Tier 2 – The Wraith of the Woods (9)

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a peculiar disturbance has arisen. The once-peaceful village of Eldenwood, nestled at the edge of the Whispering Woods, has been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances. Villagers speak in hushed tones of a shadowy figure that roams the forest at night, leaving behind only whispers of dread and a lingering chill in the air.

As the party arrives in Eldenwood, they are greeted by anxious townsfolk. The village elder, a wise but weary woman named Elara, implores the adventurers for help. "Our children have gone missing," she says, her voice trembling. "They ventured into the woods to play, but they never returned. We fear the curse of the Wraith of the Woods has returned."

The Wraith, a once-mortal sorcerer named Kael, was cursed with immortality after seeking forbidden knowledge. Now, he wanders the forest, trapped in a spectral form, forever young yet eternally tormented. His presence has twisted the forest, warping it into a labyrinth of illusions and shadows. The adventurers must navigate this treacherous terrain to uncover the truth behind the disappearances and confront the Wraith.

**Exploration Component:**

As the party delves into the Whispering Woods, they encounter various magical phenomena. The trees seem to whisper secrets, and the ground shifts beneath their feet. They must solve riddles posed by enchanted creatures, such as mischievous sprites and wise old treants, to find their way deeper into the forest. Each encounter can provide clues about Kael's past and the nature of his curse.

**Investigation Component:**

The adventurers discover remnants of the children’s play—a broken toy, a shoe, and a trail of shimmering dust leading deeper into the woods. They must piece together these clues, interacting with the villagers to gather information about Kael and the history of the curse. The party learns that Kael was once a beloved figure in Eldenwood, known for his kindness and magical prowess, until his insatiable thirst for power led him down a dark path.

**Confrontation:**

Eventually, the party reaches the heart of the forest, where they find Kael, his spectral form flickering between the realms of life and death. He is surrounded by the lost children, entranced by his magic. The adventurers must confront him, not only to save the children but also to understand the pain that drives him.

**Boss Enemy: Kael, the Wraith of the Woods**

– **Type:** Undead

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 80

– **Speed:** 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)

– **Abilities:**

– **Wisdom Drain:** Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (4d8) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of its next turn.

– **Illusionary Terrain:** Once per encounter, Kael can create an illusory landscape, forcing the party to make a DC 15 Intelligence saving throw or become disoriented, granting disadvantage on their next attack roll.

– **Spectral Grasp:** Kael can reach out to grasp a target within 30 feet, dealing 14 (4d6) necrotic damage and pulling them 10 feet closer.

As the battle unfolds, the party must not only defeat Kael but also find a way to break his curse, offering him a chance at redemption. Will they choose to vanquish him or seek a more compassionate resolution? The fate of the children—and the Wraith himself—rests in their hands.