Chapter 1: A Great Upheaval
The first chapter of Storm King's Thunder introduces the players to the major conflict that will be the focus of the adventure - the chaos caused by the giants. The chapter starts with a powerful and dramatic scene, as the players witness a frost giant attack a small village, setting the tone for the adventure.
Example:
The players are passing through the small village of Nightstone on their way to another town when they hear the sound of screams and see smoke rising in the distance. When they arrive at the village, they find it under attack by a frost giant and his barbarian tribe. The giant is using his immense strength to destroy buildings and throw trees, while the villagers are frantically trying to escape. The players are thrown into the action, defending the villagers and fighting off the giant and his minions.
Chapter 2: Rumblings
In this chapter, the players learn more about the situation with the giants and the current state of the world. They meet important NPCs, discover important information, and are given a choice of which direction to head next.
Example:
After the battle with the frost giant, the players meet a survivor from Nightstone who tells them about the existence of a powerful artifact called the Storm Giant King's Court. They also learn about the rise of the giants and their attacks on the small settlements in the surrounding area. The players have a choice to either head to Goldenfields, to seek help from the druids and farmers, or to Bryn Shander, where they can join forces with the local militia against the giants.
Chapter 3: The Savage Frontier
This chapter focuses on the exploration of the Savage Frontier, a region known for its dangerous terrain and fierce creatures. The players will encounter challenges such as harsh weather, hostile encounters, and navigating through treacherous landscapes.
Example:
As the players journey through the Savage Frontier, they encounter a blizzard that threatens to freeze them to death. They must navigate through the treacherous terrain, avoiding deep snowdrifts and ice-covered cliffs while also facing attacks from winter wolves and giant spiders. The players must use their skills and resources wisely to survive, adding an element of survival and strategic gameplay to the adventure.
Chapter 4: The Grand Dame
In this chapter, the players are introduced to the quest of retrieving the elusive Storm Giant King's Court. They must travel through treacherous waters and infiltrate a powerful cloud giant's flying castle to retrieve the artifact.
Example:
The players charter a ship to travel through the dangerous waterways to the location of the flying castle. They must use their wit and diplomacy to negotiate with the cloud giant, who initially sees them as intruders. They must also navigate through the security measures of the castle, including avoiding traps and dealing with guards, to finally acquire the Storm Giant King's Court.
Chapter 5: Starvation in the North
This chapter brings the players to a region ravaged by famine caused by the giants' attacks. They must find a way to help the inhabitants of the area and uncover more information about the giant threat.
Example:
Arriving in the small town of Bryn Shander, the players witness the suffering caused by the giant attacks. The food supply is almost depleted, and the locals are getting desperate. The players must use their skills to find a way to alleviate the food shortage, whether it's by negotiating with neighboring towns for supplies or hunting for food in the dangerous wilderness.
Chapter 6: Grandfather Tree
The players are given the task of finding and unlocking the secrets of Grandfather Tree, a powerful ancient tree said to hold secrets about the giants and their motivations.
Example:
The players journey through the thick, mystical forests and finally reach Grandfather Tree. They must pass tests and trials set by the guardian of the tree to prove their worth and gain access to the sacred knowledge within. They discover that the giants are in fact being manipulated by an ancient dragon and must devise a plan to stop its machinations.
Chapter 7: Fire, Ruin, and Myth Drannor
In this final chapter, the players must confront the final showdown with the ancient dragon and put an end to the giant threat once and for all.
Example:
The players reach the ancient ruins of Myth Drannor, where they must make their way through the treacherous corridors and chambers filled with traps and guardians. At the heart of the ruins, they finally face the ancient dragon, using all their skills and resources to defeat it. With the dragon vanquished and the giant threat eliminated, the players become heroes and save the world from chaos and destruction.
