Session 136 Prep

The Setting and Scene

Title: The Brigand's Respite
Location: A fortified brigand camp in the Frozen Wastes

Recapping the Tale

Previous Session

Echoes of the Fallen Giant

Scene Overview

Exhausted and wounded after a harrowing battle, the party stumbles upon a fortified brigand camp—their only hope for shelter from the brutal cold. They must navigate a dangerous social encounter with the fort's inhabitants and their leader while a mysterious pursuer is still on their trail.

Setting Details

A makeshift fortress built from salvaged lumber and reinforced with ice and snow. The fort is rough, populated by gruff and suspicious brigands, but it offers a temporary escape from the brutal cold and the pursuing scout.

Notable Personages

Key NPCs

Kaelen the Cold-Hearted

Caravan Guard Medium humanoid, Lawful Neutral Armor Class 10 (natural armor) Hit Points 10 (2d8) Speed 30 ft. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 10 (0) 11 (0) 10 (0) Saving Throws — Skills Perception +2 Damage Vulnerabilities — Damage Resistances — Damage Immunities None Senses Passive Perception 12 Languages Common Challenge 1/2 (10 XP) Actions 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. Answers questions curtly and avoids unnecessary conversation. Bond His employment with the Merchant Guild of Lynn. 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 or a convincing argument that doesn't contradict direct orders. Info One of the guards hired to protect the caravan's cargo. Not particularly invested in the secrets of the shipment. Equipment Chain shirt, shield, spear, belt pouch with a few silver pieces.

[[Category:Echos of Lhynn Campaign|Session 136 Prep]]

Brigand Enforcer Medium humanoid, Lawful Evil Armor Class 10 (natural armor) Hit Points 10 (2d8) Speed 30 ft. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 16 (+3) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (0) 11 (0) 12 (+1) Saving Throws — Skills Athletics +5, Perception +2 Damage Vulnerabilities — Damage Resistances — Senses Passive Perception 12 Languages Common Challenge 2 (450 XP) Actions Additional Info Appearance A disciplined-looking fighter wearing chain mail and carrying a sturdy shield. They are more composed than the thugs, and their gear is well-maintained, suggesting a sense of order. Voice/Mannerisms Cold and professional. They speak in a monotone and only when necessary, often giving curt commands to the thugs. Bond Their bond is to the chain of command. They see Janein as a competent leader and a source of stability in the chaos. Ideal Efficiency. They believe in following orders and getting the job done without unnecessary fuss or emotion. Flaw They are not creative. They follow orders to the letter and are not good at adapting to unexpected situations. Info The enforcers are the core of Janein's forces, acting as guards and sergeants. They are more disciplined than the thugs and will hold their ground in a fight. Equipment Chain shirt, shield, longsword, heavy crossbow

Brigand Thug Medium Humanoid (any race), Chaotic Evil Armor Class 15 (studded leather) (natural armor) Hit Points 65 (10d8 + 20) Speed 30 ft. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 17 (+3) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (0) 10 (0) 11 (0) Saving Throws Str +5, Con +4 Skills Athletics +5, Intimidation +2 Damage Vulnerabilities — Damage Resistances — Senses Passive Perception 10 Languages Common Challenge 2 (450 XP) **Aggressive.** As a bonus action, the thug can move up to its speed toward a hostile creature that it can see. **Brute.** A melee weapon attack deals one extra die of its damage when the thug hits with it (included below). Actions Multiattack.** The thug makes two greataxe attacks. **Greataxe.** Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d12 + 4) slashing damage. Roleplaying Notes The rank-and-file of the fort. These thugs are simple muscle used to intimidate others and do the dirty work. They are dangerous in a group but easily dispatched alone. This particular thug is a veteran enforcer, much tougher and more reckless than his peers. Additional Info Appearance A scruffy and unkempt brigand in worn leather armor, with a haggard expression. Their gear is mismatched and poorly maintained, a reflection of their desperate existence. They carry a massive, scarred greataxe. Voice/Mannerisms Gruff and sneering, they speak with a rough dialect and often use threats or curses in their speech. Bond Their loyalty is to whoever is paying or protecting them. They serve Janein out of fear and pragmatism. Ideal Survival. They believe in looking out for themselves above all else and have little loyalty. Flaw They are cowards at heart and will flee if a fight turns against them. Info The rank-and-file of the fort. These thugs are simple muscle used to intimidate others and do the dirty work. They are dangerous in a group but easily dispatched alone. Equipment Studded leather armor, greataxe.

Brigand Veteran Medium Humanoid (any race), Neutral Armor Class 17 (splint armor) (natural armor) Hit Points 97 (13d8 + 39) Speed 30 ft. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 18 (+4) 13 (+1) 18 (+4) 10 (0) 12 (+1) 10 (0) Saving Throws Str +7, Con +7 Skills Athletics +7, Perception +4 Damage Vulnerabilities — Damage Resistances — Condition Immunities — Senses Passive Perception 14 Languages Common Challenge 5 (1800 XP) **Second Wind (1/Short or Long Rest).** As a bonus action, the veteran can regain 1d10 + 5 Hit Points. **Brutal Tactics.** When the veteran hits a creature with a melee weapon attack, the target takes an extra 3 (1d6) damage if one of the veteran's allies is within 5 feet of the target and the ally isn't incapacitated. Actions Multiattack.** The veteran makes two greatsword attacks. **Greatsword.** Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage. **Shortsword.** Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage. Reactions Parry.** The veteran adds 3 to its AC against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the veteran must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon. Roleplaying Notes These are the most experienced fighters in the fort, often leading the lesser thugs. They are dangerous in a fight due to their years of experience and tactical knowledge. They prioritize positioning, cover, and neutralizing the most dangerous threats first. Additional Info Appearance A grizzled, older fighter with numerous scars on their face and hands. Their armor is practical and worn, and they carry multiple weapons, showing their experience. Voice/Mannerisms Gruff and weary, with a hint of a past life of greater purpose. They speak with a low growl and are often cynical. Bond Their bond is to their own survival and the promise of a safe place to die. They serve Janein out of pragmatism, not loyalty. Ideal To live to see another sunrise. They've seen enough combat to know the value of their own life and will take no unnecessary risks. Flaw They are cynical and jaded, believing that all people are motivated by greed and self-preservation. Info The veteran carries a small lockbox containing the meager wages for the thugs under their command, offering an immediate reward. Equipment Splint armor, greatsword, shortsword, 1d6 days of rations, a pouch containing 50 gp in mixed coinage.

Creature Image Brigand Veteran

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

Armor Class 16 (composite plating, natural armor) Hit Points 78 (12d8 + 24) Speed 30 ft. STR 11 (+0) DEX 18 (+4) CON 14 (+2) INT 13 (+1) WIS 11 (+0) CHA 10 (+0) Saving Throws Dex +7, Int +4 Skills Acrobatics +7, Deception +3, Stealth +10 Damage Immunities poison Condition Immunities charmed, disease, exhaustion, frightened, poisoned Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 Languages Common, one other language Challenge 8 (3,900 XP) Integrated Camouflage. The Warforged Infiltrator has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks while in dim light or darkness.

Assassinate. During its first turn, the Warforged Infiltrator has advantage on attack rolls against any creature that hasn't taken a turn yet. Any hit the infiltrator scores against a surprised creature is a critical hit.

Evasion. If the Warforged Infiltrator is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails.

Sneak Attack (1/Turn). The Warforged Infiltrator deals an extra 17 (5d6) damage when it hits a target with a weapon attack and has advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is within 5 feet of an ally of the infiltrator that isn't incapacitated and the infiltrator doesn't have disadvantage on the attack roll.

Actions

Multiattack. The Warforged Infiltrator makes two integrated blade attacks.

Integrated Blade. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 24 (7d6) poison damage. On a successful save, the target takes half as much damage.

Hand Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.

The Player's Path

Player Goals

Convince the brigands to allow them to rest and recover. Find a new lead on Lexana's whereabouts. Survive the night without being robbed or betrayed.

The Adventure Unfolds

Adventure Hooks

The party's dire state makes the brigand fort a desperate, yet necessary, option. A captive in the fort knows about Lexana and can provide a new lead in exchange for their freedom.

Key Events

A tense negotiation with the brigand leader for sanctuary. A stealth mission to find and speak with a captive. A potential ambush by the pursuing scout, forcing the party and brigands into an uneasy alliance.

Planned Events

The party will need to use their social skills to avoid conflict. A difficult moral choice may arise regarding a captive. The pursuer's arrival will change the dynamic of the fort.

Perils and Rewards

Challenges

The brigands are a dangerous and unpredictable force. The party's exhaustion makes a fight very risky. The pursuer's presence creates a constant sense of dread.

Clues and Info

A captive has a locket or a coded journal that belonged to Lexana. The brigand leader reveals that they have been hired to look for someone fitting Lexana's description.

Treasure and Rewards

Access to supplies and shelter. Information from a captive. The chance to form a temporary, uneasy alliance with the brigands.

Interludes and Shadows

Interludes

A brief, tense negotiation with the brigand leader in a rough-hewn common room. A quiet moment where the party can discuss their next move and their feelings about relying on brigands.

Potential Conflicts

The brigands may attempt to rob the party or betray them to their pursuer for a higher price. The party may need to fight both the brigands and the scout if negotiations fail.

DM's Guidance

Notes and Reminders

Emphasize the moral ambiguity of relying on a group of brigands. Use the fort's rough atmosphere to build tension. The scout is a patient hunter and will wait for the right moment to strike.

Random Encounters

A drunken brawl breaks out among the brigands. A snowstorm rages outside, making escape or pursuit more difficult.

The Larger World

Story Arcs and Themes

The moral gray areas of survival, finding allies in unexpected places, and the cost of desperation.

Mythic Elements

The terrifying efficiency of the pursuing scout. The whispers of the Ice Devil's summoning magic may be heard within the fort, hinting at a larger conspiracy.

The Next Chapter

Cliffhanger

Just as the party begins to feel safe, the fort's lookout screams. The pursuing scout has arrived, but he is not alone. A larger force, sent to eliminate all witnesses, is closing in.<