Whispers of the Granite Guardians

Unravel ancient mysteries within whispering stone monoliths.

When a small human tribe encounters newly-erected stone monoliths in their wilderness home, they suspect a threat, but also wonder if these could be the work of a rival tribe or something far older. The monoliths emit unexplained sounds during the night, leading to unrest and fear among the tribe members. Players must investigate these formations, uncover their origins, and deal with both internal and external pressures to ensure their tribe’s survival. This adventure is a mix of exploration, conflict resolution, and discovery as players dive into savage landscapes and the history imbued with these peculiar stones.

The World

Context

In this Stone Age-world devoid of magic, humans rely on intuition and primal technology. Their existence is dictated by harmony with nature and overcoming its challenges. The mystical atmosphere arises from unexplained phenomena, creating mystery and superstition. Here, the impossible becomes plausible, with unearthing the significance of otherwise mundane elements.

Concept

Monoliths emit sounds, conveying guidance or threats without magic.

Impact

Leaders interpret monoliths' sounds as omens, causing fear and intrigue, altering tribe dynamics.

The Plot

Summary

Players act as scouts for their tribe tasked with unraveling the truth behind the peculiar monoliths that have appeared overnight across the landscape. Rumors of their mystical origins spurred fear among the tribe, suggesting these might signal a hostile rival tribe expanding territory or possessing lost knowledge of stone manipulation. As players explore, they encounter fragmented clues into an ancient civilization connected to these monoliths. A mid-point revelation implies an impending conflict with a neighboring tribe who claim the monolith land as theirs, igniting potential war. Diplomacy, stealth, or confrontation are viable paths to de-escalate the looming crisis. Ultimately, players must decide whether to destroy these stones, risk angering the powers behind them, or to find a middle ground to coexist alongside these strange relics.

Complication

Neighboring tribe claims the monolith land, demanding relinquishment or war.

Hook

Stone monoliths mysteriously appear across village lands.

World stakes

Balance with nature risks disruption by monolith presence.

Personal stakes

Their tribe's survival is threatened by potential conflict.

The Acts

Act 1

Summary:

The adventure starts as players are informed of the monolith discovery. They begin preliminary investigations around the formations, collecting eerie noises at night. The tribe's leader pressures them to resolve this threat as unease spreads. A hunter notes seeing a silhouette near a formation at dawn, prompting players to set ambushes and discover more clues about the stones’ recent appearances.

Location:

Wilderness featuring towering, sound-emitting monoliths.

Challenge:

Decipher enigmatic sounds without concrete evidence.

Objective:

Investigate and gather evidence around monoliths.

Set Back:

Conflicting interpretations among tribe members slow progress.

Revelation:

There's a recurring, human-like silhouette at dawn.

GM's Guide:

Keep the atmosphere eerie yet inviting for exploration. Use audio and description of wilderness elements to enhance the mystique. Encourage teamwork and collective puzzle-solving through environmental roleplay.

GM's Move:

Sighting of a mysterious figure amidst the monoliths.

Act 2

Summary:

Players delve deeper into the unexplored forest territory where they confront unexpected representatives of a neighboring tribe. These individuals assert territorial claims based on ancient rights, displaying aggression if provoked. However, they haven't deciphered the monoliths' meaning either. Players must navigate this political landscape, potentially forming alliances or predicting confrontations through wits and negotiation, while discovering ancient carvings hinting at the monoliths' purpose.

Location:

Dense forest, primal territory of another tribe

Challenge:

Communicate across cultural barriers peacefully.

Objective:

Negotiate with neighboring tribe representatives.

Set Back:

Miscommunication leads to minor skirmishes.

Revelation:

Ancient carvings suggest monoliths predating all known tribes.

GM's Guide:

Facilitate intense discussions with NPCs with varied motives. Encourage different play approaches: combat avoidance, use of negotiation, or deceptive tactics. Gradually reveal tribal politics and history tied to the stones.

GM's Move:

Aggression peaks as negotiation tensions rise.

Act 3

Summary:

The final act centers on players making decisive moves either through an archaeological understanding of the monoliths, employing diplomacy to avert war, or using subterfuge against potential enemy tribesmen. Discovering hidden structures in the monoliths offering insights into bringing tribes together for mutual survival paves the way for an unexpected tribal alliance.

Location:

Central monolith site with hidden structure

Challenge:

Decipher monoliths' integrated, advanced purpose.

Objective:

Decipher the monoliths' mystery entirely, avoiding war.

Set Back:

A failed negotiation attempt; allies doubted.

Revelation:

Monoliths signify ancient directives for unity.

GM's Guide:

Build tension towards a multi-option climax: war, peace, or subterfuge. Highlight choice impact on tribe's faith and history. Allow for player creativity in resolving central conflict.

GM's Move:

Nearby tribes prepare for potential battle.

Climax:

Players forge a truce with archaeological revelations, uniting tribes.