Session 134 Prep

The Setting and Scene

Title: Oakhaven's Crossroads
Location: Oakhaven and the start of the North Road leading into the treacherous mountainous wilderness.

Recapping the Tale

Previous Session

The party concluded an eventful morning in Oakhaven. After resting at The Crag and Kettle, they secured horses and a wagon from Berrick at the Iron Hoof Stables, noting the merchant guild markings on the cart. Their stroll through town led them to the warded house of Elder Theron , who cryptically warned them about extra-planar beings. They then encountered Lei, a young woman eager for adventure, who expressed interest in Durmen and decided to join them as a cook. Aldran subsequently engaged in a brutal wrestling match with the hungover blacksmith Keelin, winning decisively, with Balmaris patching up the injured smith afterwards. The session ended with the party deciding whether to take the north or south road out of Oakhaven, having learned Lexana Brightshores is alive and has brought the book to this region, though her exact whereabouts remain unknown.

Scene Overview

Scene 1: The party makes their final decision on the North or South road and departs Oakhaven. Scene 2: Travel along the chosen road, encountering initial signs of the Frost Barbarian threat. Scene 3: A more significant encounter or discovery on the road that directly involves the Frost Barbarians and deepens the mystery of Lexana or the region.

Setting Details

Oakhaven is a small, isolated village. The chosen North Road winds through increasingly rugged terrain, blanketed in snow and ice. This path is known for its harsh weather and hidden dangers, made more perilous by recent Frost Barbarian raids on passing caravans, which explains the earlier intent for night travel. The oppressive cold and signs of recent conflict create an atmosphere of constant vigilance.

Notable Personages

Key NPCs

Proprietor of The Crag and Kettle Medium humanoid, Neutral Good Armor Class 10 Hit Points 10 Speed 30 ft. STR 10 (0) DEX 10 (0) CON 10 (0) INT 10 (0) WIS 10 (0) CHA 10 (0) Saving Throws — Skills Persuasion +5, Insight +4, Cooking +5, Storytelling +5 Damage Vulnerabilities — Damage Resistances — Damage Immunities Condition Immunities — Senses Passive Perception 15 Languages Common, Halfling Challenge 1 (10) Actions --- Additional Info Appearance Plump build, rosy cheeks, bright blue eyes, curly brown hair. Wears a clean apron, despite the general wear of his clothing, and a forced friendly smile. Voice/Mannerisms Speaks in a cheerful, talkative tone, often punctuating his sentences with laughter, but with a hint of underlying sadness and fear. (A youthful irishman accent) Bond His daughter, Leia, and his tavern, his only sources of comfort. Ideal Hospitality and community, as a means of finding joy within his servitude. Flaw Cautious and reluctant to get involved in dangerous situations, fearing reprisal. Info Borin is a valuable source of information, but the PCs must gain his trust, a difficult task given his indentured status. His tavern is a hub of village activity, and he has a good ear for gossip, but is afraid to share too much. Equipment Clean apron, tankard, a pouch of coins (his small allowance), a worn book of local tales.

Creature Image Proprietor of The Crag and Kettle

Stablemaster of the Iron Hoof Medium humanoid, Lawful Neutral Armor Class 10 Hit Points 10 Speed 30 ft. STR 10 (0) DEX 10 (0) CON 10 (0) INT 10 (0) WIS 10 (0) CHA 10 (0) Saving Throws — Skills Athletics +5, Animal Handling +3, Intimidation +1 Damage Vulnerabilities — Damage Resistances — Damage Immunities Condition Immunities — Senses Passive Perception 12 Languages Common Challenge 2 (10) Actions --- Additional Info Appearance Heavily muscled, gruff face with a permanent scowl, short-cropped brown hair. Wears leather armor, showing signs of wear and repair. Carries a whip. Voice/Mannerisms Speaks in short, harsh sentences, often punctuated with grunts and curses, a constant undercurrent of frustration in his tone. Bond The Merchants Guild, his only means of survival. Ideal Loyalty and obedience, within the rigid structure of his indentured servitude. Flaw Quick to anger and prone to violence, exacerbated by his feeling of being trapped. Info Berrick is a formidable opponent and a loyal servant of the Guild, his loyalty enforced by his indentured status. His knowledge of the transport routes and the Guild's network is extensive. He is unlikely to cooperate willingly, and may be violently defensive of his masters. Equipment Leather armor, whip, set of stable keys, a pouch of gold coins (from his meager allowance).

Stablemaster of the Iron Hoof

Elder Theron Medium humanoid (human), Neutral Evil Armor Class 16 (natural armor) Hit Points 40 (9d6 + 9) Speed 30 ft. STR 11 (0) DEX 13 (1) CON 14 (2) INT 18 (4) WIS 15 (2) CHA 13 (1) Saving Throws Con +5, Int +7 Skills Arcana +7, History +7, Insight +6, Medicine +6 Damage Vulnerabilities — Damage Resistances — Damage Immunities — Condition Immunities — Senses Passive Perception 16 Languages Common, Ancient Tongues Challenge 13 (10,000) Spellcasting.*** Elder Theron is a 9th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following sorcerer spells: Cantrips (at will): *fire bolt, light, mage hand, prestidigitation* 1st level (4 slots): *detect magic, mage armor, magic missile, shield* 2nd level (3 slots): *invisibility, misty step* 3rd level (3 slots): *counterspell, fireball* 4th level (1 slot): *polymorph* Aura of Despair.*** When a creature hostile to Theron starts its turn within 30 feet of him, it must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature's speed is halved until the start of its next turn. Warforged Creation.*** Elder Theron has the ability to create warforged. Over the course of 10 days, he can create a single Warforged Soldier in his lair by expending 500 gold pieces worth of raw materials. This ability can be used once per month. Actions Dagger.*** *Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack:* +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. *Hit:* 4 (1d4 + 1) piercing damage. Mind Twist.*** Elder Theron targets one creature he can see within 60 feet of him. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Intelligence saving throw or take 14 (3d6 + 4) psychic damage and become incapacitated until the end of its next turn. Roleplaying Notes Theron is a reclusive sage who roams the land, searching for ancient lore and lost knowledge. He speaks in riddles and cryptic phrases, often pausing for long periods of silence, creating an air of detached wisdom and sorrow. His detachment is a form of self-preservation due to his indentured status, a bond tied to ancient lore and the fate of Oakhaven. Theron is a powerful ally, but his cryptic nature makes him difficult to understand. His knowledge of ancient prophecies may be the key to breaking the servitude that binds the village. He carries a worn grimoire, a staff of twisted wood, and a collection of rare herbs and crystals. He also has a hidden key to a secret library. Lair Actions On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Elder Theron can take one of the following lair actions; he can’t use the same lair action two rounds in a row: **Gate in Warforged.** Elder Theron magically summons a Warforged Soldier to an unoccupied space he can see within his lair. The soldier acts immediately on its own turn, then returns to its home plane after 1 minute. **Warp Reality.** Elder Theron twists the reality within his lair. A creature he can see within 60 feet must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes 10 (3d6) psychic damage and can't take reactions until the start of its next turn. --- Additional Info Appearance — Voice/Mannerisms — Bond — Ideal — Flaw — Info — Equipment === Special Equipment === The Grimoire of Broken Souls.*** A worn and ancient book bound in what feels like petrified hide. It contains his known spells, along with arcane schematics and forbidden rituals for binding fragments of souls into constructs. Staff of Ethereal Command.*** His staff of twisted wood is a magical conduit. When he commands his warforged, the staff's wood grain glows with faint, purplish light, seeming to ripple with psychic energy. Ring of Mind Shielding.*** A simple, unadorned silver band. This item prevents anyone from reading his thoughts or scrying his location, reflecting his reclusive and secretive nature. Amulet of Arcane Resonance.*** A smooth, black obsidian stone on a leather cord. It hums with latent power, acting as a potent spell focus that can amplify his magical abilities, but it feels cold to the touch. The Master Key.*** A strange, crystalline key that shimmers with internal light and changes color slightly with his mood. It is the key to his secret library, and it's also a magical component for his most powerful creations. Vials of Star-Forged Essence.*** Small glass vials containing a shimmering, silver liquid that glows faintly. This rare, purified fluid is a core component used to give his warforged sentience and a soul-like essence. Worn Calligraphy Set.*** A set of well-used quills and brushes, along with several bottles of exotic, multicolored inks. He uses these to transcribe ancient lore and update his grimoire.

Leia, Aspiring Adventurer & Gourmand Medium humanoid, Chaotic Good Armor Class 10 Hit Points 10 Speed 30 ft. STR 10 (0) DEX 10 (0) CON 10 (0) INT 10 (0) WIS 10 (0) CHA 10 (0) Saving Throws — Skills Persuasion +5, Insight +4, Perception +4, Stealth +4, Sleight of Hand +4, Performance +5 Damage Vulnerabilities — Damage Resistances — Damage Immunities Condition Immunities — Senses Passive Perception 14 Languages Common, Halfling Challenge 1 (10) Actions --- Additional Info Appearance Eighteen years old, slender build, bright, open face, sparkling, inquisitive eyes. Dark, often slightly disheveled hair, typically tied back loosely. Nimble build. Wears practical clothes, always has a small dagger at her hip. Voice/Mannerisms Light and melodic, eager enthusiasm, especially when discussing books or heroism. Playful, slightly teasing manner. Bond The thrill of the unknown, and a desire to prove herself. Ideal Grand adventure, intellectual stimulation, and the perfect recipe. Flaw Impulsive, sometimes reckless in her pursuit of excitement, and can be overly trusting. Info A spirited and literature-loving young woman from Oakhaven, Leia is an aspiring adventurer (a **4th-level Bard** and **2nd-level Thief**) with a keen eye for intellectual pursuits and a heart set on excitement. She possesses a natural charm, a burgeoning talent for cooking, and a surprisingly quick wit. Equipment A small dagger, a lute, a set of cook's utensils, a well-worn book of ballads and tales.

Leia, Aspiring Adventurer & Gourmand

Keelin

Frost Barbarian Scout Medium humanoid, Chaotic Neutral Armor Class 10 Hit Points 10 Speed 30 ft. STR 15 (2) DEX 14 (2) CON 14 (2) INT 9 (-1) WIS 11 (0) CHA 10 (0) Saving Throws — Skills Athletics +4, Survival +2 Damage Vulnerabilities — Damage Resistances — Damage Immunities None Condition Immunities — Senses Passive Perception 10 Languages Common, Barbarian Tribal Language Challenge 1/2 (10) Actions --- Additional Info Appearance Lean and hardy human with wind-chapped skin and piercing blue eyes. Wears practical furs and carries a bow and spear. Tribal tattoos adorn his arms and face. Voice/Mannerisms Speaks in a guttural dialect of Common mixed with his tribal tongue. Direct and wary of outsiders. Bond His tribe and the traditions of his people. Ideal Survival. The strong endure, and the weak perish. Loyalty to his tribe. Flaw Fiercely independent and distrustful of outsiders. Can be quick to anger. Info A scout for a nearby Frost Barbarian tribe, potentially encountered in the wilderness or observing Oakhaven. Equipment Hide armor, longbow with 20 arrows, spear, fur cloak.

Frost Barbarian Scout

The Player's Path

Player Goals

Choose a travel direction. Locate Lexana Brightshores and the mysterious book. Understand the strange events in Oakhaven and the heightened threat from the Frost Barbarians, and their connection to the wider mystery.

The Adventure Unfolds

Adventure Hooks

The Unsettling Tracks:

Along the North Road, the party finds tracks (humanoid, wagon, or beast) that are unusually fresh despite harsh weather, or show signs of heavy loads, pointing towards unusual traffic. Durmen might discern magical residue or Balmaris might notice strange omens related to the nature of those who passed. These tracks could specifically be Frost Barbarian boot prints or sled tracks.

Whispers on the Wind:

As they travel deeper into the mountains along the North Road, strange, faint whispers or distant, non-natural sounds can be heard on the wind, particularly unsettling to the wizard or cleric. These could be remnants of extra-planar energies Elder Theron warned about, or even faint echoes of barbarian war cries or dark rituals.

Leia's Local Lore:

Leia, having grown up in Oakhaven, might possess fragmented local legends or childhood tales about specific locations or unusual phenomena along the North Road that now seem eerily relevant to the party's current predicament or the mystery of Lexana. These could include tales of barbarian raiding parties or hidden passes they use.

Key Events

Departure from Oakhaven, taking the North Road (assumed direction based on prior session). Encountering unusual signs or phenomena along the North Road (e.g., unsettling tracks, strange sounds) that hint at Frost Barbarian presence. The first significant challenge or discovery directly on the road, likely involving the barbarians.

Planned Events

Departure: The party makes their final preparations and sets off on the North Road with their new wagon and horses. Road Encounter: They encounter the first "hook" (e.g., unusual tracks or whispers), prompting investigation and discussion, strongly hinting at Frost Barbarian activity. Further Clue/Confrontation: A more substantial discovery, like an abandoned campsite recently used by barbarians, or a direct (but possibly brief) confrontation with a Frost Barbarian scouting party.

Perils and Rewards

Challenges

Navigation through potentially difficult snowy terrain. Identifying and understanding subtle clues related to the barbarian presence. Direct combat or stealth encounters with Frost Barbarians. Dealing with Leia's inexperience as an adventurer.

Clues and Info

Confirmation that Lexana and the book passed through this region. The meaning of Elder Theron 's wards (extra-planar beings, prohibitions). The origin/purpose of the merchant guild wagons seen at the stables, and their connection to the barbarian raids. Any specific magical residue left by Lexana or the book. Leia's practical skills as a cook, and her limited local knowledge. Evidence of Frost Barbarian movements, targets, or supplies.

Treasure and Rewards

Information about Lexana's trail, potentially a minor useful item found along the road (e.g., well-made cold-weather gear, a small pouch of rare herbs). Potentially barbarian artifacts or maps indicating their territories/raiding paths.

Interludes and Shadows

Interludes

Lei attempting to cook a meal over a campfire, perhaps with comical results or surprising success. A moment where the party discusses their feelings about their forced journey into the past. Durmen trying to explain Elder Theron 's warnings about planar energies to the others. Aldran recalling a fragmented memory or feeling a strong pull related to the Frost Barbarians.

Potential Conflicts

Environmental challenges (weather, rough terrain slowing travel). Disagreements within the party about how to interpret clues or proceed. Lei's inexperience inadvertently causing a minor problem. Direct conflict with Frost Barbarians.

DM's Guidance

Notes and Reminders

Reinforce the temporal displacement subtly. Emphasize that the "book" is key to understanding Lexana's actions. Use the ruggedness of the North Road to create a sense of isolation and the constant threat of the Frost Barbarians. Keep the focus on gathering information about Lexana's trail and the barbarian's role.

Random Encounters

Small packs of wolves or dire wolves. Frost Barbarian scouting party (wary, but potentially hostile). A minor natural hazard (e.g., rockslide, hidden crevasse). Encounter Table: Oakhaven Region Weather Table: Oakhaven Region

The Larger World

Story Arcs and Themes

The arduous journey, following faint trails, unraveling fragmented history, the burden of knowledge (knowing Lexana's ultimate fate), the encroaching threat of the Frost Barbarians.

Mythic Elements

The lingering presence of extra-planar energies, strange omens in the wilderness, the ancient nature of the mountains. The primal power or mystical connection of the Frost Barbarians.

The Next Chapter

Cliffhanger

The party comes upon a recently raided caravan or isolated homestead, finding not only signs of devastating Frost Barbarian attack but also a distinctive clue left by Lexana Brightshores herself – perhaps a discarded item, a magical signature, or a message confirming her direct involvement with the barbarians, heading towards a specific, dangerous barbarian stronghold or ritual site deeper in the mountains.