D&D 5E Wandering encounters in Breland, Korvaire, Eberron

[jgsugden]

Hey folks,

For you Eberron fans out there, what are some distinctly Eberron wandering encounters you'd consider throwing at a 5th level party that is traveling across Breland? This is a short excursion into Eberron, and I want a few wandering encounters for the PCs during their travel that just drip Eberron flavor. I have a couple ideas, but I think that there are better options out there to be found.

 

[iserith]

The PCs encounter a group of mounted warriors with blue hoods, perhaps looking like brigands at first, along the road to wherever. These are members of the Swords of Liberty, veterans of the Last War turned outlaws intent on bringing down the Brelish monarchy, on their way to cause mayhem in a nearby town or city. They are wanted in Wroat and there's a bounty for bringing them to the capital alive.

When they spot the PCs, they try to ascertain through conversation how the PCs feel about monarchy vs. democracy and otherwise engage them in political debate. Because not many share their beliefs, at first they figure the PCs to be monarchists and start as hostile, prepared to demand they hand over tribute to be left alone. But if the PCs are able to convince them of their preference for the overthrow of monarchy in favor of some form of democratic government, they may change their attitude to indifferent or friendly.

If their attitude is indifferent at the end of the social interaction challenge, they ask for a donation to the cause rather than demand it and can perhaps be talked out of it. (See DMG's social interaction rules.) If their attitude is friendly, they ask for no donation and give the PCs a contact they can call upon in whichever city the PCs are heading to next where they can lay low if needed. If the attitude remains hostile, they demand tribute and, if refused, will take it off the PCs' corpses if they can. (They try to flee at half hit points though.)

 

[Bitbrain]

In Breland?

Magebred bears, slightly outdated constructs probably too, since Breland is sort of Khorvaire’s industrial nation.

Also gargoyles, harpies, ogres, gnolls, and minotaurs. Droaam is right next door, but perhaps some of the warlords refused to bow to the Daughters of Sora Kell and simply fled east into Breland.

 

[MarkB]

The PCs encounter a group of mounted warriors with blue hoods, perhaps looking like brigands at first, along the road to wherever. These are members of the Swords of Liberty, veterans of the Last War turned outlaws intent on bringing down the Brelish monarchy, on their way to cause mayhem in a nearby town or city. They are wanted in Wroat and there's a bounty for bringing them to the capital alive.

When they spot the PCs, they try to ascertain through conversation how the PCs feel about monarchy vs. democracy and otherwise engage them in political debate. Because not many share their beliefs, at first they figure the PCs to be monarchists and start as hostile, prepared to demand they hand over tribute to be left alone. But if the PCs are able to convince them of their preference for the overthrow of monarchy in favor of some form of democratic government, they may change their attitude to indifferent or friendly.

If their attitude is indifferent at the end of the social interaction challenge, they ask for a donation to the cause rather than demand it and can perhaps be talked out of it. (See DMG's social interaction rules.) If their attitude is friendly, they ask for no donation and give the PCs a contact they can call upon in whichever city the PCs are heading to next where they can lay low if needed. If the attitude remains hostile, they demand tribute and, if refused, will take it off the PCs' corpses if they can. (They try to flee at half hit points though.)

With my players that'd devolve into the "come and see the violence inherent in the system!" Scene from Holy Grail within two minutes, tops.

 

[iserith]

With my players that'd devolve into the "come and see the violence inherent in the system!" Scene from Holy Grail within two minutes, tops.

Exactly as intended!

 

[MarkB]

While travelling an Orien road the PCs overhaul a supply caravan consisting of heavy wagons pulled by simple quadrupedal constructs. They're taking ingots and other manufacturing materials to a House Cannith enclave. They're friendly enough, but seem cagey for some reason.

Shortly afterwards, the caravan is attacked by a mixed group of gnolls, ogres and humans with a few monstrous mounts - members of Daask based out of Sharn, raiding the convoy for its hidden cargo of dragonshards.