Tier 2 – The Heart of the Waters (1)
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like the rivers and the air crackles with enchantment, a storm brews on the horizon. The once-peaceful village of Windmere is now shrouded in an eerie mist, the aftermath of Storm Bert, which has left the land saturated and vulnerable. As the storm clouds gather, whispers of an ancient evil begin to surface, echoing through the hearts of the villagers.
Your party finds themselves in Windmere, drawn by the tales of flooding and the mysterious disappearance of the village's beloved artifact, the Heart of the Waters—a gem said to control the flow of rivers and protect the land from calamity. With the storm's arrival, the artifact has gone missing, and the villagers fear that without it, the floods will only worsen, threatening their homes and lives.
As the party investigates, they will encounter a series of challenges. The first is the flooded streets, where they must navigate through knee-deep water, avoiding debris and treacherous currents. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and the distant rumble of thunder, creating an atmosphere of urgency. Villagers plead for help, sharing tales of strange figures seen lurking near the old mill, where the Heart of the Waters was last seen.
Upon reaching the mill, the party discovers it has been overrun by a gang of water elementals, twisted by dark magic and angered by the storm. The leader of these elementals, a powerful creature known as the Torrent Warden, has taken the artifact to amplify its own powers.
**Torrent Warden Stats:**
– **Type:** Elemental
– **Armor Class:** 15
– **Hit Points:** 85
– **Speed:** 30 ft., swim 60 ft.
– **Abilities:**
– **Multiattack:** The Torrent Warden makes two slam attacks.
– **Slam:** Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
– **Flooding Surge (Recharge 5-6):** The Warden creates a wave of water that sweeps through a 30-foot line. 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 the party confronts the Torrent Warden, they must use their wits and teamwork to navigate the flooded terrain while battling the elemental. The storm rages outside, adding to the chaos of the encounter.
Once the Warden is defeated, the Heart of the Waters can be reclaimed. The artifact glows with a soft blue light, and as it is returned to its rightful place in the village, the storm begins to dissipate, and the waters recede. The villagers celebrate their heroes, offering rewards and tales of gratitude, while the party reflects on the balance of nature and the power of magic in their world.
This one-shot adventure is designed to immerse players in a high-stakes scenario filled with exploration, combat, and the thrill of unraveling a mystery, all set against the backdrop of a fantastical world in turmoil.