*Enemy Encounter: Sirrion the Wraith*

Once the players gather enough information, they will confront Sirrion in the heart of the Grove of Cinders. The wraith is a formidable foe, shrouded in dark tendrils and clothed in a tattered cloak of shifting shadows. His very presence seems to leach warmth from the air, making the surrounding fauna wilt and falter.

**Sirrion’s Basic Stats:**

– **HP:** 60

– **AC:** 15

– **Attack:** Dark Tendril (Melee Attack, +6 to hit, 2d8+4 necrotic damage)

– **Abilities:**

– *Shadow Step:* Can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space he can see.

– *Spellcasting:* Level 5 spellcaster (spell save DC 14). Known spells: *Entangle, Darkness, Hold Person.*

As the battle escalates, the party must use their wits and teamwork to overcome Sirrion's dark magic. Success will not only free Oakshade from the wraith’s curse but will inspire the villagers to reclaim their beloved forest, perhaps leading to newfound alliances in this enchanting world.

In conclusion, amid the vibrant lore of Eldoria, the players’ abilities will shine as they unravel the mystery behind Sirrion while forging a path toward character growth, camaraderie, and the thrill of victory. The fate of Oakshade rests in their hands.