Encounter Library: Finest random encounters and battle maps

As the group continue down their path, suddenly a figure appears in the shadows ahead of them.

The figure is a tall and imposing figure dressed in a long black cloak, with a hood pulled up to obscure their face. It stands silently, watching the adventurers as they approach. Not a word is spoken for some time, but the adventurers can sense a powerful presence emanating from the figure.

The adventurers pause, unsure of what to do. After a few moments of tense silence, the figure speaks. “Greetings, adventurers. I have been expecting you.” The figure smiles, and pulls back the hood to reveal a middle-aged human face.

He continues: “I am a prophet, and it is my life’s work to wait for important people such as yourselves. I have a prophecy for you, one that will shape all of your fates. Listen carefully, for I have much to tell you.” The figure pauses, and looks at each of the adventurers in turn as gives each of them a prophecy.

He will then tell each player a prophecy. This can be related to their class, attributes, backstory or recent interactions or challenges.

The prophet’s name is Laeral Silverhand and he appears to be 55 year old human man.
He will not fight and will try to flee if the players attack him, cursing their names (which he knows) while he runs away.

Show DM Notes

Examples of class related prophecies

Barbarian: “The land will tremble in awe at the return of the Barbarian, whose raw power will restore balance and harmony to the land.”
Bard: “A mysterious Bard will appear, who will use their powerful music to bring peace and unity to the world.”
Cleric: “A Cleric of great faith and power will arise, who will use their divine knowledge to bring peace and justice to the world.”
Druid: “The land will be reborn when a Druid of great power and wisdom arises, and their ancient magics will restore harmony to the land.”
Fighter: “A great warrior will appear, whose courage and strength will be unmatched, and they will lead their people to victory.”
Monk: “A wise Monk will arise, who will use their knowledge and discipline to bring harmony and balance to the world.”
Paladin: “A Paladin of justice and righteousness will arise, who will lead their people to victory and restore peace and justice to the land.”
Ranger: “A Ranger of great skill and agility will come forth, and they will use their knowledge of the land to bring peace and balance to the world.”
Rogue: “A Rogue of great cunning and skill will appear, and they will use their talents to bring justice and freedom to the world.”
Sorcerer: “A Sorcerer of great power and skill will arise, and they will use their formidable magics to bring balance and harmony to the land.”
Warlock: “A Warlock of mysterious power and knowledge will appear, and they will use their formidable magics to bring peace and justice to the world.”
Wizard: “A Wizard of great knowledge and skill will appear, and they will use their formidable magics to restore balance and harmony to the land.”

Examples of attribute related prophecies

Strength: “Those who have the strength of heart to withstand the raging storm will be the ones who remain standing.”
Dexterity: “Those who possess the swiftness of finger and foot will be the ones to find their way out of darkness.”
Constitution: “Those who have the fortitude to endure the harshest of winters will be the ones to survive the longest.”
Intelligence: “Those who have the wisdom to seek out knowledge and insight will be the ones to unlock the greatest treasures.”
Wisdom: “Those who have the insight to recognize the truth in every situation will be the ones to find the path to victory.”
Charisma: “Those who possess the charm to win the hearts of many will be the ones to bring peace to the land.”

Here are some 'generic' prophecies that you could use:

One of you will face a great trial and be forced to make a difficult choice. You will have to decide between your own life and the lives of those you love.
You will come across a powerful artifact that will change your lives forever. The artifact will be in the possession of a powerful being who will use it to destroy all of your enemies.
An old enemy will return to seek revenge against you. You will have to face the being in order to save your friends and family from his wrath.
You will discover a hidden truth that will have far-reaching consequences. The truth will be discovered by one of your own, and it will cause a rift between you and your friends. You must work together to put aside your differences and come to a decision on what to do with the information.
You will be forced to choose between two unlikely allies. One of them will be a powerful and dangerous being, while the other is a friendly and helpful being. You must work together to decide which one to follow.
You will encounter an ancient evil that must be defeated. The evil has been dormant for a great deal of time and is waiting to return.
A war will come to your land, and you will be forced to take sides. You will be given the opportunity to join a faction, but you must choose wisely.
You will find yourselves in a situation where you must choose between life and death. One of your own will be struck down and you must decide if you help your friend or defeat your foe.
You will be tested in a way you never expected, and the outcome will determine your future.
You will meet an old friend who is in need of your help. You will have to help them with a difficult decision that will affect their future

For the characters backstory think of things that they told you as the DM, but have not yet shared with the group. But be aware to make sure to not spoil the mystery behind their stories.

If you want to drop some exposition or hints about the planned campaign, feel free to add a prophecy of that in there as well.