Tier 2 – The Ghost Ships of Windmere
**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 caught the attention of the local guilds. The once-bustling port town of Windmere, known for its grand shipyards and thriving trade, has fallen eerily silent. Whispers of a dark force lurking beneath the waves have spread like wildfire, and the townsfolk speak of ghostly ships appearing at dusk, their sails billowing with an unnatural wind.
Your party finds themselves in Windmere, summoned by the Guild of Navigators, who have promised a handsome reward for anyone brave enough to uncover the truth behind the spectral vessels. As you step into the town square, the salty breeze carries the scent of the ocean, mingled with the faint aroma of smoke from the nearby shipyards. The cobblestone streets are lined with weathered buildings, their wooden facades adorned with intricate carvings of sea creatures and mythical beings.
The guildmaster, a grizzled old sailor named Captain Elara, greets you with a furrowed brow. "Adventurers! We need your help. The ghost ships have been stealing our vessels and crew, vanishing into the depths of the sea. We believe they are linked to the ancient ruins of the Sunken Temple, located just beyond the cliffs. Will you brave the waters and uncover the truth?"
As you prepare for your journey, the townsfolk share tales of the temple, said to be guarded by the vengeful spirit of a long-lost sea captain. Legends speak of a powerful artifact hidden within, capable of controlling the tides and summoning storms. But beware, for the spirit is not the only danger that lurks beneath the waves.
**Exploration Component: The Sunken Temple**
Your adventure leads you to the rugged cliffs overlooking the ocean, where the entrance to the Sunken Temple lies hidden beneath the crashing waves. As you descend into the depths, the water glows with bioluminescent algae, illuminating the ancient stonework of the temple. The air is thick with the scent of salt and decay, and the sound of distant whispers echoes through the halls.
Inside the temple, you must navigate through treacherous traps and solve intricate puzzles to reach the heart of the ruins. The walls are adorned with murals depicting the rise and fall of the sea captain, a tragic tale of betrayal and loss. As you delve deeper, you encounter remnants of the captain's crew, now transformed into vengeful spirits, guarding the secrets of the temple.
**Enemy Encounter: The Vengeful Spirit**
At the climax of your exploration, you confront the vengeful spirit of Captain Thalor, a formidable foe who wields the power of the ocean itself.
**Captain Thalor's Basic Stats:**
– **Type:** Undead Spirit
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 85
– **Speed:** 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)
– **Abilities:**
– **Multiattack:** Captain Thalor can make two spectral sword attacks.
– **Spectral Blade:** +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) necrotic damage.
– **Ocean's Wrath (Recharge 5-6):** Captain Thalor summons a wave of water in a 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 15 Strength saving throw, taking 27 (6d8) bludgeoning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
As you battle the spirit, the fate of Windmere hangs in the balance. Will you uncover the truth behind the ghost ships and free the captain's soul, or will you succumb to the depths of the ocean, joining the ranks of the lost? The choice is yours, brave adventurers!