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GreatDungeons & Dragonscampaigns take inspiration from history, films, video games, fantasy novels, and more places. Many of these sources of inspiration feature large armies that set out for conquest or glory during campaigning season. The War of the Roses, The Lord of the Rings, andDragon Ageall feature invasions prominently.
Invasion by ground troops is a common theme running through medieval history, fantasy literature, and classic video games for a reason. The threat of a looming army can be a great way to maintain narrative tension and keep players and readers on their toes. Invasion can make for an excellent late-game challenge. It ups the stakes and forces your players to make important, time-sensitive decisions.
Invasions make natural bookends for campaigns or seasons. They can be a great way for the “big bad guy” to finally show his full strength.An invasion can work for the climactic end of an entire campaign or the last episode before the party moves on to a new location.
DM Tips For Using Invasions In Dungeons & Dragons
The last thing you want as Dungeon Master is for your campaign to turn into a dull, never-ending series of battles. At first glance, invasions seem to promote this type of gameplay scenario. But with someskillful storytelling and foreshadowing,invasions can help set your adventure’s pace.
Invasion sessions don’t need to feature endless battles. Enemy camps can be agreat place for rogues and magic users to infiltrate, gather intelligence, and sabotage.The adventuring party can attack supply lines to disrupt the invasion, gather allies, fortify defenses, and more. Here are some tips for DMs running invasions:
Employ Skirmishes, Scouts, Spies, And Raiders
Before pitched battles commence, armies usually send out scouts, raiders, and sorties. These events can form some of the most memorable parts of a campaign.
Considernight raids against the invaders' campto weaken them. Rooting out spies and double agents inside a besieged fortress could even make a fun side quest.
Use Cinematic Battles Over Realism
You and your gaming buddies are making an action movie, not a historical documentary.You don’t have to stick to realism.
Real sieges and invasions involved starvation, dysentery, and disease. Battles were often long and desperate. If it does come to a siege,use waves of enemiesrather than a single massive force. Films use this technique for dramatic reasons. Borrow this aspect liberally.
Use The Proper Scale For Battles
Some DMs prefer to keep the game focused on small-scale skirmishes that suit D&D’s base rules. In this scenario, the DM canroll to determine events on a larger scalewhile considering the players' actions.
But there are many resources for DMs and players who like to zoom out for larger battles.
Swarm rules work well for medium-sized groups, and resources like Matthew Colville’s Kingdoms and Warfare exist for those who want to simulate full armies.
Have The Party Gather Allies
Dragon Age Origins features a climactic invasion that plays out differently, depending on player action. Recruit allies by impressing factions. It’s a great setup for showing the players all the key NPCs, their needs, and motivations.
Consider having the players choose who to recruit byincluding some time restrictions.Their choices will feel more meaningful if limited.
Consider The Passage Of Time Seasons And Crops
While taking time into account and time restrictions, consider what time of year it is, and how that can influence how you set up your invasion scenario.
Historically, the campaigning season coincided with the warmest months when crops were plentiful. Cold, poorly-fed troops should suffer some penalty to their movement and combat.
Have The Party Hold The Line
Heroic last stands atnarrow choke pointsdefine many invasions. (Look at the film 300 for arguably the most iconic example.) Perhaps the party musthold a gate for several turns before reinforcements arrive.
Maybe they must defend a bridge until the retreat is completed behind them.Only then can their magic user teleport them to safety.
Implement Siege Weapons
The Dungeon Masters Guide includes a list of siege weapons on page 255. These weapons can be used by the players or the DM’s factions but take time and resources to create.
Siege weapons are heavy and difficult to transport, too. Generals don’t deploy these valuable tools until they’ve cleared their lines. Sabotaging siege weapons is the kind of adventure D&D’s scale is perfect for.
Use The Element Of Surprise
Successful invasions often involve feints, misdirection, and tricks.Whether this means splitting forces to confuse defenders or taking a castle through a strategically opened door, subtlety and surprise often work best.
Use a variety of techniques and tricks to keep your players guessing. There’s not a lot of tension if they know exactly when and where the sword will fall.
