Storms unleash a variety of destructive forces, ranging from fierce winds and torrential rains to thunder and lightning. Yet, amid the chaos, an elemental creature stands out—the storm rider. It soars through the storm clouds, absorbing the electrical energy crackling in the air. Once charged, it harnesses this power to swiftly teleport, relentlessly pursuing lightning bolts in a dance of chaos.
The storm rider’s erratic behavior poses a threat to those unfortunate enough to be ensnared by its storm. Quick to perceive threats, it may strike without warning, leaving no room for negotiation.
Though the presence of storm riders is rare, their lore is woven into the tales shared among sailors and coastal communities: being blamed for storm damage and mothers cautioning their children against growing too tall, lest they be struck by a storm rider’s lightning. These cautionary tales, however, only scratch the surface of the true destructive potential harbored by a storm with a rider, as little evidence remains in the wake of their passage.
Storm Rider
Medium Elemental, Typically Chaotic Neutral
Armor Class 14
Hit Points 112 (15d8 + 45)
Speed 30 ft., fly 90 ft. (hover)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (+4) | 19 (+4) | 16 (+3) | 9 (-1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
Saving Throws Dex +9, Con +7, Wis +6
Damage Resistances cold, thunder; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities lightning, poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, paralyzed, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Auran
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +3
Death Burst. When the storm rider dies, it explodes in a burst of electricity. Each creature within 10 feet of it must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 13 (3d8) lightning damage and has the stunned condition until the end of its next turn. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage only.
Actions
Multiattack. The storm rider makes three Claw attacks.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage plus 9 (2d8) lightning damage.
Blink Bolt (Recharge 4–6). The storm rider teleports 60 feet to an unoccupied space it can see and uses one of the following:
- Shocking Hold. The storm rider attempts to grab a Medium or smaller creature and discharge lightning into it. The target must make a DC 15 Strength saving throw. On a failed save, the target takes 36 (8d8) lightning damage and has the grappled (escape DC 15) condition. Until this grapple ends, the target has the restrained condition. On a successful save, the target takes half as much damage only.
- Lightning Burst. Lightning erupts from the storm rider. Each creature within 30 feet of the storm rider must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Downloads
Further Reading
You could have a quest for the fist of the elements that involved killing a storm rider.
Use elemental reflavoring for some additional minions.
Imagery created with Midjourney.
