The Gates of Firestorm Peak [06:00 PM 05/04/03 GMT]
Local stories recall the rare but recurring storms of flame which ignite the highest reaches of the overshadowing and aptly named Firestorm Peak every twenty seven years This awe inspiring phenomena seems to be somehow linked with the celestial phenomena known as the Dragon s Tear a red scar in the sky which only appears during the times of the Firestorm Although very interesting and quite unique the marvel has not been deemed particularly significant by local villagers other than the excuse to throw a month long festival fondly called the Firefestival Since the last firestorm however there has been a subtle yet noticable change in the lands surrounding Firestorm Peak Stillbirths among livestock and people alike locust infestation and disease have increased to the point that a once properous area is now struggling year by year just to provide sustenance for all And recently things have taken a severe turn for the worse There have been sightings of lethal creatures never before seen by mortal eyes which have begun to make their abodes around or in Firestorm Peak Most disturbing of all is the increase in radom acts of cruelty and violence within the Town of Longbridge and animals suddenly going rabid Although no concrete evidence supports this conclusion many blame the influence of Firestorm Peak for the disruptions calling the past five years the Cursed Season which has not yet drawn to an end Your father s friend Nigel whom your father had adventured with was preparing to study the magical nature of Firestorm Peak He had set up in Longbridge and was studying the phenomena twenty seven years ago when the last firestorm happened You were given word that he had never left Firestorm Peak The Dragon s Tear has appeared in the sky and the Gates of Firestorm Peak have opened only staying open for days after which they will lock for years until the Dragon s Tear passes over the mountain again Setting out to investigate what has happened to your unofficial uncle you find that things may not be what they seem and uncovering the mystery of Firestorm Peak will prove more difficult than you thought
