Tier 2 – The Wraith of Withering
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant kingdom of Eldoria, where magic flows as freely as the rivers and the skies shimmer with the colors of enchantment, a shadow looms over the peaceful town of Eldenwood. The once-bustling marketplace is now eerily quiet, with whispers of a dark force that has begun to drain the life from the surrounding forests. The townsfolk speak of a malevolent entity known only as the Wraith of Withering, a being that thrives on despair and has been stealing the very essence of nature itself.
Your party finds themselves in Eldenwood, summoned by the town's desperate mayor, Elara. She stands before you, her eyes wide with fear and determination. "Please, brave adventurers," she implores, "the Wraith has taken residence in the Heartwood Grove, a sacred place that nourishes our land. If we do not stop it, our crops will fail, and our people will perish. Will you help us reclaim our home?"
As you prepare for your journey, the air is thick with the scent of damp earth and the distant sounds of rustling leaves. The path to Heartwood Grove winds through ancient trees, their gnarled branches twisting like the fingers of a long-forgotten giant. Along the way, you encounter various magical creatures—some friendly, others not—each offering clues or challenges that test your resolve.
Upon reaching the grove, you find it shrouded in an unnatural fog, the vibrant colors of the flora dulled and lifeless. At the center stands the Wraith, a towering figure cloaked in shadows, its eyes glowing with an eerie light. The ground beneath it is cracked and barren, a testament to its draining power.
**Boss Enemy: The Wraith of Withering**
– **HP:** 80
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Shadow Grasp (Melee Attack, +7 to hit, 2d8 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Life Drain (Recharge 5-6, target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 3d10 necrotic damage and the Wraith regains hit points equal to half the damage dealt)
– **Legendary Actions:** The Wraith can take 1 legendary action, choosing from the options below:
– **Shadow Step:** The Wraith can teleport to an unoccupied space within 30 feet.
– **Whisper of Despair:** Each creature of the Wraith's choice within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.
As the battle ensues, the very air crackles with magic, and the outcome hangs in the balance. Will your party be able to defeat the Wraith and restore life to the Heartwood Grove, or will darkness take hold of Eldoria forever? The fate of the kingdom rests in your hands.