Editing Session 132 Prep

{{Session Prep
| campaign = Mountain Pass Mysteries
| session_title = Whispers in the Night
| previous_session = While investigating strange occurrences on a mountain pass, the party stumbles upon a secretive caravan and the nervous locals connected to it. Mourn faced a shadowy entity in the temple. The rest of the party experienced strange sensory phenomena on their descent. They arrived in Oakhaven to find a guarded caravan preparing to depart and discovered a magically warded wagon and a locked warehouse with a nervous elderly woman inside.
| location = Oakhaven, a small village nestled near a mountain pass.
| scene_overview = Scene 1: Observing the midnight caravan arrival (if it occurs). Scene 2: Investigating the elderly woman and the warehouse. Scene 3: Following the tracks of the northbound wagon (if chosen).
| setting_details = The village of Oakhaven appears old but strangely well-maintained. A biting wind and light snow persist. The tavern, "The Crag and Kettle," is the most prominent building. Most villagers seem wary and tight-lipped.
| key_npcs =
    * Borin: Burly tavern keeper, suspicious but ultimately accommodating. Knows about the merchant guild and the caravans.
    * Guard (unnamed): Bored guard overseeing the initial caravan loading. Nervous around those resembling local tribespeople.
    * Elderly Woman (unnamed): Nervous woman found in the warehouse. Seems fearful and possibly hiding something.
| player_goals = Uncover the secrets of the secretive caravan, the nature of their cargo, and the reasons for the villagers' unease.
| hooks =
    * The Midnight Rendezvous: Observe the arrival of the second caravan.
    * The Elder's Plea: Investigate the nervous elderly woman in the warehouse.
    * Tracking the Northern Trail: Follow the tracks of the first departing wagon.
| key_events =
    * Mourn's encounter with the shadowy entity in the temple.
    * The party's unsettling sensory experiences on the mountain path.
    * Observation of the guarded caravan preparing to leave Oakhaven.
    * Discovery of the magically warded wagon and locked warehouse.
    * Encounter with the nervous elderly woman in the warehouse.
| planned_events =
    * Depending on the chosen hook:
        * **Midnight Rendezvous:** The party observes the arrival of another caravan and any interactions that occur.
        * **The Elder's Plea:** The party attempts to speak with the elderly woman, potentially facing resistance or cryptic warnings.
        * **Tracking the Northern Trail:** The party follows the wagon tracks, possibly encountering environmental challenges or other travelers.
    * Potential for further investigation of the warehouse and its contents.
    * Possible interactions with Borin or other villagers for more information.
| challenges =
    * Social encounters requiring persuasion, intimidation, or insight checks.
    * Potential for combat if the party is discovered investigating or if they confront the caravan guards.
    * Tracking in the snow (if the northern trail is followed), requiring survival checks.
    * Overcoming the elderly woman's fear and reluctance to speak.
| clues_info =
    * The magical aura on the first wagon (transmutation and abjuration magic).
    * The nervous behavior of the guard and the elderly woman.
    * Borin's information about the Merchant Guild of Lynn and the South Wind Trading Company.
    * The cargo being transported in crates.
    * The ledgers in the warehouse (if accessible).
    * The northward direction of the first wagon's tracks.
| treasure_rewards = Potential for information, access to resources, or perhaps some of the caravan's goods depending on the chosen path and outcomes.
| interludes = A quiet moment in the tavern where the party can discuss their findings and plan their next steps. Perhaps they overhear snippets of conversation between villagers.
| potential_conflicts =
    * Confrontation with the Merchant Guild guards.
    * Hostility from wary villagers.
    * Moral dilemma regarding the potentially illicit nature of the cargo.
    * Conflict among the party regarding the best course of action.
| notes_reminders = Remember the sensory distortions experienced by the party on the mountain – they might be relevant later. The resemblance of Aldran to local tribespeople could be a recurring point of tension.
| random_encounters = Use a table for a snowy wilderness or small village setting.
| story_arcs_themes = Mystery, intrigue, the unknown dangers lurking in the mountains, the clash between civilization and the wilderness.
| mythic_elements = The shadowy entity in the temple and the strange sensory phenomena suggest a potential supernatural influence. The temporal energy hinted at by Balmaris could also be significant.
| cliffhanger = The session ends with the party making a significant discovery related to their chosen hook (e.g., witnessing a suspicious exchange during the midnight rendezvous, the elderly woman revealing a crucial piece of information, or the party encountering something unexpected while tracking the wagon).
}}