Session 132 Prep

The Setting and Scene

Title: Echoes of Lyhnn
Location: Oakhaven and the surrounding mountain pass region.

Recapping the Tale

Previous Session

While investigating a secretive caravan in Oakhaven, the party experienced strange phenomena and discovered a magically warded wagon and a locked warehouse. Aldran, a barbarian, felt a strange connection to the local Frost Barbarian presence. The party is unaware they are 1200 years in the past or that Lexana Brightshore, whom they killed in their own time, was an agent of the ancient Suel Empire (Empire of Lyhnn). They were originally tasked with meeting a spy in Coregilia to uncover a threat connected to Lexana and the Frost Barbarians.

Scene Overview

Scene 1: Investigating clues related to the caravan, the warehouse, and Aldran's connection to the Frost Barbarians. Scene 2: Discovering information linking the current events to their original mission in Coregilia and the Empire of Lyhnn. Scene 3: Deciding on a course of action based on these revelations.

Setting Details

The village of Oakhaven is a small, isolated settlement with a palpable sense of secrecy. A biting wind and light snow persist. The architecture hints at a forgotten past. The presence of the heavily guarded caravan and the nervous villagers creates an atmosphere of tension.

Notable Personages

Key NPCs

Borin, Proprietor of The Crag and Kettle Medium Humanoid (Halfling), Neutral Good Armor Class 12 (leather armor, under his apron) (natural armor) Hit Points 44 (8d8 + 8) Speed 25 ft. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 10 (0) 13 (+1) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 15 (+2) Saving Throws Wis +5, Cha +4 Skills Insight +5, Investigation +4, Persuasion +4, Performance +4, Cooking +6, Storytelling +6 Damage Vulnerabilities — Damage Resistances — Senses Passive Perception 16 Languages Common, Halfling, Elvish Challenge 2 (450 XP) **Master of Gossip.** Borin has advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks made to gather rumors or information. **Indentured Servitude.** Borin is bound by a powerful vow (or magical contract) and must obey the lawful commands of his master, making him reluctant to act openly against local authorities. Actions Dagger.** Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) piercing damage. **Inspiring Tale (1/Day).** Borin tells a quick tale of courage. One creature he can see within 30 ft. gains advantage on its next attack roll or saving throw. Roleplaying Notes 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. 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 inherited the tavern from his family but fell into heavy debt and is now forced to run it for a shady noble or organization. He dreams of buying his freedom. Equipment Clean apron, tankard, a pouch of coins (his small allowance), a worn book of local tales.

Creature Image Borin, Proprietor of The Crag and Kettle

Merchant of Lhynn Caravan Guard Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral Armor Class 16 (Chain Shirt, Shield) (natural armor) Hit Points 84 (12d8 + 24) Speed 30 ft. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (0) 11 (0) 10 (0) Saving Throws Str +5, Con +4 Skills Athletics +5, Perception +2 Damage Vulnerabilities — Damage Resistances — Damage Immunities None Senses Passive Perception 12 Languages Common Challenge 4 (1100 XP) **Distracted Duty.** The Caravan Veteran has disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks made to spot threats that are not immediately obvious or are more than 30 feet away. **Veteran Resilience.** The Veteran has advantage on saving throws against effects that would exhaust him. Actions Multiattack.** The Caravan Veteran makes three attacks with its Spear. **Spear.** Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage. Reactions Shield Bash.** When a creature the Veteran can see misses them with a melee attack, the Veteran can use its reaction to attempt to shove the creature, which must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be pushed 5 feet away and knocked prone. Roleplaying Notes Monotone and uninterested. Answers questions curtly and avoids unnecessary conversation. He is easily distracted and lacks initiative. He can be swayed with a bit of flattery or a convincing argument that doesn't contradict direct orders. Additional Info Appearance Young human man in practical leather armor with a chain shirt underneath. Carries a shield and a spear. Looks somewhat bored and underpaid. Voice/Mannerisms Monotone and uninterested. Bond His employment with the Merchant Guild of Lhynn. Ideal Duty. Believes in following orders, even if he doesn't understand the reasons. Flaw Easily distracted and lacks initiative. Can be swayed with a bit of flattery. Info One of the veteran guards hired to protect the caravan's cargo. Not particularly invested in the secrets of the shipment, only his paycheck. Equipment Chain shirt, shield, spear, belt pouch with a few silver pieces.

Merchant of Lhynn Caravan Guard

Elderly Woman (unnamed)

Frost Barbarian Scout Medium Humanoid (Human), Chaotic Neutral Armor Class 13 (Hide Armor) (natural armor) Hit Points 19 (3d8 + 6) Speed 30 ft. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 9 (-1) 11 (0) 10 (0) Saving Throws — Skills Athletics +4, Perception +2, Survival +2 Damage Vulnerabilities — Damage Resistances Cold (from furs and hardiness) Damage Immunities — Senses Passive Perception 12 Languages Common, Giant Challenge 1/2 (100 XP) **Reckless Attack.** When the scout makes its first attack on a turn, it can decide to make it with advantage. If it does so, attack rolls against it have advantage until the start of its next turn. **Brave.** The scout has advantage on saving throws against being frightened. Actions Multiattack.** The scout makes two attacks: one with its spear and one with its longbow. **Spear.** Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage, or 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage if used with two hands to make a melee attack. **Longbow.** Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage. Roleplaying Notes As a scout, he is a primary information gatherer for his tribe. He will typically avoid direct confrontation unless cornered or ordered to engage, preferring to observe and report. If forced into battle, he fights with savage intensity. 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 (Giant). 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. He is the eyes and ears of the Chieftain. Equipment Hide armor, longbow with 20 arrows, spear, fur cloak.

Frost Barbarian Scout

• Potential New NPC: An antiquarian or knowledgeable villager.

The Player's Path

Player Goals

Unravel the mystery of the Oakhaven caravan, understand its connection to the Frost Barbarians, and potentially discover how this situation relates to their original mission concerning Lexana and the threat in Coregilia.

The Adventure Unfolds

Adventure Hooks

• Aldran's Recognition: Strange familiarity with Frost Barbarian customs or individuals.

   * The Anachronistic Object: Discovery of an item that doesn't belong in this era.
   * The Elder's Prophecy: Encountering an elder with cryptic warnings about outsiders and a serpent.
   * The Spy's Echo: Finding a hidden message meant for the Coregilia contact.
   * A Shared Contact: Meeting someone who knows about the spy or the Empire of Lyhnn.
   * Lexana's Mark: Discovering a symbol associated with the Empire of Lyhnn.

Key Events

• The party's arrival in Oakhaven and observation of the caravan.

   * Investigation of the warehouse and encounter with the elderly woman.
   * Aldran's potential recognition of Frost Barbarian elements.
   * Discovery of clues related to the Empire of Lyhnn and the Coregilia mission.

Planned Events

• **Investigation:** Players explore Oakhaven, the warehouse, and potentially interact with villagers or observe the caravan more closely, looking for the planted hooks.

   * **Revelation:** Through one or more of the hooks, the party uncovers information linking the Merchant Guild's activities to the ancient Empire of Lyhnn and the threat they were meant to investigate in Coregilia.
   * **Decision:** The party decides how to proceed, given this new understanding of the situation and their temporal displacement (which they may or may not fully grasp).

Perils and Rewards

Challenges

• Social encounters: Overcoming the villagers' secrecy, interrogating guards, or gaining the trust of a knowledgeable NPC.

   * Investigation: Finding hidden clues and deciphering any codes or unfamiliar languages.
   * Potential combat: If they are caught snooping or if they encounter hostile Frost Barbarians or Merchant Guild members.

Clues and Info

• Frost Barbarian markings or customs familiar to Aldran.

   * Anachronistic objects found among the caravan's goods or in Oakhaven.
   * Prophetic warnings from an elder.
   * A hidden message mentioning Coregilia and the Empire of Lyhnn.
   * Testimony from an NPC about the spy or the ancient empire.
   * A distinctive symbol or mark associated with the Empire of Lyhnn.

Treasure and Rewards

Information about the Empire of Lyhnn, the Merchant Guild's motives in this era, and the connection to their original mission. Potentially ancient artifacts or unusual items from this time period.

Interludes and Shadows

Interludes

A moment where Aldran shares his growing unease or fragmented memories related to the Frost Barbarians. Durmen might examine any unusual objects or magical residues. Balmaris might have a significant dream or spiritual insight.

Potential Conflicts

• Conflict with the Merchant Guild and their guards.

   * Moral dilemmas about interfering with the past.
   * Disagreements within the party about their priorities (dealing with the immediate threat vs. trying to understand their temporal displacement).

DM's Guidance

Notes and Reminders

Emphasize Aldran's connection to the Frost Barbarians. Subtly hint at the temporal anomaly through anachronistic elements or prophetic warnings. Focus on revealing the link to the Empire of Lyhnn and their original mission.

Random Encounters

Use a table for a snowy village and surrounding wilderness, potentially including Frost Barbarian scouting parties or Merchant Guild patrols.

The Larger World

Story Arcs and Themes

Time travel and its consequences (even if not fully realized by the players yet), the cyclical nature of history, the legacy of ancient empires, the clash between past and future.

Mythic Elements

Lingering magical effects from the time portal, potential ancient Suel magic influencing the present.

The Next Chapter

Cliffhanger

The party makes a significant discovery that definitively links the Merchant Guild's actions in this past to the threat they were originally sent to Coregilia to investigate, potentially revealing the Empire of Lyhnn's long-term plans and setting up their next course of action in this earlier era.