The following three introductory narrative texts are tailored to align with each of these possible starting points, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your heroes into the saga ahead.
Option 1: The Heroes of Prophecy#
If you are running this as a standalone epic or continuing an existing campaign, read the following:
You stand as honored guests in the shining halls of Thylea’s largest city, Mytros. You were sought out by King Acastus’s knights, astride young silver-scaled dragons. The oracle Versi has spoken; each of you is named in the Prophecy. In the days since, the king has offered his hospitality: feasts overflowing with wine and roasted lamb, plays reenacting ancient glories, and music that echoed through the palace gardens. In a quiet moment beneath the stars, the Goddess of Wisdom, Queen Vallus, placed a gift into your hands.
Each player may select a single item worth up to 1,000 GP from the Player’s Book to reflect her favor. Then read the following:
The heavy doors of the palace swing open as thunder rolls overhead. You are escorted into the grand throne room of Mytros. It has gilded marble, and towering colonnades lining the walls. Rain batters the domed ceiling above as lightning flashes beyond stained-glass windows. At the far end of the hall, a powerfully built man in royal armor rises from his throne. Standing beside him is a woman of ageless beauty, eyes sharp with wisdom. King Acastus speaks first, his voice firm but eager. “Welcome, honored guests. Your arrival is a gift of fate. My city has treated you as the great heroes that you are, and now Thylea calls upon you in return. The Oath of Peace that has held the Titans at bay for five centuries is ending. Already, Sydon sends storms to punish the coast. Soon, there will be war.” He gestures toward the harbor beyond the windows. “I would not send you into danger unarmed. A vessel of great renown awaits you there, the Ultros , a galley from an age when heroes challenged the Titans. It has been readied to bear you wherever your quest may lead.” Queen Vallus steps forward and speaks. “The history of this land is long and bloodied. We gods once walked among mortals to shield them from destruction. But that time is ending. You may be strangers here, but prophecy does not care for origins. The people see you as hope.” She meets your eyes. “Will you answer Thylea’s call?”
Allow each of the heroes to make a speech on why the oracle was wise to choose them as one of the Heroes of the Prophecy. Have each hero make a contested Charisma (Performance) check, with the hero with the highest score getting additional compliments from King Acastus. Then progress to Meeting the Gods.
Option 2: Wolves of Grimnir#
If you are using Odyssey of the Dragonlords as a follow up to the adventure Reavers of Oath and Ruin, then read the following:
You awaken to the scent of salt and the sound of gulls overhead. The sea has spared your lives. Fishermen found you washed ashore, battered and clinging to fragments of your ship. Carried to the city, you were brought before King Acastus himself. After conferring with his seers, he declared you the long-awaited Heroes of the Prophecy. Trumpets sounded, crowds cheered, and feasts were held in your honor. Plays were performed, songs sung. And in a quiet moment beneath the marble columns of the palace, the Queen-Goddess, Vallus, gave each of you a gift.
Each player may select a single item worth up to 1,000 GP from the Player’s Book to reflect her favor. You should then read the following:
The heavy doors of the palace swing open as thunder rolls across the heavens. You are led into the throne room of Mytros; gilded marble underfoot and towering colonnades overhead. Rain hammers the domed ceiling. At the far end, a powerfully built man clad in royal armor rises from his throne. Standing beside him is a woman of ageless beauty. King Acastus addresses you with a measured but eager voice. “Welcome, sea-wolves of Grimnir. You arrived in our hour of need, and Thylea remembers such things. The Oath of Peace is ending. The Titans stir. Already, Sydon lashes our shores with storms, and soon his wrath will come in full. We have sheltered you … now we ask your steel in return.” Queen Vallus steps forward, her voice calm. “Your kind sails for glory. For gold. For legend. The Ultros is yours. Built of wood from a forgotten age, built to conquer the sea. Sail where no Thylean dares and write your saga in blood and fire.” She meets your gaze. “Do what you were born to do, and in doing so, save a world not your own.”
Allow each of the heroes to make a speech describing their greatness. Have each hero make a contested Charisma (Performance) or Strength check, with the hero with the highest score getting additional compliments from King Acastus who tosses the winner a 100 GP amethyst. Then progress to Meeting the Gods.
Option 3: Champions of the Great Labors#
If you are using Odyssey of the Dragonlords as a follow up to the adventure The Great Labors, then you should begin as follows:
Rain lashes the marble dome of the palace as you step once more into the throne room of Mytros. The guards recognize you now—not as strangers, but as legends in the making. King Acastus rises to greet you, regal and measured. “Heroes. You’ve completed the Labors, reclaimed the Ultros , and made this city your ally. For that, I thank you. But know this—the hour grows dark. Sydon sends storms not as warnings, but as declarations of war. He means to reclaim this land for himself. And Lutheria will not be far behind.” Queen Vallus steps beside him, calm but resolute. “You’ve already faced trials that would break lesser mortals. But this next chapter will test more than your strength. It will test your will. Your loyalty. Your fate. The Oath of Peace is unraveling, and with it, the fragile shield that has protected our people for five centuries.” She looks each of you in the eye. “You’ve walked the path of legends. Now, you must become them. Sail forth, not just as heroes, but as Thylea’s last hope.”
Allow each of the heroes to respond to Queen Vallus and King Acastus. A successful DC 16 Wisdom (Insight) check reveals that King Acastus is hiding disdain for them. Progress to Preparing for the Voyage.