Tier 2 – The Wraithwood’s Curse

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where the sun paints the skies in shades of gold and azure, a whisper of unrest stirs among the townsfolk of Havenbrook. Once a peaceful village nestled between the Whispering Woods and the Crystal Lake, Havenbrook now finds itself shrouded in a veil of unease. The townspeople have reported strange occurrences: flickering lights in the forest at night, shadows that move without a source, and a mysterious illness that has begun to afflict the elderly.

Your adventurers arrive in Havenbrook just as the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. The scent of fresh bread wafts from the bakery, mingling with the fragrant herbs from the apothecary. Yet, despite the warm ambiance, there is an air of tension. Villagers speak in hushed tones, casting wary glances toward the forest.

As your party gathers in the town square, an elderly woman named Elara approaches them, her eyes filled with desperation. "Please, brave souls, you must help us! Our loved ones are falling ill, and we fear it is the work of the Wraithwood, a spirit that haunts the depths of the Whispering Woods. They say it feeds on the life force of the innocent!"

The villagers have noticed a pattern: the illness strikes those who venture too close to the woods, and it seems to worsen with each passing night. Elara implores the party to investigate the source of this malevolence, promising a reward of gold and the gratitude of the entire village.

**Exploration Component:**

The party must venture into the Whispering Woods, where the trees stand tall and ancient, their leaves shimmering with an otherworldly glow. As they delve deeper, they will encounter strange flora and fauna, including luminous mushrooms that pulse with magic and elusive fae creatures that flit between the branches. The forest itself seems to whisper secrets, guiding or misdirecting the adventurers as they seek the heart of the disturbance.

**Investigation Element:**

Amidst their exploration, the party discovers remnants of a forgotten altar, overgrown with vines and pulsating with dark energy. Here, they find clues—a journal belonging to a long-lost druid, detailing a ritual gone awry that awakened the Wraithwood. The druid's final entries speak of a powerful artifact, the Heartstone, that can either pacify the spirit or unleash its fury.

**Enemy Encounter:**

As the adventurers piece together the mystery, they are confronted by the Wraithwood itself—a spectral figure cloaked in shadows, with glowing green eyes that pierce through the darkness. It is a manifestation of the forest's anguish, fueled by the pain of those it has claimed.

**Boss Stats:**

– **Name:** Wraithwood Spirit

– **Type:** Undead

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 85

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

– **Abilities:**

– **Shadow Strike:** Melee Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) necrotic damage.

– **Life Drain (Recharge 5-6):** The Wraithwood Spirit targets one creature it can see within 30 ft. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 27 (6d8) necrotic damage, and the Wraithwood Spirit regains hit points equal to half the damage dealt.

– **Whispers of the Forest:** All creatures within 30 ft. must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.

As the party confronts the Wraithwood Spirit, they must decide whether to use the Heartstone to heal the spirit or to defeat it, all while navigating the challenges of the enchanted forest. Their choices will shape the fate of Havenbrook and determine the legacy they leave behind in Eldoria. Will they restore peace, or will the shadows claim the village forever? The adventure awaits!