Session 131 Prep

The Setting and Scene

Title: Whispers of the Chronoguard
Location: The village of Oakhaven, a remote village and garrison in the far western shores of Oerik, 1200 years in the past.

Recapping the Tale

Previous Session

The party navigated Turgen's magical trials. They traveled through a magical doorway, believing it to be a pocket dimension, and arrived in a smoke-filled valley. They are unaware that they have traveled 1200 years into the past, to the far western shores of Oerik, via a Runestone Gate. They know Lexana is part of the Lyhnn Merchant Guild, but not the full extent of her involvement with the Lyhnn government.

Scene Overview

The party arrives in a smoke-filled valley, a small military garrison guarding an arms shipment. They must navigate tense interactions, investigate temporal anomalies, and uncover the truth behind the Lyhnn Merchant Guild's activities and the impending activation of the Runestone Gate. The atmosphere is thick with temporal distortion and the tension of imminent conflict.

Setting Details

• The valley is shrouded in a perpetual, thick smoke that distorts sounds and visuals.
• Buildings are constructed with a mix of familiar and archaic materials, showing temporal inconsistencies.
• The air crackles with faint temporal energy, causing objects to flicker and echo with ghostly whispers.
• The local villagers are subdued and fearful, caught between the garrison and the impending temporal assault.

Notable Personages

Key NPCs

• Torvin Stonefist: A stoic Lyhnn Chronoguard captain.
• Berrick: A hostile foreman overseeing the arms shipment.
• Kaelen: A secretive weaponsmith with a volatile workshop.
• Elara: A calculating ledger keeper with ties to the Lyhnn Merchant Guild.
• Borin: An evasive tavern owner.
• Leia: Borin's observant daughter.
• Elder Theron: A cryptic sage with prophetic insights.
• Pepe: A nervous villager.

The Player's Path

Player Goals

• Understand the temporal anomalies and their connection to the Runestone Gate.
• Uncover the purpose of the arms shipment and the Lyhnn Merchant Guild's involvement.
• Navigate the tense situation between the garrison and the villagers.
• Prevent the activation of the Runestone Gate and the impending temporal assault.

The Adventure Unfolds

Adventure Hooks

• The strange temporal anomalies and distorted sounds.
• The secretive behavior of the garrison and villagers.
• The crates marked with the Lyhnn Merchant Guild symbol.
• Elder Theron's cryptic prophecies.

Key Events

• The party arrives at the small garrison and observes the tense atmosphere.
• They encounter temporal anomalies and distorted sounds, indicating a shift in time.
• They investigate the arms shipment and find clues about its destination and purpose.
• They interact with key NPCs, gathering information and forming alliances.
• They realize the Runestone Gate's activation is imminent and the garrison is preparing for a temporal assault.

Planned Events

• "The Small Garrison": The party arrives and gathers information about the village and its inhabitants.
• "A Moment of Quiet": The party rests at the Crag and Kettle Tavern and observes the villagers.
• "The Stables": The party observes Berrick and his workers loading crates onto pack animals.
• "Kaelen's Workshop": The party investigates Kaelen's cottage and finds strange tools and weapon parts.
• "The Sage's Prophecy": The party seeks out Elder Theron for insights into the village's troubles.
• "Elara's Ledger": The party attempts to examine Elara's ledger for incriminating evidence.
• "Confrontation at the Stables": The party witnesses a secret meeting and decides whether to intervene.

Perils and Rewards

Challenges

• Navigating the tense interactions between the garrison and villagers.
• Investigating and understanding the temporal anomalies.
• Uncovering the secrets of the arms shipment and the Lyhnn Merchant Guild.
• Preventing the activation of the Runestone Gate.
• Confronting the Lyhnn Chronoguards.

Clues and Info

• Sounds in the Smoke: Rhythmic clang of smithing, echoing cries, archaic whispers, metallic hum.
• Sounds in the Wind: War drums, clanking armor, high-pitched tones, rustling banners.
• Temporal Anomalies: Buildings from a bygone era, flickering objects, ghostly echoes.
• Arms Shipment: Crates with Lyhnn Merchant Guild symbols, archaic weaponry, notes detailing destination and purpose.

Treasure and Rewards

• Information about the Runestone Gate and the Lyhnn Merchant Guild.
• Archaic weaponry and tools.
• Gold and other valuables from the garrison.
• Alliances with villagers or other NPCs.

Interludes and Shadows

Interludes

• "Temporal Echoes": Distorted sounds and whispers weave through the smoke and wind.
• "Temporal Anomalies": Buildings and objects from a bygone era flicker in and out of existence.

Potential Conflicts

• The party disagrees on how to approach the situation.
• The Lyhnn Chronoguards become hostile.
• Villagers are caught in the crossfire.
• Kaelen's workshop explodes, causing chaos.

DM's Guidance

Notes and Reminders

• Lyhnn Chronoguard Stat Block:

Lyhnn Chronoguard Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral Armor Class 18 (Temporal Plating, Shield) Hit Points 33 (6d8 + 6) Speed 30 ft. STR 15 (+2), DEX 13 (+1), CON 14 (+2), INT 11 (+0), WIS 12 (+1), CHA 10 (+0) Skills: Athletics +4, Perception +3, Arcana +2 Senses: Passive Perception 13 Languages: Common Challenge 2 (450 XP) Actions: Temporal Longsword: MeMelee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 2) slashing damage plus 2 (1d4) temporal damage. (Temporal damage causes brief disorientation.) Temporal Crossbow: Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 100/400 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d10 + 1) piercing damage plus 2 (1d4) temporal damage. Temporal Distortion (Recharge 5-6): the Chronoguard distorts the air around a target within 15ft. The target must make a DC 12 wisdom saving throw, or be stunned until the end of the Chronoguards next turn.

Random Encounters

d20:

• 1-10: A blizzard reduces visibility to near zero, requiring Survival checks to navigate. *
• 11-15: A pack of wolves, driven by hunger, attacks the party.
• 16-20: A lone traveler, injured and disoriented, seeks shelter and assistance.

The Larger World

Story Arcs and Themes

The manipulation of time, the consequences of unchecked power, the struggle between order and chaos, the weight of history.

Mythic Elements

The Runestone Gate, temporal anomalies, prophetic visions.

The Next Chapter

Cliffhanger

The gate's activation begins, unleashing a blinding flash of light and a shockwave. The surrounding environment distorts, and the sounds of a massive army marching grow deafening. The ground trembles, and the air crackles with temporal energy.