Tier 2 – The Mystery of Windhaven’s Storm
**Tier 2 play**
In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where magic flows like rivers and the skies shimmer with the hues of enchantment, a peculiar mystery has begun to unfold. The town of Windhaven, known for its lush landscapes and gentle breezes, has recently been plagued by a series of bizarre weather phenomena. The townsfolk whisper of a storm that never was, a tempest that left destruction in its wake yet bore no official record of its fury.
The party finds themselves in the bustling marketplace of Windhaven, where the scent of fresh bread mingles with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers. As they navigate through the crowd, they overhear a heated discussion between Dennis Iliffe, a local merchant, and a group of insurance agents. Dennis, a stout man with a bushy beard, is gesturing animatedly, his face flushed with frustration. "My insurers say Storm Darragh was not a storm! They refuse to pay for the damage to my home because the winds were 2mph too slow!"
Intrigued by the commotion, the party approaches Dennis, who pleads for their help. "I need someone to investigate this! If there’s no storm, then what caused the destruction? I fear something unnatural is at play!" He offers a modest reward for their assistance, enough to cover a few nights at the local inn and a hearty meal.
As the party begins their investigation, they learn that several other homes have suffered similar fates, with strange occurrences reported: objects flying through the air, sudden gusts of wind, and eerie whispers echoing through the night. The townsfolk speak of a mysterious figure seen near the old Windspire Tower, a crumbling structure that looms ominously on the outskirts of town.
The party sets out towards the tower, the path winding through fields of wildflowers that sway gently, as if in tune with an unseen force. As they approach the tower, they notice the air grows thick with tension, and the sky darkens unnaturally.
Inside the tower, they encounter a swirling vortex of wind and energy, at the center of which stands the enigmatic Stormcaller, a rogue elemental sorcerer who has been harnessing the power of the winds for his own gain. His eyes crackle with electricity, and he laughs maniacally as he conjures violent gusts to deter the intruders.
**Boss Enemy: Stormcaller**
– **HP:** 60
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Wind Blast (Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 30 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) force damage.)
– **Special Ability:** Tempest Shield (As a reaction, the Stormcaller can create a barrier of swirling winds, granting him +2 AC until the start of his next turn.)
The party must navigate the treacherous winds and defeat the Stormcaller to restore peace to Windhaven. As they engage in battle, they can use their surroundings to their advantage, finding cover behind crumbling stone and using spells to counteract the elemental chaos.
Once the Stormcaller is defeated, the winds settle, and the truth is revealed: he had been siphoning energy from the natural world, causing the strange weather patterns that had plagued the town. With his defeat, the townsfolk can finally breathe easy, and Dennis Iliffe can reclaim his home.
As the sun sets over Windhaven, casting a golden glow over the landscape, the party is celebrated as heroes, their names etched into the annals of the town’s history. They leave with a sense of accomplishment, knowing they have restored balance to a world teetering on the edge of chaos.