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I thought I'd share 3 prophesies I have come up with for the adventure Oracle Cave, part of Secret of the Dragon Emperor. I am hoping to GM this group through Path of Glory as well later, so I want to take the opportunity now to foreshadow that story while still in the Misty Vale. So, the idea is to have Saak'shal, the oracle, impart the following to my players, if (big if) they don't go in swords swinging and antagonise her right away!

Feel free to use them, change them, or be inspired by them for other ideas.

I plan to print them out and give them to the players, similar to adventure cards.

Prophecy 1 (to a greedy dwarf in the group):

The dwarf kingdom behind the Gates of Power was destroyed long ago. Its ruins warn us about wanting too much power. Listen to the warning - because Sathmog's heart still beats in this world!

Prophecy 2 (to a PC who dislikes skeletons/wights):

Beyond Heaven's Rim - in the Eastern Lands - a powerful force is growing. It controls an army of undead that never sleeps and never dies. A wave of darkness is coming to swallow the world!

Prophecy 3 (to a nature loving PC + my players have not played Temple of the Purple Flame yet):

A sickness is spreading - killing the trees and leaving only a Dead Forest behind. What the curse takes, leaks back as demonic energy into the Misty Vale. This dark energy is twisting and changing the Magna Woods!

I hope that is helpful to someone.

*SPOILER* if you're planning to play Secret of the Dragon Emperor


Below are selected excerpts from a research diary that my players can find in Cato the Curious' tower in Village of the Day Before, at one of the lower levels of the tower. This ties that adventure to that of Temple of the Purple Flame, whether the players have been there before or not. It also gives a clue to what is actually happening in Blackridge.

Feel free to use, change, be inspired yourselves. Feedback or comments welcome.

Ledger of Inquiry / Kato the Curious

Day 3941
I'm the Emperor's most trusted advisor, but his constant demands are wearing me down. He's over a hundred years old now. He will start to grow frailer soon. I spend countless nights searching for more ways to extend his life, to help him cheat death itself. But what thanks do I get for my dedication? None. The injustice of it all fills me with rage.

Day 3947
Today I discovered information about something intriguing: the Temple of the Purple Flame, Korash-Bal. It's an ancient site that predates Emperor Eledain's reign. Rumors speak of its connection to otherworldly powers - specifically to Sathmog, our ancient adversary.
I know the Emperor would disapprove. He puts all his faith in our alliance with the dragons. But perhaps there are greater sources of magic we've ignored. Maybe it's time I sought power for myself, rather than merely serving as the Emperor's tool.

Day 3973
I've reached Korash-Bal. Within the temple lies a gateway to Sathmog's realm. The very air here feels charged with strange energy.
The Emperor's loyalists condemn this place as evil, but they're wrong! I've found a bone mask that offers protection. The power here is overwhelming. With it, I might finally unlock the secret to the Emperor's immortality... or perhaps achieve something far greater.

Day 3979
I opened the gateway.
Beyond it, I met a being called Ix, a creature of immense power from another realm. Unlike the Emperor, who treats me as nothing more than a servant, Ix shows me respect.
Ix revealed a shocking truth: Sathmog still lives. This changes everything. The Emperor, obsessed with his dragons, could never understand. I've made my choice. I will sign a pact with Ix - and gain immortality!