Stormy Weather Friends

For months, pink lightning tore apart the trees, bright green rain flooded the rivers, and cyan fog clung to everything. Stormyhaven (located in Hex 10.25 in the Mucklands) was once a thriving community of gnomes, but the rain and violent floods displaced families and friends. Whatever broke the sky and unleashed wild arcane energies remains a mystery to all but a secret few. One day the arcane storm came to an end, perhaps due to an enterprising hero out to prove themselves. Though it's just as likely that a magical butterfly somewhere flapped their wings and reverse engineered the arcane chaos. The gnomes of Stormyhaven made valiant attempts to unravel the mystery, gathering several credible theories with significant evidence. These theories include: the storm was the result of a forbidden spell demanding its due; it was a direct attack from an ancient enemy of the gnomes; it was the first echoes of the Cataclysm that will remake the Land of Eem one day. Each theory has its supporters and detractors, but the folk of Stormyhaven have agreed that the time for finding answers comes later. Only a few friendly rains hold steady above Stormyhaven, but the gnomes and their friends are ready to return home and rebuild.

There are many ways the PCs can help Stormyhaven; here are some ideas on how they are invited to do so:

• The folks of Stormyhaven have reason to believe one of the PCs is essential in solving the mystery of the arcane storm, and hope it can be prevented from happening again. Which PC or PCs have somehow acquired the title of world famous detectives? What notorious cases have the people heard about?
• Sharona Applebee is a gnome leading a group back home to Stormyhaven believing that the PCs can help the town more than anyone else. How do the PCs know Sharona, and why do they owe her a favor?
• Cloudy With A Chance Of Rain (friends call them Chance) heard that Stormyhaven is looking for more CUMULONS (cloud creatures that float around Stormyhaven) to help rebuild the town. Chance is willing to trade goods, information, and rumors

When the PCs arrive at Stormyhaven, rebuilding has started in earnest. Hardworking storm sprites hold together temporary shelters. The gnomes work to repair homes, build new accommodations, and help the community settle in. Havoc, a gigantic fluffy, enigmatic sky-dog, bounds into view. The gnomes barely have time to let out cries of joy, followed by yelps and belated commands, before Havoc crashes into the PCs! Havoc is happy and eager to express love, licking the PCs faces. The gnome, Sharona Applebee, quickly collects Havoc and welcomes the PCs to Stormyhaven, cheerfully showing them around and introducing NPCs. “Don't mind, Havoc! He's big, but just as lovable! Welcome to Stormyhaven, strangers! Mind your step, we're still rebuilding after the storm! Oh, and don't mind the cumulons, they're just grumpy sometimes!” in exchange for the PCs' help persuading the CUMULONS.

• Zap is a clumsy storm sprite who was sent out to find help in rebuilding Stormyhaven. What heroic deeds have they heard about the PCs? What deed has been embellished to epic proportions?
• Insatiable corporations have sent envoys and operatives to the settlement, hoping to muscle in and take advantage of the recovery process. In particular, the townsfolk have reservations about Subterranean Pits and Lairs LLC offering help to rebuild Stormyhaven. Anyone the PCs meet (except for Delila Dubloon) wants them to keep an eye on and learn about SPL. Maybe even help get rid of them for good! Which PCs have insider knowledge of the plans of Subterranean Pits and Lairs? What tactic are they hoping will keep the other corporations at bay?

SHARONA APPLEBEE

Sharona is a gnome with a gift for dwimmercraft, and uses it to help rebuild Stormyhaven. She is busy, but will find the time to observe the PCs and mimic their heroic actions in order to earn her gnomish title and become an adventurer, alongside her loyal sky-dog Havoc. Traits: Young, driven, can't control Havoc. Motivation: Find out the source of the arcane storm, to ensure it never happens again.

• “Hmmmm I've almost got this spell down, I just need to rewrite some of its internal sigils and…oh, hello!”
• “Oh! What am I doing here? Uh, nothing! Nothing! But you looked really cool just now! Not that I was watching, no!”
• “Havoc, come on, let's go! Stormyhaven is in need of heroes, and we're those heroes!”

HAVOC THE SKY-DOG

When the arcane storm ended, large purple and pink clouds held together by magic wanted to become something or someone else: and that was Havoc. Havoc is made of love, but he's also very large and overly enthusiastic. Such a disastrous combination often leads to hilarious hijinks. Traits: Gigantic, sunset colored, loving. Motivation: To be the bestest good boy.

• "BARK! BOW! WOW! WOOF!"
• "RRRRRRR-WOOF!" A small thundercloud forms above Havoc's head and cyan lightning bolts leap forth.

ELDER L. TWINKLE SHADE

Though powerful, Elder L. Twinkle Shade bears a mischievous aura, and uses it to her advantage to play harmless pranks and tell bad jokes. Twinkle Shade makes sure to tell everyone there is no use in worrying about what caused the storm when the town's resources should be spent on making the people happy and safe. Best to forget.

• Traits: Ancient, kind, mischievous.
• Motivation: Use pranks and jokes to help people forget the bad times. “As the unofficial mayor of Stormyhaven, I welcome you! The town has always been open to travelers, and these days, we would so appreciate your help in rebuilding.” “No sense in dwelling on the past, I say. The storm has ended! We've got to worry about the here and now. That's the only way forward to ensure the safety and comfort of Stormyhaven's people." “Ah hah, I have rediscovered the ancient spell to make this handkerchief dance. Are you ready to see it? We just need to…” blows nose dramatically into the tissue “Put a little boogie into it! HAH!”

ZAP

Zap is a storm sprite eager to help, but easily gets in over their head. As the unofficial leader of all storm sprites, Zap is often interrupted by another well-meaning sprite asking for advice, favor, or guidance.

• Traits: Clumsy, friendly, earnest.
• Motivation: Help sort out the disaster any way they can.
• “Zap, at your service! Welcome to Stormyhaven, how can I help you get settled in?”
• “Oh, what, these things? Look, I know it may look like I need a wagon to carry these, but despite our small size we sprites are strong!” CRASH “Oh! Oh, um, well, maybe we should get that wagon.”
• “Clink, I thought we went over this. Yes, I'd be more than happy to help you with the romantic serenade. No, you don't want Havoc as your backup singer. We don't need another heart storm like last week! It took days to get the pink clouds out of the town hall!”

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF RAIN

Chance is a young CUMULON that recently moved to Stormyhaven. Chance is having some trouble fitting in and having a hard time making friends, and an even harder time maintaining those friendships. While they'd never admit it, they'd appreciate any support from the PCs.

• Traits: Moody, melancholy, insightful.
• Motivation: Find a place for themself in the community.
• “What, you again? Why are you bothering me instead of doing whatever it is you heroes do?”
• “So…how did you become friends? Not that I care. Just curious. Wait, let me take notes. Not that I'm going to refer to them. Whatever. Goodbye.”
• “What? Why are you being nice to me? Crying? I'm not crying, pffft.”

MS. DELILAH DUBLOON

Ms. Dubloon is a boggart intelligence operative for the corporation Subterranean Pits and Lairs LLC. She came to Stormyhaven a week ago in an “act of support and solidarity,” but has a network of agents who report the assets and potential profit in claiming Stormyhaven for corporate interests. She can be convinced that Stormyhaven isn't worth the effort of a hostile takeover, but it will take some doing.

• Traits: Sharp, professional, menacing.
• Motivation: Take over Stormyhaven in the name of SPL. “I'm sure you understand that time is not a commodity I have much of, but I may spare a few minutes to discuss the future of Stormyhaven with you. How can you help me?” “Subterranean Pits and Lairs always has entry level positions available, and I'm sure you have the tenacity and passion to make up for any lacking key skills.” “Shall I wait for you to get dressed? Oh, this is…this is what you're wearing? In public? I…see.” Chance lets out a sob before running off.

D. SUNNI STARBREAK OF THE RAINBOW BRIGADE

Sunni is a gnome who specializes in protection. Her gleaming robes shine like the dawn, and her golden sword is always at the ready. She is ignoring every recall missive from the Rainbow Brigade, instead focusing on Stormyhaven's full recovery.

• Traits: Brave, stubborn, overly protective.
• Motivation: Help Stormyhaven recover completely from the disaster.
• “Ho! What fine heroes we have before me. Fancy a friendly duel? It's an excellent way to become friends and entertain each other.”
• “My friends, allow me to handle this DRACOPILLAR! Go forth and attend to your quest, I will hold the line.”
• “What's that you have for me, Zap? Oh no, I'm much too busy here and don't have time for messages from the Rainbow Brigade. What to do with the envelopes? Er…couldn't you just fry them into a crisp?”

P. QUINN ELLE THE SCRIBE

Quinn is the youngest gnome to earn the title of Scribe, and comes from a family that has never shown any interest or aptitude in such a vocation. She takes every chance to prove herself to Stormyhaven and be taken seriously. Traits: Inquisitive, unpredictable, precocious Motivation: Uncover any and all truths and histories, and earn a place in the illustrious Scribe Society.

• “Hello! Hello! Yes, you! You! I have heard of your mighty exploits and wish to get to the truth of it. Come here this instant and provide me with a thorough accounting of your adventures.”
• “Havoc, this can't be right. According to eye witness reports and my meticulous, perfect records, you were in the vicinity of the missing pie. Also, the boffleberry around your muzzle is most telling. No Havoc, large eyes full of stars will not change my mind. NO HAVOC, NO WHINING.”

LITTLE LEAF

Little Leaf is a sapling of a beamkin, barely bush-tall. Little Leaf got separated from his family during the arcane storm, and has returned to Stormyhaven in hopes that his family will do the same. He enjoys spending time with families and helping as he can.

• Traits: Gentle, generous, talks in a whisper.
• Motivation: Reunite with his family. “Hi! Hi! I'm Leaf! Little Leaf! Hi! You're tall! And you look so different from me! Hi!” “Can I help? I can, right?” “Do you remember what your family is like? I haven't grown for very long, but my memories are already fading…I don't want to forget, but it feels like I have to.”

STEVE THE SKEEVE

Steve is a young gelatinous goo THIEF (L2-B) trying to make a name for himself. The gang told Steve to case Stormyhaven and see if there's an opportunity the gang can take advantage of. Steve means well, but is eager to find his place in the world, even if it means a bad one.

• Traits: Anxious, talkative, a little too friendly.
• Motivation: Impress the Tricky Toe Gang and earn a spot! Steve only speaks Gelatinous Gooese, of course, but here are few translations:
• “AAAAAAAH don't sneak up on folk like that! Not that I was sneaking! You were sneaking first! Who's sneaking? Not me!”
• "Hmmm, impressive, but can you do THIS? Steve proceeds to perform a slightly cool but completely gross trick with his gelatinous body."
• "Say, you wouldn't know where the valuables are stashed, huh? I mean, I wanna help keep them safe!"

WELCOME CENTER

The sturdiest structure, welcoming pastel colors, large enough to fit everyone in case the arcane storm begins again.

How the PCs Can Help

• Returning Stormyhaven residents and newcomers continue to arrive everyday, and need help settling in. Folks need clothes, food and shelter. Help the residents feel safe, comfortable and supported.
• Quinn Elle discovers that her perfect records are now perfectly messy! Any effort to reorganize the paperwork results in Clutter the NABBER RAT revealing themself and causing small amounts of chaos! They enjoy creating a mess and believe everyone could use a little bit of chaos to spice things up. But perhaps Quinn Elle, being a meticulously neat, uptight person, might need every bit of spice she can get. Help Quinn, Clutter, or both resolve their problems before the two end up in fisticuffs!
• Wet Mud is an aging who has a hard RIVER GOBLIN time remembering things. They arrive everyday, receive help moving in, go to their home, and come back the next day forgetting everything that happened the previous day. There is no way to fix Mud's memory, it is simply in their nature of growing older. Help Mud be a little less scared every time they forget the previous day's events.

TOWN HALL

The most beautiful structure in Stormyhaven, soft clouds and gentle rains help the flowers grow in colorful abundance.

How the PCs Can Help

• Stormyhaven is putting on its first performance: a reenactment of how the arcane storm ended. The problem is, no one agrees on how it happened! Naturally, everyone is making up their own story. Come up with your own version of the events, but more importantly, help the performances go as smoothly as possible.
• Stormyhaven is electing a new set of council officials, the first ever. A surprising number of candidates are in the running, but somehow Havoc the sky-dog is leading the polls by miles, much to the chagrin of Elder L. Twinkle Shade. Havoc is a good boy, sure, but he can't run the town! Find out how this has happened.
• While Havoc is certainly popular among the residents, Ms. Dubloon is secretly engineering his success from the sidelines. A council run by a skydog will certainly be easier to manipulate.

THE WINDCHIME INN

The newest structure in Stormyhaven is still under construction, and unstable magic constantly comes undone as parts of the inn suddenly become crystal, wood, or cloud!

How the PCs Can Help

• The Windchimes are a family of gnomes who have set up the first inn in Stormyhaven. But it's a work in progress and the PCs can help by collecting Crafting Materials, rolling up their sleeves, or using their more unique talents.
• Little Leaf is helping the Windchimes by preparing different food for the inn's future customers and needs help developing the menu. But someone's going to have to taste test everything! Come up with a delightful and enticing menu, and find customers to partake in a tasting.
• Whistle Windchime is the youngest in the family, and can't figure out what they can do best in the inn. Help Whistle try out each and every available job. Some of these jobs include: keeping the tame in the stables calm and not thundering, CUMULONS sweeping away all the collected wild storm magic in every nook and cranny before they cause havoc, and keeping the beds made despite the rushing winds that throw everything into disarray every so often.

THE RUINED LIGHTHOUSE

What remains of the arcane storm whistles through the fallen stone, where the once proud lighthouse of Stormyhaven stood as a beacon for seafarers to avoid the perilous shores.

How the PCs Can Help

• Terrible curses against Elder L. Twinkle Shade and the people of Stormyhaven whisper and howl on the wind, causing discord and unrest in the community! Put the sinister wind to rest before more harm is done.
• At the source of it all is a creature that Sunni of the Rainbow Brigade calls the Shadow Knight.
• Each day at sunrise, Sunni of the Rainbow Brigade arrives to duel the unbeatable Shadow Knight, convinced they know something about what caused the arcane storm. Each confrontation ends in an unsatisfying draw, and the Shadow Knight never speaks, keeping their secrets close. Convince the two that fighting isn't the answer, and learn what the Shadow Knight knows about the storm.
• The Shadow Knight isn't actually a shadow or a knight at all. They are an ancient CUMULON (L4-C) who became magically trapped and silenced in the lighthouse by Elder L. Twinkle Shade when the old gnome was attempting to clear the storm. The Shadow Knight is angry and resentful. Helpless to make things right, they are filled with regret for damaging the town and displacing so many people.
• The Shadow Knight knows that an evil sorcerer summoned the storm, an agent of the Gloom King called Zhadazat (see Boiling Lake in The Mucklands Sandbox). For what purpose, they do not know, but they suspect it was a distraction to draw the gnomes' attention away from some other nefarious thing.
• A family of DARKLINGS, strange creepers that steal peoples' shadows, hide in the corners, terrified of the new shining sun. Susurration, the eldest, has decided to take a chance on the PCs and ask for help. Susurration wishes to leave Stormyhaven for darker pastures, but doesn't know where to go.

THE FLOODED RIVERBANK

Flooded homes peek out from the bright green waters, as folks, some unscrupulous, try to salvage whatever they can from the wreckage.

Rebuilding Stormyhaven takes time. Should the PCs leave, they are always welcome to return and help whenever they can. The residents of Stormyhaven are happy to welcome new folk, and make sure the PCs leave with care packages and careful instructions on how to make one's way to Stormyhaven.

With all the colorful characters of Stormyhaven, many will ask for help from the PCs in the future that require further exploring the Land of Eem! Here are some ideas:

• Sunni of the Rainbow Brigade can no longer put off returning home and attending to her duties. The Brigade has specifically asked to meet the PCs anyway, so Sunni invites them to a grand feast. However, the way to the Rainbow Brigade can be dangerous!
• Havoc has run away from home! Can the PCs track down the sky-dog and bring him back safely?
• Zhadazat the sorcerer is skulking around Boiling Lake (in The Mucklands Sandbox Beware—it is a perilous proposition!

How the PCs Can Help

• Folk visit regularly to salvage what they can from the flooded homes. It can be hard to let go of what is broken or beyond saving. Help the folk let go of their stuff and make peace with what they can't bring home.
• There's opportunity here for the unscrupulous. The Tricky Toe Gang are scavenging through the remains, taking valuables before they can be reclaimed by their owners. Steve the Skeeve is unsure about all this but can't bring himself to stop the gang. Convince Steve to stand up against the Tricky Toe Gang, if not for Stormyhaven, then for himself.
• A group of storm sprites have angered a RIVERSAUR they call Menlock the Stormbringer (L3-C), empowered by what remains of the arcane storm! Menlock is determined to protect her young from predators, seeing threats everywhere. Zap has rushed in to save their fellow storm sprites, heedless of the danger! Help Zap and Menlock find some peace and quiet, where they're sure to be safe from intruders. ). Will the PCs go investigate?