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100% found this document useful (4 votes)
1K views56 pages

Fields of Battle PDF

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Ash Maedaeva
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CASTLES & CRUSADES: FIELDS OF BATTLE

AUTHOR: Casey W. Christofferson


EDITOR: Christina Stiles
ART DIRECTION/COVER DESIGN: Peter Bradley
INTERIOR DESIGN/LAYOUT/ART: Peter Bradley and Jason Walton
SPECIAL THANKS: Scott Greene, Skeeter Green, Richard McBain and Jason (no
relation) Alexander for their technical advice in helping develop this system.
PLAY TESTERS: Clint Bennett, James Beauchesne, Davis Chenault, Neil Dawson,
Roger Pierson, Jeremy Hardin, Richard McBain, Kathy Christofferson, Jason
Alexander, and Melissa Voegeli.

Bowbe, Dirty Bowbes Roadhouse, Taxus, Ataxus are creations of Casey W.


Christofferson. Bowbe also appears in Bards Gate by Necromancer Games;
Authors Casey W. Christofferson, Shane Glodowski, and Clark Peterson.
P. O Box 251171, Little Rock, AR 72225
email: www.trolllord.com
website: www.trolllord.com or
www.castlesandcrusades.com

2010Troll Lord Games. All Rights Reserved. Castles & Crusades is a Registered Trademark pending) of Troll Lord The campaign material found
Games. All Rights Reserved. C&C, Castle Keeper, SIEGE engine TM,Troll Lord Games, and the Castles & Crusades,
SIEGE engine TM, and Troll Lord Games logos are Trademarks of Troll Lord Games. All Rights Reserved. herein is suitable for all levels of
Bowbe, Dirty Bowbes Roadhouse, Nartarus, Jokashka, Riachee, Frosk Demonskin, Gathaak, Shambere, Fythele, play and is designed to be scaled
Kharzarn, Taxus, Ataxus are creations of Casey W. Christofferson. Bowbe also appears in Bards Gate by Necromancer to best suit the Keepers adventure
Games, Authors Casey W. Christofferson, Shane Glodowski and Clark Peterson.
needs.
Printed in the United States of America
OGL
This book is published under the Open Game License version 1.0a All text, artwork, and maps appearing in this book is property of and indicate compatibility or co-adaptability with any Trademark or Registered Trademark in
copyright 2010 Troll Lord Games. All Rights Reserved. Castles & Crusades, conjunction with a work containing Open Game Content except as expressly licensed
by permission of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. The Open Game Content
in another, independent Agreement with the owner of such Trademark or Registered
appearing in this book is derived from the System Reference Document v C&C, Castle Keeper, Troll Lord Games, and the Castles & Crusades and
Trademark. The use of any Product Identity in Open Game Content does not constitute
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Trademarks of Troll Lord Games. All Rights Reserved. used in Open Game Content shall retain all rights, title and interest in and to that
Designation of Open Game Content: The following is designated Open Product Identity.
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traps that appears in the parenthetical following the character, monster, portions of the work that you are distributing are Open Game Content.
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2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc (Wizards). All Rights Reserved. 9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish updated versions of
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FIELDS OF BATTLE
PRELUDE for entering our lands and threatening our kin! Lifting a curious,
long-bladed spear begotten in some unknown land over his head
His cold grey stare scanned the hoarfrost-coated horizon as he
in his left hand and his sword in his right, he howled wildly into
took a deep breath of the crisp, cold air. Ahead of him, a forest of
the frosty morning air. His howls echoed in the throats of all who
spears undulated ever nearer like a swarm of springtime ants on a
stood with him that morning. He turned his head to the hulking
fresh-baked cake as they came across the hill, crushing the frosty
beast that stalked ever toward their position and staked the spear
ground under foot into a slick mud as they trod ever forward.
in the ground at his feet as he pointed the length of his sword at
Lumbering here and there amongst this forest were the gaunt and
the head of the giant. By Bowbe, your head is mine!
haunted tree-like figures of trolls. Their wild manes flecked with
ice, their greenish-grey skin looking no less like some lichen and With that, he sucked his tongue and clenched his teeth in a
moss-mottled aberration of a cursed willow grove. grimace. The coppery taste of his own blood dripped slowly down
his throat. Already, he could feel the faint tingle of the wrath
Despite the unnatural height of the twisted trolls and the length of
burning with electric intensity in his limbs as his heart began to
the spears borne by the chattel, one figure among the host stood out
race. Soon, Bowbe. Very soon.
from the rest. Red-maned and primeval in form strode the hulking
mass of a giant of the hyperborean wastes. Its bare flesh gleamed like
a polished mammoth tusk in the glare of
new-lit sunlight on ice, as it barked orders
and laid to and fro with a bullwhip nearly
twice his own 15-foot frame.

Turning his eyes to the ridgeline behind


him, he took stock of the hasty defenses
his clansmen had crafted and noted the
intensity in their gaze. Their fingers
clenched and unclenched on haft of
axe, hilt of sword, and shaft of spear, as
they stared wild-eyed at the approaching
horde. More than a few brave men
trembled at the sight of the red and
white giant presenting itself upon their
ancestral lands as a would-be conqueror.

With luck, their defenses would be


enough. Bowbe willing, his years spent
on the battlefield, waging war in far-
flung climes and for various banners,
would bear fruit this day. Then again, he
surmised knowing the capricious deity
as he did, anything that could happen
probably would. If it be his death, then
let it be with his blade in his hands and
the corpses of his foes strewn about him
in ruin. A fitting death was all he could
ask for, he thought, as he slowly and
deliberately chewed a hole in his tongue.
He mixed the blood with his spit, and let
his spittle, ever so slowly, run down his
stubbled chin.

Draw them in, you Bowbes! he


shouted at length, blood and froth
spraying from his mouth as he howled
to his host. Let them waste their legs
crossing our field. Let this ice and mud
be the last their wicked feet ever touch
upon our heath! Let them pay in blood
2 CASTLES & CRUSADES
INTRODUCTION Taken further, Fields of Battle may easily be played as a game
of tactical fantasy battles. In this instance, players need only the
Warfare between vast forces of men and monsters or man
precursory Castles & Crusades Quick Start Rules and the contents
versus man is a common backdrop in fantasy fiction and world
of this boxed set to get a quick handle on the basic terminology
mythology. This bloody tapestry is woven from the flesh and blood
of SIEGE Engine combat. The Castles & Crusades Quick Start
of heroes and kings, or aptly enough, villains and traitors. Such
Rules are available for free online at http://www.trolllord.com/
glorious conflict may serve as the setting for fantastic campaigns,
store/index.html
but is often avoided or presented only in the most watered-down
form due to problematic or overly complicated game mechanics.
Fields of Battle and Other Game Systems
In the common role-playing game experience, more often than
not, the running, planning, and deployment of battlefield forces While Fields of Battle is as a mass combat system designed
and the final outcome of victory hinge on the tertiary activities of for use with Castles & Crusades (C&C), the system is
the player characters and their behind-the-scenes machinations. highly adaptable to your favorite fantasy role-playing game,
Adventures are frequently designed to avoid placing the characters especially those games (old or new) using a 20-sided die
directly on the battlefield. Instead, these adventures typically place (d20) for game resolution. Converting for use with d20-based
the characters on the sideline or behind enemy lines, where they games, in fact, is easiest overall, as these games have similar
pursue renegade generals, wizards, or clerics, rather than placing game concepts to those presented within C&C and Fields of
them in the thick of combat where they belong. Battle: armor class (AC), hit points (hp), hit dice (HD),
attack bonuses (AB), movement rate, morale, and saving
In such instances, when the player characters miraculously slay throws. Additionally, many of the monsters and player races
the evil wizard in his lair or stage a commando raid on the palace will be familiar to d20 gamers. Still, Game Masters (called
of the wicked king and kill him, their side automatically wins the Castle Keepers in C&C) unfamiliar with d20-based games can
war! No other general seizes power, no other villain steps in to easily master these game concepts, making Fields of Battle a
drive enemy forces against their allies, and the whole enemy army viable mass combat system for those games, as wellwith a
collapses into a bottomless chasm. While succeeding at their task little translation work on the Game Masters part.
in such sideline adventures may leave the PCs content overall,
bypassing the true climax of the campaignthe epic battle
often leaves the players feeling somewhat empty and dissatisfied
with the game session. Players want to experience the battle;
they want their characters to slug it out in the trenches with
the armies like the heroes of their favorite movies or books.

By its very nature, the Castles and Crusades fantasy role-


playing games elegant game mechanics (called the SIEGE
Engine) readily lend themselves to the blending of standard
game play with classic battlefield struggles. This simple,
straight-forward, easy-to-use system easily simulates battles
between hundreds and even thousands of combatants in a
single gaming session. The Fields of Battle modification to
the SIEGE Engine places the PCs and their arch enemies on
the same battlefield, right alongside the forces of combatants,
allowing their skills and abilities to have a direct impact on
the wars they wage.

The Fields of Battle version of the SIEGE Engine is


designed for quickness and ease of play. To simulate large-scale
warfare using the Fields of Battle, players can use whatever
markers they have on hand to represent troop units, or they
can use the games included markers and terrain provided
by Fat Dragon Games. Alternative markers could include
dice, chips, jelly beans, counters, plastic army men, or simple
symbols and arrows drawn on a blank sheet of paper or dry
erase mat. Basically, one need not spend a fortune collecting
numerous game pieces to represent vast armies in order to
enjoy playing out important campaign battles. Luckily, Fields
of Battle includes enough counters to play through the
introductory battles included with this product. Players will
also need a set of dice: d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and a d20.

FIELDS OF BATTLE 3
CHAPTER I: FORCE STRUCTURE
TROOP UNITS RACIAL MODIFIERS IN MIXED SQUADS
The various corps of troops is divided into units. These units In squads consisting of mixed races, racial modifiers are granted
can range from a single heroic individual to the mightiest host. based on the majority race. If there is no majority race, then all
Forces may also be comprised of various classes and levels when are treated as their human or humanoid average components. For
determining their might and vanquishing difficulty. This gives the example, a squad comprised of three humans and two elves would
Castle Keeper (CK) a lot of flexibility when designing units. qualify as human infantry.

THE INDIVIDUAL OR HERO UNIT RACIAL COMBAT MANEUVERS


In any armed force, success sometimes comes down to the Units composed of members of a particular race can also perform
bravery and skill of a single individual. In Fields of Battle, certain special combat maneuvers on the battlefield. These maneuvers
individuals stand out and fight on their own; they are counted are detailed in Chapter 4: Combat.
as individual units rather than as portions of larger combat
units. These individuals are called hero units, and they may FACING
be comprised of a single PC, NPC, or creature of massive size. Unit size affects the number of members in the unit and the units
Massive creatures falling into the category of hero units include facing size. A facing of 1 means the unit occupies a square of 1
giants, dragons, and other beings that can cause substantial inch on each side on a battle mat or piece of graph paper. For
damage throughout broad areas of the battlefield, or that can individual hero units and squads (see below), the scale is 1 unit
single-handedly oppose large groups of enemies (See Table 1- =10 ft. A unit can attack an adjacent unit in melee; the attacked
8 Battlefield Space for Squads and Creatures of Huge Size unit can be adjacent to any of the attacking units facing sides.
or Larger, page 6, for more information; See Chapter 5 for If you are playing a larger scale battle involving units larger than
information on hero-versus-unit combat). squads, the facing unit scale should be adjusted accordingly; for
example, a platoon is roughly 5 times larger than a squad, so its
THE SQUAD facing is 50 ft., not 10 ft. So, when using platoons as your base
A squad is the basic organizational unit of normal troops. A single unit, 1 facing unit =50 ft.
squad is the smallest increment of these types of units, but can be
included in any range of larger combat units: all larger units are Facing is more important in epic-scale battles than in dungeon
measured on the basis of how many squads they contain. crawl adventures, as facing implies the direction the array of forces
attacks or defends as a unified force.
Squads generally include members of the same class and ability
level, with each member carrying the same or similar gear. Squads LARGER FORCE GROUPINGS
of small- and medium-sized figures are organized on a base 5 Units larger than squads certainly exist on the battlefield. To
formula; medium-sized units have 5 members, and small-sized simplify things, assume any groupings larger than squads that
units have 10 members (or twice as many as medium-sized units). carry similar weapons, are similar level, and use similar gear make
Large units consist of only 2 members per squad. up platoons, companies, and battalions, depending on how many
Heroes, being PCs and important NPCs, are usually not considered squads comprise them. Each of these larger groupings of like
part of the squad count, as they generally act independently as squads is referred to as a force. Depending on the scale of the battle
hero units. However, heroes may embed themselves within a unit, to be played out, Castle Keepers may choose a larger force size as
providing them with special bonuses (See Embedded Heroes in the standard unit size for the battle instead of using squads. In this
Chapter 5: Heroes at War); in such instances, the hero does case, simply modify the attacks, facing, damage, etc., to apply to the
become part of the squad count and fights as part of that squad, standard unit size chosen rather than to the squad. Hero units have
thereby losing the ability to act individually (unless they are the same modifiers no matter the chosen basic unit size.
spellcasters). If the hero remains a hero unit, though, she can still
TABLE 1-1: UNIT SIZE COMPARISON (SQUAD AS BASE UNIT SIZE)
affect one or more allied units: all allied units within sight of a
hero who can witness her victorious deeds on the battlefield may BASE FACING NUMBER OF
SIZE OF FORCE
gain morale boosts (See Morale in Chapter 4: Combat). UNIT MEDIUM TROOPS
SQUAD: 1 5
RACIAL MODIFIERS & RACIAL COMBAT MANEUVERS PLATOON: 5+ Squads 5 25+
Many of the standard races have peculiar strengths and weaknesses COMPANY: 5+ Platoons 25 125+
on the battlefield. These are reflected in racial modifiers for squads BATTALION: 5+ Companies 125 655+
comprised of members of a particular race. If a squad consists of a single BRIGADE: 2+ Battalions 250 1310+
racial type, these modifiers apply as described in their squad lists, or can
DIVISION: 2+ Brigades 500 2620+
easily be deduced from their description in Monsters and Treasure.

4 CASTLES & CRUSADES


Army: Armies consist of mixed brigades, battalions, and A company is run by a captain, who is typically one to three levels
companies of similarly armed and armored hosts. Armies can be of higher than the sergeants under his command. Occasionally, however,
any size acceptable in your campaign setting. the wealthy purchase a captains rank for themselves or their children.
In such cases, the captain may not have more class levels than his
Unless scattered all over the battlefield, forces should be counted menin fact, he may not possess any! Such captains are usually
in their most basic groupings and battle formations. Swordsmen assisted by a Master Sergeant of the appropriate level who interprets
should be grouped with swordsmen, cavalry with cavalry, and his commands. Captains interpret the orders given them by their
archers with archers. superiors and pass this information to sergeants. Generally, captains
and Master Sergeants acquire their jobs by proving themselves in
Mixing squads with larger units can quickly become unwieldy, so the
battle to their superior officers, and as such, they are likely to be the
CK may wish to start with a larger base unit for large-scale battles
toughest combatants on the battlefield outside of hero units.
to help keep things simple and facings workable. For example, if
starting with platoons, the base facing of a platoon is 1, not five, and Battalion: A battalion is comprised of 2 to 4 companies. Like
larger units scale up accordingly (i.e., a companys facing is then 5, companies, battalions may consist of mixed companies of
or 5 times that of a platoon, and a battalions facing is 25, or 5 times supporting troops, such as various mixes of infantry, cavalry,
that of a company, etc.). The ratios remain the same, and whatever and missile units in the same fighting force. In battalions, majors
base unit size you choose becomes a base facing of 1. generally command the various forces, though their actual ranks
title may vary from army to army. These majors typically answer
TABLE 1-2: FACINGS WITH PLATOON AS BASE UNIT SIZE
to a greater overall battalion commander, such as a colonel.
UNIT SIZE BASE FACING UNIT FACING SCALE Battalion officers may be of any level, as their ability to give orders
Platoon 1 1 unit =50 ft. is not usually dependent upon their personal prowess in battle.
Company 5
Their rank designations are more likely dependent upon a noble
title or wealth enough to purchase the rank as they are upon any
Battalion 25 actual battlefield experience or bravery.
Brigade 50
Division 100 Brigades: Brigades are comprised of 2 to 4 battalions. As with
companies and battalions, brigades are typically mixed fighting
TABLE 1-3: FACINGS WITH COMPANY AS BASE UNIT SIZE
forces having companies deployed to serve various purposes but in
UNIT SIZE BASE FACING UNIT FACING SCALE much greater numbers. A general typically commands a brigade.
Company 1 1 unit = 250 ft. However, the generals actual title is dependent on the cultural
Battalion 5 composition of the armed force. A brigades general is the on-the-
ground commander of his force. Like battalion officers (majors),
Brigade 10
brigade generals are just as likely to have gained their jobs through
Division 20 hereditary or financial means (the money to pay his force) rather
TABLE 1-4: FACINGS WITH BATTALION AS BASE UNIT SIZE than earned through legitimate battlefield promotion.
UNIT SIZE BASE FACING UNIT FACING SCALE
Battalion 1 1 unit=1250 ft. THE FORCES ARRAYED
Brigade 2 FACING WIDTH AND FORMATIONS
Division 4 The facing width of a unit has no bearing on the distance it may
TABLE 1-5: FACINGS WITH BRIGADE AS BASE UNIT SIZE travel; each units speed is determined by its races standard
UNIT SIZE BASE FACING UNIT FACING SCALE movement rate as detailed in the following Castles & Crusades
Brigade 1 1 unit=2500 ft. books: Monsters & Treasure or the Players Handbook. The
facing width, as detailed above, represents the amount of space
Division 2
occupied by the forces arranged in their fighting formation. Facing
Platoon: As stated above, a platoon is roughly comprised of 5 to 10 width is thus determined by the width of a squad multiplied by the
squads of similarly armed and armored individuals of equivalent level number of squads in a combat unit. Typically, a squad occupies a
and fighting abilities. A sergeant of at least two levels higher than width of 10 ft. on the battlefield. A division of 1000 medium-sized
any of the basic squad members commands the platoon. Sergeants spearmen contains 200 individual squads. When arranged in a
interpret the orders given them by their superiors and pass them line, this division occupies a facing width of roughly 2000 feet.
down to the squad leaders and occasionally directly to individuals.
The squads of a unit may be arranged in rows, or split apart in picket
Sergeants also enforce discipline at the personal level for troops
lines to protect them from missile fire, magic, breath weapons, or
in most armies. Nobles mixed into platoons frequently serve as
other dangers, so long as their commander has a sufficient command
lieutenants, offering an additional link in the chain of command.
presence (See Command Presence, page 12) to continue giving
Company: Companies are comprised of similarly armed and armored them effective orders. Thus, the previously mentioned division
platoons. In smaller battles, companies may be comprised of mixed of spearmen may be divided into any number of rows within the
platoons of differing abilities and armaments, such as platoons of command presence of its officer, such as 5 battalions of 200, 10
archers, cavalry, and infantry in smaller battlefield engagements. companies of 100, or any other necessary unit breakdown.

FIELDS OF BATTLE 5
RATIOS OF MEMBERS TO UNITS size or greater. Use the table below to determine battlefield space for
The relationship between the size of a unit and its members larger creatures when using the squad as the basic unit.
is expressed as a simple ratio. For hero units, that ratio is 1:1, Creatures of huge size or larger (see Table 1-8 below) may fight
meaning the unit is comprised of 1 member. For the members-to- in concert with one another, but they are considered hero units
unit ratios of other squads, the squad members actual physical for the purposes of mass combat resolution, as they typically
size affects the number present in the unit. For instance, a squad deal damage over a great swath of the battlefield and thus face
comprised of small creatures has a 10:1 ratio. Table 1-6 provides individual units as if they were in squad formations (See Chapter
more ratios by squad size. For simplicitys sake, it is best for CKs to 5 for more information on hero units in combat).
only include like-sized creatures in a squad.
TABLE 1-8 BATTLEFIELD SPACE FOR SQUADS AND CREATURES OF
TABLE 1-6: MEMBERS-TO-UNIT SQUAD RATIO
HUGE SIZE OR LARGER*
Members Size Members-to-Unit Ratio Occupied/
Creature Size** Ratio
Large 2 to 1 Threatened Area
Medium 5 to1 Small (Creatures under 5 ft. tall or long) 1 inch 10 to 1
Small 10 to 1 Medium (Creatures between 5 and 7
1 inch 5 to 1
ft. tall or long)
Single Hero 1 to 1
Large (Creatures over 7ft. tall to 10 ft.
1 inch 2 to1
For units larger than squads, simply multiply this ratio by the tall or long)
number of squads comprising the unit. For example, a platoon of Huge (Creatures over 10 ft. to 18 ft.
medium-sized creatures comprised of 5 squads has a multiplier of 5, 2 inches 1 to 1
tall or long)
so the ratio for the platoon is 5 to 25, i.e., (1 unit x 5) to (5 members Gargantuan (Creatures over 18 ft. tall
x 5). The platoon has 25 members and can be divided into 5 squads 3 inches 1 to 1
to 25 ft. tall or long)
for command purposes, or can, instead, simply act as 1 unit.
Colossal (Creatures over 25+ ft. tall or long) inches 1 to 1
These unit ratios are an abstract representation of the number of *Squads or hero units consisting of small, medium, or large creatures
individuals in a unit and the amount of space they occupy on the occupy 1 inch.
battlefield; they are not meant to be a literal representation, and **Fields of Battle delineates larger sizes here than those found in
are merely intended to facilitate the fast-paced and frenzied aspect Monsters & Treasure book due to the importance of size to battlefield
of massive battles using the SIEGE Engine mechanic. scale and the impact massive creatures have on facing units.

TABLE 1-7: RATIOS FOR LARGER UNITS


When using squads as the basic unit, a scale of 1 inch equals 10 ft.
of battlefield space. Alternately, if using these rules for determining
Ratio by creature size
the outcome of battle on a sheet of plain paper, use 1/4th an inch
Unit Size Large Medium Small as the standard for size and measuring distance. If using these
Platoon 5 to 10 5 to 25 5 to 50 rules with graph or hex paper, consider one graph square or one
Company 25 to 50 25 to 125 25 to 250 hexagon to be the equivalent of the 10-foot standard.
Battalion 125 to 250 125 to 625 125 to 1250 To play out battles with larger numbers of opponents, increase the
Brigade 250 to 500 250 to 1250 250 to 2500 basic unit from squad to platoon, or from platoon to company, and so
Division 500 to 1000 500 to 2500 500 to 5000 on. Unit Hit Points (See UHP below) of the larger battle groups are
still multiplied by the number of individual squads they represent.
Using this, you can estimate that 10 small-sized creatures (such as
kobolds or goblins) in a 10-foot area (1 inch) of a battlefield can Example: A Castle Keeper and her group want to play out an epic
stand side to side in a combat-readied stance. They threaten an battle depicting a force with 1000 elven archers in its host. The
equivalent area of adjacent enemy foes in melee combat. In the same overall combination of forces on both sides totals 10,000 individual
amount of space (1 inch or 10 ft.) on the battlefield, 5 medium-sized combatants engaged in battle. The Castle Keeper and the players
creatures (such as humans, orcs, or elves) can stand in a combat- agree that rolling dice for each squad or platoon in the battle,
readied stance and threaten an equivalent area of adjacent enemy although fun, may take far longer than desired to tell the story of
foes in melee combat; or two large-sized creatures (ogres of trolls, their battlefield adventure. So, the Castle Keeper and players decide
for example) can stand in a combat-readied stance and threaten an to use battalion-sized forces as the base unit size in place of squads
equivalent area of adjacent enemy foes in melee combat. or platoons for determining their size on the battle mat, facing,
number of attack rolls, and Unit Hit Points for their force.
Combatants may only affect enemy foes they are in melee contact
with, unless they are using weapons with reach such as lances or pole-
arms, or are creatures such as giants or larger. In this event, combatants
may attack opponents at a distance equal to the battlefield space they
occupy. Hero units are considered to occupy and threaten the same
battlefield space as a single squad, unless they are creatures of huge

6 CASTLES & CRUSADES


CHAPTER 2: SQUARING OFF: FORCE STRENGTH
On average, a squad is only as strong as its members. The Fields
of Battle mass combat system is designed for flexibility and ease CALCULATING UNIT HIT POINTS
of use, and may be made as complicated or as simple as the CK
To calculate Unit Hit Points, determine the maximum hit points of
and players desire it to be. Unit stats are similar to individual stats, a base individual from a unit; use the base creatures or base class
allowing CKs to instantly gauge the toughness of each member hit dice (HD) to determine. Multiply this total by the units size
of the squad, platoon, or company. multiplier (Table 2-1 below), and then multiply the result by the
ratio (the number of individuals comprising a squad from Table 1-6:
Members-to-Unit Squad Ratio). This equation works for infantry,
FORCE DEFINITIONS
missile units, aerial units, and rabble. Cavalry and aerial wings use a
The following definitions apply to all units. slightly different formula: cavalry add the mount and riders maximum
hit points together (see Cavalry/Aerial Wing UHP Equation below)
Ratio: The number of individuals in squad. This ratio is 10:1 for before multiplying by the size and ratio multipliers.
small, 5:1 for medium, and 2:1 for large creatures. Individual or Unit Hit Point (UHP) Standard Equation: (Maximum hit points of
hero units, including very large creatures like giants and dragons, the unit creature) x size multiplier (rounded up) x ratio.
have a 1:1 ratio. Table 1-6 shows this members-to-unit ratio;
Cavalry/Aerial Wing UHP Equation: (Mounts maximum hit
Table 1-8 details creatures of huge size or larger and includes the
points + riders maximum hit points) x the mounts size multiplier
members-to-unit ratio. The ratio may be changed for larger scale (rounded up) x ratio.
battles to represent greater numbers of combatants. This ratio
represents how many members occupy an inch on the battle mat. TABLE 2-1: SIZE MULTIPLIERS FOR UNIT HIT POINTS

Size Multiplier
HD: The hit dice average of the members of the combat force.
For PC races, this number is their class hit die. For monster units, Small: x 1/3
this number is the size and number of the die used to calculate the Medium: x 1/2
monsters hit points. Large: x 2/3
HP: The base hit points of a single individual in the unit. Hit Example 1: A goblin squad would be calculated as follows: 1d6
points are used for hero-versus-hero combat (as per standard HD (6 hp maximum for the goblins) x 1/3 (small-sized creature
SIEGE engine rules) and hero-versus-unit combat (detailed in multiplier)=2 x 10 (ratio 10:1)= 20 UHP
Chapter 5). For large-sized monsters and largerthe latter being Example 2: A squad of human 1st-level fighters would be calculated
hero unitsthis number is determined by the CK from their as follows: 1d10 HD (10 hp maximum for the fighters) x 1/2
hit point entry in Monsters and Treasure. The remaining hero (medium-sized creature multiplier)=5 x 5 (ratio 5:1)=25 UHP
units (PCs and NPCs) have their normal hit points by class. For Example 3: A squad of 1st-level fighters mounted on medium warhorses
simplicitys sake, if hit points are needed for individuals within a would be calculated as follows: 1d10 HD (10hp maximum for the fighters)
small- or medium-sized unit, use Table 5-1: Squad Information +3d10 HD (30 hp maximum for the medium warhorses) = 40hp x 2/3
for Hero-Versus-Squad Combat, page 20) for hit point totals. (large-sized mounts multiplier rounded up) =26 x 2=52 UHP.
TABLE 2-2: BASE UNIT HIT POINTS BY HIT DICE AND SIZE*
UHP: The base Unit Hit Points. Unit Hit points are calculated
from the units base creatures hit dice, size multiplier, and the HD Small Medium Large
number of members. UHPs are used for unit-versus-unit combat. d4 13 10 5
CKs should revert back to hit points when dealing with hero- d6 20 15 8
versus-hero combat and hero-versus-unit combat.
d8 26 20 11
See the Calculating Unit Hit Points sidebar for details. d10 33 25 13
d12 40 30 16

*Table 2-2 shows base UHP for 1-HD creatures of the appropriate hit dice
type. Multiply by the units HD to get total UHP by size/hit dice type.

UNIT DESCRIPTION
The unit description is similar to the monster descriptions given
in Monsters & Treasure TM. The unit description statistics block
provides an easy reference for battle information for Castle
Keepers and players for running their combat scenarios.

Unit Type/Number: For example, goblin infantry, human cavalry,


and so on. This entry lists the number of squads in parentheses
beside the unit type.
FIELDS OF BATTLE 7
Size/Ratio: The size and ratio of the troop unit (from Table 1-6). The following is an example of a unit description stat block for a
standard kobold squad:
HD/UHP: The hit dice of an individual within the unit and the
units overall Unit Hit Points. KOBOLDS (1 Squad)

Move: How quickly a unit can move together across open ground Size/Ratio: Small/10:1
(its movement rate). HD/UHP: 1d4/13 UHP
Move: 30 ft.
AC: The armor class of the squad and its individuals by armor type and AC: 15
dexterity bonus. The AC for cavalry equals the average of the riders Attacks/Attack Bonus: Spear (1d6)/+1 AB or Short Bow (1d6)/
armor class and his mounts. The Castles & Crusades Players Handbook +1 AB
provides information on armor class ratings by armor and shield type. Squad Formation: HP 3, Spear (1d6 + 4)/+5 AB or Short Bow
(1d6 + 4)/+5 AB
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Provides weapon and damage information Special: Darkvision 60 ft. Light Sensitivity (-2 to hit in bright
for the units standard attack methods and its Attack Bonus (AB) light); kobold combat maneuver (guerilla action)
modifier. This feature is equivalent to the base to-hit bonus (plus Saves/Primes: P
bonuses) in Castles & Crusades and is distinct to each class as detailed Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
in the Players Handbook. The listed modifier is added to the attackers Morale: +1
d20 attack roll during combat. All monsters possess a bonus to hit Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
equal to their number of hit dice. For example, a 5-HD monster has
a +5 to-hit bonus (called attack bonus (AB) in Fields of Battle) in
combat. Special character abilities (like Weapon Specialization) and TROOP TYPES
attributes (strength and dexterity) may add to the attack and damage Troop types in Fields of Battle TM fall into the following categories
bonuses. Some monster units, such as units comprised of trolls, may and functions.
receive multiple attacks per combat round. Unit-versus-hero combat
is handled slightly differently, with the attacking unit receiving attack INFANTRY
and damage bonuses as per Table 5-1: Squad Information for Hero-
Versus-Unit Combat, page 20. Infantry (foot-soldiers or grunts) is the most common troop type
on the battlefield. Infantry is organized by weapon type and similar
Squad Formation: This section provides hit point totals for individuals abilities, and it performs the below-listed tasks.
within a unit and standard attack and damage bonuses for when a squad
swarms a hero unit in hero-versus-unit combat (See Chapter 5: Heroes INFANTRY FUNCTIONS
at War). Large units cannot form squad formations versus hero units.
Guard Action: Infantry holds terrain and leaves a footprint on
Instead, they fight hero units as per standard SIEGE Engine rules.
the battlefield. Boots on the ground equal possession of terrain.
Special: Any special magical or physical attacks or abilities,
Assault: Infantry marches against enemy positions, eradicates all
including any racial combat maneuvers (See Racial Combat
Maneuvers in Chapter 4: Combat). foes, and seizes their territory.

Saves/Primes: Standard primes for an individual and the unit Masking: Infantry masks the movement of more elite troops such as
these individuals comprise. cavalry, or provides a mobile shield wall for advancing archery units.

Face: The battlefield space of a unit. Using the squad standard, Patrol: Infantry moves from set points along a defensive front and
a face equals 10 feet of battlefield space or 1 inch. Table 1-1 scours the land for enemy scouting units or probing attacks.
through Table 1-5 provide unit facing information.
Infantry uses the standard formula to calculate Unit Hit Points.
Morale: Typically, morale equals the units base hit dice (HD) within the
units description. The higher the units HD, the more heavy training MISSILE UNITS
it has received, or the more willpower the creatures comprising the Missile units include archers, slingers, crossbowmen, and other
unit have, either of which makes the unit less likely to break and run units with ranged weapons. Missile units typically wear light armor
in the face of harrowing assault by an enemy force or deadly magic. A so they can carry extra ammunition.
commanders charisma modifier influences the morale of units under
her command, as per command bonus rules to morale (see Command
MISSILE UNIT FUNCTIONS
Bonus, page 12), and is added to the units morale total during combat.
Morale may be modified by a scenario based or Castle Keeper influenced Ambush: Missile units lie in wait for enemies to pass and waylay
intangible such as elite status, religious fury, or cultural tenacity. them with a rain of missile fire.

See Morale in Chapter 4: Combat for further details on how Harass: Missile units fire and retreat, depleting enemy forces and
morale checks work. drawing them into surprise attacks by waiting infantry or cavalry.

Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: This section lists the typical spells memorized Direct Artillery: Missile units directly fire at large masses of enemy
by all members of a magic-using unit or the units spell-like abilities. combatants to completely destroy them. This tactic is very effective

8 CASTLES & CRUSADES


and devastating, and is especially used in large engagements. fall into the function of hero units, yet their hit points are
determined using the cavalrys UHP method. Because of the
Indirect Fire: Missile units arch missiles into the mid ranks of speed and devastating abilities generally possessed by even low-
enemy forces to cause massive damage. Indirect fire is more fully level cavalry units, cavalry is greatly feared on the battlefield.
explained in (Chapter 4: Combat).
In general, cavalry squads are counted at their mounts size ratio
Missile units use the standard formula for calculating Unit Hit Points. and speed. Knights on horseback, for instance, use the large-sized
ratio (2:1) due to their mounts size, while goblins on worgs use the
CAVALRY medium-sized ratio because worgs are medium-sized creatures.
Cavalry includes any troops on the battlefield who are mounted
Some monster races are known to ride worgs, dire wolves, and
on beasts such as horses, worgs, or other mountable creatures.
even dire boars into battle as mounts. These creatures make great
Specialized mounted combatants, such as dragon riders, typically
cavalry mounts due to their size, speed, and viscous attacks.

FIELDS OF BATTLE 9
A cavalry units UHPs are determined similarly to that of other units, AERIAL WING (CAVALRY) FUNCTIONS
except the mounts maximum hit points are added to the riders (See Close air support: Aerial units fire from fast-moving, elevated
Calculating Unit Hit Points, page 7, for more details). positions over the battlefield.
A cavalry units AC is the average AC of the mount and rider. Bombardment: Drop stones or burning oil casks on enemy
Its movement rate is equal to the mounts movement rate. This positions.
movement rate may be adjusted based on the weight of barding
and the riders armor. Troop Insertion: Deploy allied troops behind enemy positions or
into fortifications.
Cavalry units use the attack bonus of the rider, and they deal
whatever damage the rider deals + 1 die of damage equal to Interdiction/Assault: Aerial units can land between enemy
the mounts most damaging attack. For example, a 1st-level troops and allied positions, possibly landing at the flanks or rear
knight mounted on a heavy warhorse has an attack bonus of +0 of their enemies.
(modified to +1 for strength), and deals 1d8+1 points of damage
with her lance. Targets take an additional 1d6+3 points of damage Charge: Some aerial units like a nightmare-mounted cavalry, for
from the heavy warhorses hoof attack. example, may begin a charge in the air and complete it against
foes on the ground.
Cavalry units add the riders HD and the mounts HD together to
determine the HD bonus for their base morale score. For example, Aerial wings use the standard cavalry formula to calculate Unit
the knight on the heavy warhorse would have a +5 morale score Hit Points.
(1 HD for the knight + 4 HD of the heavy warhorse=5).
RABBLE
CAVALRY FUNCTIONS A rabble comprises any force of untrained combatants, such
Force Disruption: Cavalry moves behind and around enemy ranks as peasants, urban mobs, slaves, or other civilians pressed into
to disrupt the chain of command or immobilize reinforcements. combat. A rabble still falls into the same ratio category as any
Cavalry may be sent to attack the enemys lightly guarded supply other combat force; however, the rabble cannot enter into any
chain, kill porters, and seize foodstuffs in an attempt to starve out specific battle formations or perform any trained combat actions.
the enemy vanguard.
Rabble units use the standard formula for calculating Unit Hit
Skirmish: Mounted archers more quickly move into range of enemy Points. Human commoners typically have a HD of 1d4 for the
units, attacking from the flanks. They foil enemy archers by destroying purposes of calculating UHP. Their armor class and weapons depend
lightly armored enemy missile units before they become an issue. on whatever they have on hand or have been outfitted with. Rabble
units are unsteady in combat and have a morale of +0.
Charge: The most important tactical combat maneuver of
cavalry is the heavy charge (detailed in Chapter 4: Combat). RABBLE FUNCTIONS
Heavy cavalry charges affect a large swath of the battlefield, often
destroying everything in their path. A rabble is often driven before trained forces to soak up arrows
or absorb charges, allowing trained forces to slow enemy
advancement to their advantage.
AERIAL UNITS
These rare units, called wings, are comprised of flying beings of Mask Troop Movement: A rabble stands between trained enemy
large size or smaller. In other words, aerial units may be comprised troops and more important allied troops, denying the enemy
of creatures as big as griffons but not as large as dragons or rocs; the direct-line-of-sight attacksat least until the rabble is destroyed.
latter creatures would be treated as hero units. Aerial units bring
a third dimension to the battlefield. They may be another form of Fodder: A rabble soaks up damage and helps deplete the enemys
cavalry, such as a wing of Pegasus-riding elven lancers, or they may be resources.
comprised of intelligent flying creatures with some vested interest in
the outcome of the battle (such as gargoyles) or evil flying monkeys.

An aerial Wings UHPs are determined as per a cavalry units (See


Calculating Unit Hit Points, page 7, for more details).

A wings AC is the average AC of the mount and rider. Its


movement rate is equal to the mounts movement rate. This
movement rate may be adjusted based on the weight of barding
and the riders armor.

Like cavalry units, aerial wings use the attack bonus of the rider,
and they deal whatever damage the rider deals + 1 die of damage
equal to the mounts most damaging attack.

10 CASTLES & CRUSADES


CHAPTER 3: MOVEMENT AND SCALE
BATTLEFIELD SCALE ELEVATION
Normally, 1 tabletop inch represents 10 feet when operating on the For bow and crossbow attacks, add 10 feet to the range increment for
squad scale. For simplicitys sake, unit movement, facing, range, every 20 feet of elevation, up to 60 feet maximum. Thus, an archer
and magical effects are all converted to inches. These inches may with a longbow (range increment 100 feet) standing atop a 20-foot-
be as large as you wish, but should be no smaller than 10 ft. For high bastion increases the range increment with the longbow to 110
movement rates, allot one inch for every 10 feet of movement speed feet. If the archer were in a 60-foot-tall tower, the range increment
the unit possesses. For instance, a kobold units movement rate of would increase to 130 feet. The archers longbow distance cannot be
30 feet would equal 3 inches of movement on the battlefield. increased farther than 130 feet by elevating himself more than 60 feet.

Terrain conditions like hedgerows, soft ground, sand, or magical INCLINE


conditions may affect the movement rate of units on the battlefield.
Such modifiers to the movement rate are dependent upon scenario Moving up an incline causes attackers to suffer a reduction in their
descriptions of the battlefield map or conditions that arise during speed. Moving down an incline causes no penalties to movement.
the course of a battle, such as via magical effects. When used See Table 3-1 for penalties to moving up an incline.
against large forces, where the platoon is the standard, the change
Defending an embankment or incline offers the defender a +1 to
in number of individuals affects the Unit Hit Points of the force, so
hit due to the height advantage over an opponent. Even with the
the damage from the magical effect remains consistent.
speed reduction, being on high ground is preferable in battle.
RANGE AND SCALE Table 3-1: Terrain/Movement Effects
Ranges for missile attacks, ranged spells, and spell effects should Crossing Trench/Ditch: 12 Movement.
be converted to 1 inch per 10 feet of range. Note, when playing
Lightly Wooded Terrain: 12 Movement (Elves/Halflings move at 34 speed).
larger scale battles, the maximum range and area of effect for
spells and missile weapons remain as per their spell description. Wet/Swampy Ground: 14 Movement.
In other words, a fireball has a 40-foot diameter regardless of the -5ft. per 10-degree grade; maximum
Hill or Grade:
change in face to units due to greater numbers of individuals. penalty of 14 speed and 45-degree grade.
As per hill; combatants suffer 1d4 points of
Spiked Hill or Grade:
damage per 10 feet of movement.

MOVEMENT ACTIONS
The following actions may be ordered by a commander
as non-combat movement actions.

Enter Formation: A group of similar squads


or units may spend a round getting into
combat or marching formations.

Double Time: Troops may move double their


movement speed across unimpeded terrain.

Climb: Any movement requiring troops to pass over


trenches, ditches, or hedgerows requires the unit to scale the
terrain obstacle. Getting across or to the top of the obstacle
requires one round per 10 feet.

Rally: All like units return to formations, forming


whole units from wounded ones.

Forage: Units ordered to forage might scavenge


the battlefield and the dead for arrows, weapons,
equipment, potions, rations, and the like.

Heal: Where a sufficient number of healers, potions, or


other healing methods are available, troops hold their
formation and take healing and libations.

FIELDS OF BATTLE 11
CHAPTER 4: COMBAT
COMBAT IN FIELDS OF BATTLE BATTLEFIELD COMMANDERS
In general, combat is resolved similarly to standard combat using Forces larger than individual squads need commanders to give
the SIEGE Engine rules. Initiative is rolled, movements and orders and focus their attacks. Commanders are generally NPCs
positions are taken, and attacks and counter attacks are made. who are mid- to high-level versions of the troops they command. For
Combat is resolved by making attack rolls for individual squads, example, the commander of a company of swordsmen is generally a
platoons, companies, or larger units versus targets who threaten renowned, skilled swords master, and an expert archer often leads
their space. If a platoon of 10 squads makes an attack, it is far other elite archers. However, some high commanders may have
simpler to roll just one attack roll for all 10 squads. A successful hit achieved their leadership role through heredity or through their
damages all opponents whose armor class may be struck and who wealth, so not all of them will be battle-proven leaders.
are within range of the platoons attack. In the case of melee attacks,
that means all foes within melee range of the attacking force. COMMAND BONUSES
Charges, magical bonuses, special attacks, and missile attacks In addition to adding their charisma modifiers to their armys
all take place normally, with few differences other than morale initiative, commanders provide this same charisma modifier as
and scale. Elevation, weather, cover, and other terrain factors are a morale bonus to any required morale checks (See the Morale
the same as in standard SIEGE Engine combat. A full combat section for information on morale checks) made by units in their
example is provided in the A Combat Sequence in Action command who are within their command radius (See Command
section of this chapter. Presence below). Units tied together through an unbroken chain
of command receive the morale bonus of the armys primary
Hero-versus-unit combat is handled slightly differently, as units general; those outside the command link use the command bonus
gain certain attack and damage bonuses against a swarmed hero. of the officer closest to their unit with the highest charisma bonus.
This type of combat is detailed in Chapter 5: Heroes at War. Command bonuses stack with any applicable morale boosts, such
as those provided by knights and bards. For some creatures, like
INITIATIVE orcs, command bonuses can be strength-based (CKs discretion).
Initiative in Fields of Battle is decided with a roll of a d10, just as it is
in Castles & Crusades, with the highest roll taking initiative. However, COMMAND PRESENCE
battlefield units add their battlefield commanders charisma modifier, Commanders have a quotient for leadership called command
if any, to their initiative. This benefit reflects their commanders presence. The commanders command presence is the radius by
strength in leading and inspiring the troops. Hero units (including which units under his command can see him and are willing to
NPCs and the PCs) do not gain this bonus on the battlefield, and follow his orders; it is also his ability to directly lead a number of
they roll their own initiative, acting on their own turn, just as they units within that defined radius.
would during a normal combat round. This reflects the battlefield
importance of heroes. Using the Fields of Battle combat rules, their COMMAND PRESENCE RADIUS
actions take place just as they would when using the normal SIEGE The command presence radius equals 1 inch (square or hex)
Engine rules. In the event of an initiative tie, heroes always go of radius per level or HD + 1 space increment per point of
before combat units. All other units re-roll. charisma bonus. Additionally, the command presence radius can
be extended 1 inch per 500 gp spent in payment or promise of loot
Initiative Example: War-clan leader Wrothgar Yimmyrsclaw of (See Purchasing Command Presence below for details). For some
the Frostbone Clan leads his barbarian horde (army) against their creatures, like orcs, command presence can be strength-based
mortal enemies, the ice ghouls of the White Wastes. His opponent (CKs discretion).
is the Ghoul Lord Issavul. Wrothgar has a +1 charisma bonus, and
his foe, Issavul, has a +2. Issavul gets a modified 6 and Wrothgar COMMANDED UNITS
a modified 4 on a 10-sided die. Issavul wins initiative for his army,
A commander may only directly command a specified number of
so the ghouls act before Wrothgars men. Wrothgar has two heroes
units. For each hit die she possesses, she may command two units.
on his side, they being his twin son and daughter, Kulung and
Additionally, she may command one extra unit per point of her
Uma. Their initiative scores are 3 and 8, respectively. Issavul has
charisma modifier and one extra unit per 500gp spent in loot offered
one hero, a remorhaz, and it scores a 4 initiative.
to her troops to further her command presence. Thus, a 10th-level
As the battle commences, Uma takes the first action, followed by fighter with a charisma score of 16 can command 20 squads based
Issavuls entire force, except for his remorhaz hero, who acts after on her level, plus two squads because of her 16 charisma modifier
Issavuls forces. Next, Wrothgars forces attack, and then Kulung (20+2). If she also spends 2000 gp to bolster her troops, she can
takes his action at the end of the battle round. then command an additional four squads, bringing the total squads
under her command for the battle to 26.

12 CASTLES & CRUSADES


COMMAND PRESENCE OVERLAP: CHAIN OF COMMAND
HIGH COMMANDERS
Command presence overlaps from commander to commander,
technically making the armys primary general the officer with the Typically, majors, colonels, generals, and so on give their orders to
highest command presence. So, as long as that generals command other commanders, even though they possess a command presence
presence touches or envelops the command presence of his sub- of their own, and they often have their own private battalions of
officers, and that sub-officers command presence touches or bodyguards under their direct leadership. High commanders of
envelops the command presence of his sub-officers, then all allied armies need not be higher level than their sub-commanders.
units on the battlefield are de-facto under the command of that Indeed, they may have less front line combat experience and rely
general (or lesser officer leading the army, as the case may be), and on their knowledge of tactics and their leadership skills to win the
thereby gain his command bonus to initiative and morale rolls. day. High commanders may give orders to other commanders in
their force who are within their command presence, and may
PURCHASING COMMAND PRESENCE continue to command their own personal squads, as well. Allied
Command presence may also be achieved through promise of commanders not within the command presence radius of the
loot and bounty. Regardless of whether fighting for gods, king, or high commander do not gain morale bonuses for their troops,
country, the truth is that most armies require payment for their but are likely apprised well enough of the battle plans prior to the
services. Thus, a relatively low-level noble may still raise an army engagement to continue the fight.
and serve as its leader, so long as the noble has the coin with Troops within the immediate command presence of the
which to prove his dominion over the forces. His money buys him highest level commander gain the commanders charisma
units; for every 500gp spent in loot, he can command one unit bonus to their morale checks.
directly. His command presence radius is 1 inch per 500 gp spent
in payment or promise of loot to his army, in addition to any actual
DEITIES
command presence possessed by the wealthy commander, up to a
command radius of 10 inches. Any additional forces are then tied In truly epic combat, divine intervention is not unheard
to this ruler by means of standard command overlap. of. It is generally accepted and expected by worshippers
on opposing sides of a conflict to pray for the favor of
IN COMMAND their deities. Cosmologically speaking, theologians believe
most battles between religious factions are mirrored in the
Units within the command radius of a commander are considered heavens or on other planes, with a gods celestial army
in command. If they are in command within an unbroken chain battling another gods army on heavenly battlefields, or with
of command, then these units gain the highest officers morale demons battling angels on other planes above and below the
bonus, usually the generals. If the chain of command is broken, terrestrial battlefield on behalf of their commanding powers.
then the units gain the morale bonus of the closest commander In some rare instances, however, it is possibledepending on
(who outranks their squad leader) with the highest charisma the campaign settinga deity might manifest as an avatar on
modifier. Thus, if a unit is within the command presence of two the battlefield to aid praying worshippers. In such instances,
commanders, and one commander has no charisma bonus, but the deity supplants any allied commanding officers.
the other has a charisma of 16, granting an attribute bonus of +2,
then the unit gains a +2 to morale bonusuntil that commander Deities and avatars are counted as both a general and a hero
is slain, or until the unit moves out of his command radius. unit on the battlefield. While on the field, deities maintain
possession of all their standard manifested powers and
All combat formations and certain combat maneuvers require a abilities. Worshippers of a manifested deity/avatar never fail
unit be in command to perform them (See Combat Maneuvers Morale Checks, so they need not make any while their deity
and Combat Formations below). remains in their presence. However, the appearance of a
manifested power upon the field of battle forces an immediate
COMMAND COMMUNICATION morale check at +10 to CL from the opposing host, unless
A commanders orders are usually transmitted by instruments or their deity manifests, as well. A deitys command presence
banners, and frequently, commanders of platoon-sized units or extends the length of the entire battlefield, as they are both
larger have some form of training in the martial use of signal horns, seen and heard on a supernatural level.
drums, or any other instrument capable of being heard clearly at
distances of one-fourth mile or more for this communication. The DEMONS, CELESTIALS, DRAGONS
flags, banners, and standards commanders use as communication The command radius of a celestial, demon, or dragon is equal to 1
devices only have a communication range of line of sight. inch per HD of the being. These creatures offer a +3 morale bonus
Of course, in a game of fantasy adventure, magic also affords to their allies, and force a -3 morale bonus to their enemies.
many alternatives to historical battlefield communication. Magic, Unless playing in a super powerful and super mythical
such as silence spells and obscuring mist, can also disrupt an armys campaign where manifestations of supreme powers and their
communication lines. Magic communication, of course, is limited agents is a common theme, the Castle Keeper should be
to a spell or items listed range. careful about playing the God Card.

FIELDS OF BATTLE 13
MORALE Units outside the commanders command presence fight defensively
Morale is the willingness of a unit or army to advance and and move to withdraw or retreat from attackers should the fight go
fight, and its their ability to withstand the horrors faced on against them, but they take no other actions. If units remain outside
the battlefield without breaking and running. Quite simply put, a leaders command presence for more than four rounds and do not
morale is the measure of the units honor and bravery. In Fields attack or take any actions, they desert the field if possible. If the unit is
of Battle, morale is measured in the form of a save versus fear, otherwise attacked during this time or forced to defend itself, it does so,
otherwise known as a charisma save. though it makes no effort to move forward or capture objectives on the
battlefield without the guidance of a commander.
MORALE CHECKS
TABLE 4-1: MORALE CHECK CONDITIONS
Listed with each units stat block is a morale score. This score Morale checks are forced for any of the following conditions. The listed
merely reflects the units HD. The units morale check and its challenge level modifier indicates the added difficulty to the morale
success or failure is resolved like any other attribute check, but the check. Morale conditions stack, so units may suffer from more than one
morale score is added to the roll instead of the HDeven though CL modifier. Note that undead units never need to check morale.
they are likely the same (it is only likely the same because some Challenge Level
creatures, like dwarves, have a bonus to their morale score, while Forced Morale Check
Modifier
gnolls and rabble units are unsteady in battle and begin with a +0 Unit is out of the command presence of an
morale; undead never check morale and do not have a morale +1
immediate commander
score, and cavalry units add the riders HD and the mounts HD
Unit suffers a loss of half or more of its UHP in
together to determine morale). CKs should be sure not add both +1
a single round
the units HD and its morale score to the attribute check; a unit
may, of course, add morale bonuses gained from its commander Unit leader with highest command presence
+4
bonus is slain, captured, or immobilized
and any other applicable morale bonuses. Units with mental as
their primary attribute or that are of high hit dice will more likely Platoon* loses over half of its squads +2
succeed in their morale checks, remaining steadfast in the battle. Immediate commander is slain, captured, or
+2
immobilized
The challenge level (CL) for a morale check is determined by a number
Opposition possesses more powerful magic +1
of circumstances, ranging from the death of a battlefield commander or
hero unit, to suffering massive casualties against superior odds. Table Units outnumbered by opposition by 2 to 1 +1
4-1: Morale Check Conditions lists the conditional modifiers that Opponent unit is impervious to units attack damage +2
force a morale check. All applicable conditions stack. Additionally, two Celestial, demon, or dragon of at least 12 HD
+3 or More**
morale-causing situations are more fully discussed below: the loss of a manifests on the battlefield.
commander and being out of command presence. Deity manifests on the battlefield (allies) None required
MORALE CHECK: LOSS OF THE COMMANDER Deity manifests on the battlefield (opposition) +10 or More**
* Refers to any configuration of troops made up of smaller sub units
The loss of a commander can demoralize a unit. If the commander
as determined by the unit ratio set up for the battle.
falls or is captured and the troops are outside the command presence
of another officer, treat the unit as being out of command presence **The power of a supernatural being such as a powerful celestial,
(see below), which requires a morale check (CL 3; 1 for being out of dragon, or demon has a minimum effect on morale of at least +3,
and potentially more as determined by the Castle Keeper, or as
command presence and 2 for witnessing their commanders fall or
agreed upon by the players in a non Castles & Crusades game of
capture). If a commander is lost while the troops are in the command Fields of Battle. A deitys presence adds +10 to the challenge level of
presence of another commander, however, the troops must also the morale check, or more at the CKs discretion.
make a morale check (CL 2 for witnessing their commanders fall or
capture) to accept the new commanders orders. Morale (charisma) WHEN MORALE BREAKS
checks for a unit to accept a new commanders authority do not A number of things occur when morale breaks.
include the new commanders charisma modifier, as the unit is not
effectively under her influence at the time of the morale check. WITHDRAWAL
Keep in mind that a commander may only command as many units
Units immediately disengage their attacks and attempt to withdraw
as her command presence allows, so that can affect her ability to
from the battle. They use their action to take a full move away
gain command of the unit.
from any engaging unit in the easiest possible direction. If the unit
MORALE CHECK: OUTSIDE THE COMMANDERS encounters a friendly unit during its route, the encountered unit may
COMMAND PRESENCE allow it to pass, or its commander may attempt to assume command
of the withdrawing forces (See Regaining Command below).
Units that have fallen out of their commanders command presence
must immediately make a morale check without benefit of the If the unit is not recalled to battle by a commander, it continues
commanders charisma bonus at CL 1. If the forces morale check moving at its full movement rate away from the battle. If it is
succeeds, it continues to execute its last received command. If the force attacked again and suffers additional casualties, a second morale
fails its morale check, the unit loses its action for that combat round. check must be made. If the second morale check is successful, the

14 CASTLES & CRUSADES


unit continues its steady retreat until it has left the engagement Cavalry Charge: This is a special cavalry maneuver can be made
area (the tabletop or whatever agreed upon boundary exists for by cavalry units with good morale and within an officers command
the battlefield). If the second morale check is failed, however, the presence (in command). In order for a unit to charge, it may not
unit is now in a route (See Route below). be impeded by difficult terrain, such as ditches, hedgerows, fences,
and the like. During a cavalry charge, the cavalry moves double
REGAINING COMMAND its normal movement rate, and it deals an additional +2 points
If an adjacent commander is present at the end of a units of damage with a successful attack. The charge affects every unit
withdrawal or is later encountered during the withdrawing units within its path whose armor class it successfully hits. The cavalry
trek, the commander may attempt to regain command of the unit unit suffers a -4 penalty to its AC until its next combat turn.
by making a successful charisma check. A unit commander whose Note: Lances deal double damage when used during a charge.
troops have failed their morale check may not make this attempt. The Pikes and long spears set firmly to receive a charge make their
challenge level of this check is equal to the number of withdrawing units. attack roll prior to being struck by charging opponents; set attacks
If the commanders check is successful, the units join with the other units deal double damage on a successful hit versus charging enemies.
under her command presence. Player characters and other hero units Setting to receive a charge is a special maneuver, and it requires a
may also make this command attempt. If the charisma check is failed, the morale check to issue orders to the defending unit.
unit enters a route, fleeing the battlefield as quickly as possible.
Ranged Attacks: Ranged attacks are divided into direct fire and
ROUTE indirect fire (see below).
When a second morale check is failed, or if a commanders attempt to
Direct Fire: Direct fire works exactly like a standard missile
regain control of a withdrawing unit fails, the withdrawing unit enters
attack. Missile squads can fire on targets within their direct line
a route. A route is the complete, utter breakdown of command; the
of sight, applying standard penalties or bonuses for range, cover,
routed unit is in a state of sheer panic and terror. Routed units suffer
concealment, and elevation to their attacks.
a -3 armor class penalty, and they attempt to flee the battlefield as
quickly as possible, moving up to 3 times their movement rate. If a Indirect Fire: Indirect fire is the use of missile weapons to carpet
routed unit encounters other allied combat units in its flight path, an area of the battlefield. Units may only fire indirectly at long
the encountered unit must also make a morale check, or it deserts range or longer, as battlefield conditions make use of indirect
with the routed forces. If the new unit succeeds in its morale check, fire nearly impossible at closer ranges and leave missile squads
it remains steady in the fight, but the routed unit continues to flee exposed to retributive actions by enemy forces. Firing indirectly
the battle. When the routed unit ultimately exits the battlefield, it is is a full-round action requiring the entire forces concentration to
considered destroyed or lost; it cannot return to the battle. launch a hail of fire on a single area of the field of battle.

If another commander encounters the routed unit, he may attempt to To make an indirect fire attack, make a normal missile attack roll
halt its route, though he does so with a charisma check at CL 4. This and subtract any penalties for range, cover, or concealment. On a
commander must not be a commander who has previously failed to bring successful hit, roll damage, and apply the damage, including any
a unit under command. If the commander succeeds, the routed units fall bonus damage, to every unit or individual caught in the attack
into formation with other troops within his command presence. Only radius, which is equivalent to 1 inch per two squads firing. Thus,
one last-ditch attempt to regain command of a routed unit is possible. If it 10 archery squads participating in an indirect fire attack may affect
fails, the routed unit is lost for the duration of the battle. a 5-inch radius on the battlefield with this devastating attack.

COMBAT ACTIONS MOUNTED ARCHERS


Unlike heavy cavalry and lancers, mounted archers serve as an
MELEE
effective mobile force for flanking enemy formations. Mounted archers
Attack rolls are made by adjacent foes to overcome targeted typically ride smaller, faster mounts and are less heavily armored than
armor class. Damage is dealt and subtracted from the Unit Hit their heavy cavalry cohorts. Mounted archers may move up to half
Points. When squads are destroyed, their numbers are removed their movement rate and fire during their turn. Typically, they can
from the larger force. Damaged squads who maintain morale are move twice as far as archers travelling on foot. Mounted archers take
absorbed by other squads of similar composition (i.e., swordsmen a -2 to their attack roll while firing from a mounted position. This
join up to form full squads of swordsmen from wounded ones). penalty combines with any range increment penalties.
Units with reach weapons may attack squads at the end of their
reach but not those adjacent to them. Units with a longer reach or MAGICAL ATTACKS
reach weapons may reach over allies and attack enemies in their Magic works in Fields of Battle as it does within the SIEGE
threatened area just as in standard combat. EngineTM rules. Area of effect spells still affect a radius, line, or
individual. The range of most spells is converted into 1 inch of battlefield
COMBAT MANEUVERS space per 10 feet of range. Duration remains the same, and any saves are
Charge: A charge attack may be attempted by units at least as far rolled as normal. A spells radius or area of effect remains the same as its
away as their maximum movement rate, but no more than double spell description in the Castles & Crusades Players Handbook. In squads
it. A successful charge attack deals an additional +2 damage, or larger units of spellcasters, CKs should assume all equal members have
though the attack unit takes a -4 penalty to its armor class. the same spells and number of spells per spell level.

FIELDS OF BATTLE 15
A magical attack may include using a scroll, wand, staff, or rod. GNOMES

More powerful spellcasters rarely serve in units but are, instead, hero Gnomes often serve as sapper units in the vein of goblins and
units due to their ability to so quickly change the tide of battle. kobolds. In their own benighted warrens, they fight from narrow
chambers that give them a tactical advantage and deny enemies
entry into their sanctuaries.
RACIAL COMBAT MANEUVERS
Each humanoid race has its own preferred style of combat. These GNOMISH COMBAT MANEUVER
racial styles have been developed through unending millennia of Badgers Bite: Gnomes gain a +1 to damage when fighting from a
tried-and-true combat methods. These racial maneuvers provide fortified position such as a wall, corridor, or tunnel if they are not
certain combat bonuses, as detailed below. Racial maneuvers flanked by enemies.
require one round to activate.
GOBLINS
DWARVES
Nefarious and wicked to the core, goblins are as smart as humans
The warlike dwarven heritage runs deep, and so too does the and, pound-for-pound, twice as cruel. Like their larger, more
dwarven motto: Clan above all. This sensibility proves itself time brutish cousins, goblins exploit any advantage when it comes to
and again in the deep underground halls and high-mountain passes, embedding their blades in the soft flesh of their enemies.
where every dwarf relies on his kinsman for defensive advantage
against all foes. GOBLIN COMBAT MANEUVER

Dwarven Resolve: Dwarven resolve runs so deeply that they add Goblin Swarm: Anytime goblins can mass against an opponents
their natural resistance to fear to their morale, gaining a +2 to all flank or rear, they gain an additional +1 to hit in addition to any
morale checks. bonuses they gain for flanking. If their strike is successful, they
immediately force a morale check (challenge level 1 +1 for each
DWARVEN COMBAT MANEUVER flanking unit) from their target. Targets failing their morale check
are forced to retreat from the onslaught, lest they find themselves
Dwarven Mantlet: So long as 50% of the dwarves in a battle group
enveloped in the clutches of the goblin swarm. The swarm
are still standing and within 20 ft. of each other, the dwarves gain
continues to gain its advantages to hit for as long as they manage
a +1 bonus to AC against all foes.
to muster attacks while outnumbering opponents. Targets that fail
their morale and have no place to retreat are destroyed.
ELVES
None amongst the eldest races of the world have the expertise HOBGOBLINS
or express such virtuoso in ranged combat as the elves. Elves
Perhaps the most militaristic of the goblin races, hobgoblins are
approach warfare as an artist approaches a blank canvas. Their
highly focused on victory, and they are well-versed in tactics.
chaotic nature and creative flourish make them unpredictably
These disciplined warriors keep quality equipment and well-
dangerous foes who can quickly shake an opponents composure.
organized supply lines.
ELVEN COMBAT MANEUVERS
HOBGOBLIN COMBAT MANEUVERS
Elven Artillery: Elves have millennia of practice in coordinating
Iron Morale: Hobgoblins are steady in the face of battle; hobgoblin
their attacks with deadly precision. Elven archery units gain a +2
units are considered to have mental primary attributes when making
bonus to indirect fire attacks. Additionally, these attacks cover a
any required morale checks during battle (morale CB 12).
50% larger area than indirect fire attacks attempted by non-elves.
Focus at Arms: +1 to damage with one specific weapon as
Battle Sagacity: The combination of long lifespan and unpredictable
defined by their unit equipment.
nature allow elven units to undermine an opponents confidence in
their leader. As such, units directly engaged in combat with elves
gain no morale bonus from their direct commander. KOBOLDS
Irascible, cowardly, and hate-filled creatures, these tiny devils of
GNOLLS the deeps are seldom found in surface conflicts. That said, their
intense battles with gnomes, goblins, and other races in the vast
Gnolls are mischievous and brutal by nature, preferring superior
caverns of the Darkness are well documented. Being weak in a
numbers, flank attacks, and ambushes to straight-up fights, despite
stand up-fight, any battle group facing kobold units with superior
the fact they are physically imposing creatures and quite deadly in
numbers forces the kobolds to take a morale check or retreat from
combat. That is, until they get hurt! Gnolls begin making morale
danger, seeking out friendlier terrain or bottlenecks in which to
checks at 20% casualties.
use their small stature to greater advantage. Despite this, pursuing
GNOLLISH COMBAT MANEUVER enemies often face heavy casualties from the dangerous gifts
kobolds are known to leave behind.
Dirty Dogs: Gnolls deal 1 extra point of damage when attacking
from the flanks or rear!

16 CASTLES & CRUSADES


KOBOLD COMBAT MANEUVER with the elf force then receive 36 points of damage. The orcs have
Guerilla Action: Kobolds who remain embedded in an area for 20 Unit Hit Points (UHP) per squad. One squad is destroyed and
more than 1 turn (6 rounds) automatically sap and dig, altering another must make a morale check after suffering over half of its unit
the terrain. This action grants the kobolds a +4 bonus to AC hit points in damage. The unit succeeds, so the player marks the unit
while they remain in their positions. Upon vacating their defensive as wounded and records the damage the unit suffered.
positions, any units moving through the area formerly occupied by The orc unit succeeds its morale check and the battle continues.
kobolds do so at 50% of their movement or suffer 2d6 points of
damage from traps, pitfalls, snares, etc. A guerilla action may only Regrouping and moving into position so that more of their units are
be taken by kobold units once in any given engagement. in contact with the elf front, the 11 remaining orc squads assault the
elves. They roll a 16+1, effectively hitting the elves armor class. The
OGRES orcs roll a 4 for damage and multiply it times their 11 contacting
True brutes on the battlefield, ogres are the ultimate shock troops squads, dealing 44 points of total damage. The elves lose 2 squads
when engaged in combat with more diminutive opponents. immediately, as they also have 20 Unit Hit Points. One unit suffers 4
points of damage, but does not need to make a morale check.
OGRISH COMBAT MANEUVER
The remaining 8 squads of elves rally for another attack, slashing
Disconcerting Strength: Those unfortunate enough to find themselves deeply into the orcs with their next attack. They roll a 15, again
engaged in hand-to-hand combat with ogres must contend with the striking the orcs, doing 5 points of damage (5x8=40), effectively
pummeling blows ogres can deliver. Opponents with fewer hit dice than killing two units of orcs and reducing their platoon to 9 squads.
the ogre units must make a morale check when facing ogres, or they
suffer a -2 to attack rolls against the ogre units for the duration of their The 9 squads attack the 8 squads of elves, but roll a 2 and miss!
contact with them. Opponents with greater hit dice, however, realize The elves respond in kind, attacking and rolling a 19, striking
quickly the ogres are merely worthless meat bags whose heads are successfully again. This time they score 8 points of damage times
meant to adorn the spears outside of Bowbes War Lodge. the 8 squads, which results in 64 points of damage! They destroy
3 squads of orcs, and the wounded squad is also lost. The orc
ORCS platoon is now degraded to 4 squads, which is less than half the
squads it had at the beginning of the engagement.
Stupid, ignorant, and intensely violent, orcs thrive on destruction
and bloodletting. Orcs care little whose blood flows, so long as
they survive to reap the bounty of their butchery. MORALE CHECK MOMENT!
As the orcs have lost over half of their platoon to the elves, they
ORCISH COMBAT MANEUVER must make a morale check for the remainder of the platoon. Their
Bloodlust: If an orc squad has inflicted wounds on another squad, challenge level for their morale check is +2 for losing half their
the orc squad gains a challenge level reduction of 2 to any required squads, and +1 for being outnumbered two to one, for a total of
morale saves. The injured squad need not be an opponents squad for CL 3. This leaves the orcs needing to roll a 21 or better on their
orcs to gain the benefit of bloodlust. In fact, some orc commanders d20 roll to avoid failing their morale check and withdrawing from
may order the destruction of allied forces in order to get their forces the combat. The orcs gain a +1 to their die roll for their morale
blood up, instilling courage in them for further combat. score and a +1 to their die roll, as their chieftain promised them
500 in gold for participating in battle. They roll a 10, however,
and their morale fails. They withdraw 30 feet from the elves in
A COMBAT SEQUENCE IN ACTION
preparation of departing the battlefield.
When squads of combatants come into contact with one another,
make one attack roll versus the armor class of the adjacent The elves reply with a call to Thayaleon the Tree Lord and strike
opponents, acting in initiative order. Opponents may be from mixed true and charge the retreating orcs. They rush forward on the
units and have differing armor classes, so a successful roll against one withdrawing orcs striking them with a 15, dealing 8 more points
unit may not affect another. If the attack roll successfully strikes the of damage multiplied by 8 squads, or 64 more points of damage,
armor class of any adjacent opponents, roll damage based on the destroying 3 more squads. The remaining squad fails its morale
weapon type and damage adjustments of the attacking unit. Multiply check, is routed, and destroyed as it turns to run.
this damage times the number of attackers adjacent to an enemy unit.
This number represents the total damage dealt by the attackers. ADVANCED INFANTRY TACTICS IN A FANTASY WORLD

Divide the Unit Hit Points (UHP) of defending squads by the Although the Fields of Battle TM version of the SIEGE Engine TM
total damage dealt. The resulting number indicates the number of works exceptionally well for re-enactments of historical battles, the
squads defeated in that combat round. game is, after all, intrinsically designed for fantasy role-playing.

Combat Example: A platoon of 10 squads numbering a total of 50 In fantasy combat, supernatural beings, wizards, and priests of
elven swordsmen makes a successful attack roll versus a platoon powerful deities may be present on the fields of battle. These
comprising 12 squads of adjacent orcs. The attacking elves are actually beings may have the ability to summon allies to the battlefield or
in contact with 6 of the 12 squads of orcs. The elves roll 1d8+1 for call forth devastating mass-effect spells at will. It is also likely the
damage and get a 6 for the total damage. The 6 orc squads in contact combatants include aerial or burrowing creatures. Such beings are

FIELDS OF BATTLE 17
alien to the classical historical battlefield, but they have abilities remains within the commanders command presence, the entire
that may be similarly applied to a modern theater of combat. line also remains within it. A picket line requires a minimum of five
squads to form and takes a round of movement action to achieve.
For this reason, fantasy combat and tactics are more readily
aligned with their modern counterparts, with fireball spells similar
to rocket or artillery attacks and invisibility spells mimicking
modern stealth technology.
Shield Wall: A shield wall provides a barrier of shields butted
Additionally, Castle Keepers and players who attempt to move
together, bristling with a line of spears to fill a breach or gap upon
their troops using classic historical maneuvers will quickly find
the battlefield that has protected flanks or sides. Its purpose is
their forces annihilated when confronted by a dragons breath
to make a wall against cavalry attacks, as horses become skittish
weapon or by area-effect magic like lightning bolt.
when being driven against what they perceive as an immovable
Fantasy combat requires units be more spread out across the object. Without a protected flank, a shield wall is susceptible to
battlefield to avoid mass eradication of entire platoons. In realms flanking attacks or being skirted by enemy cavalry units, who may
of fantasy, long rows of forces are eschewed for smaller echelon, then strike the shield wall from behind. Any force armed with
wedge (pyramidal), or diamond formations for troop movement. shields may enter a shield wall formation. Units in a shield wall
High mobility and the ability to quickly close gaps between enemy gain a +2 to AC from frontal attacks, but they suffer a -1 penalty
squads is seen as a key to victory in such battlefields, as generals to AC when attacked from the rear or its flanks, in addition to
must get their forces to close with enemies before the fireball spells any flanking bonuses the enemy receives from attacking its sides.
fly or web spells trap entire squads in their sticky threads. A shield wall is typically an immobile formation that requires one
full round to form. Units must be in the command presence (in
Unlike most historical battles, generals and commanders in the command) of a commander to create a shield wall. A minimum
fantasy genre must move with their forces. Rather than issuing of ten units are required to form a shield wall. Typically the shield
commands with flag, trumpet, and drum atop a hill, commanders wall is immobile but may be moved at 12 its movement rate if the
must be able to react and counter the tides of war up close to give commander makes a successful charisma check whose challenge
their commands as chance for success. Although such items are rating is equal to 12 the number of units forming the wall.
still used, flags and banners can be obscured with wall of fog or
similar spells, much like smoke grenades are used to mask troop
movements in modern battle, after all. And silence spells may
smother the sounds of drums and trumpets, leaving units deaf to
signals ordering them to charge or retreat.

In other words, fantasy armies are trained to start from loosely


dispersed troop arrangements. They move quickly towards
opposing forces while making tactical feints and masking
maneuvers to confuse their foes and blunt the power of enemy
magicians and missile units. At the last moment, they form ranks
while directly engaged with enemy forces, using their opponents
to shield themselves from further missile and magical assault.

COMBAT FORMATIONS
To enter a combat formation, a unit must be in full command of Phalanx: A phalanx is a multi-layered formation comprising a
an officer. Units not in direct command may not enter a combat wall of spears and shields. This tight formation can move forward,
formation. Units in an existing formation remain in the formation laterally, or retreat, but it lacks turn-on-a-dime mobility. Like a
they were in, even if their commander is slain, but must make any shield wall, it is susceptible to attacks from the rear and flanks. A
appropriate morale checks to remain engaged in the battle! phalanx is always considered to be set to receive a charge due to the
interlocking nature of the formation. Phalanx formations gain a +3
to AC, as at least one-fourth the unit is considered to have cover.
Phalanx units gain 2 attacks when armed with a standard spear,
reflecting the bristling rows of spears. Phalanx units armed with
Picket Line: A loose formation which allows other units to pass pikes or long spears gain 3 attacks due to the ranks involved.
through its ranks with no penalties. While in a picket line, units
may only attempt direct fire attacks or melee attacks; they must Forming a phalanx requires a minimum of 12 units stacked in
form up when attempting any other formation attacks or defenses. either two rows of six or three rows of four or any mathematical
A picket line has two advantages: the units in the picket line do not permutation of that ratio. It is required that the units are armed
impede the movement of allied forces, and the picket line can span with spears, pikes, long spears, or other pole-arms. It takes two full
a broad area of the battlefield while remaining under the command rounds to form a phalanx.
of a single commanderas long as a portion of the picket line

18 CASTLES & CRUSADES


Turtle: This formation increases the Wedge: A wedge movement formation is similar to an echelon,
overall armor class of the unit by +4 to with even numbers of units on both sides of a leading unit. This
its flanks, rear, and center mass, where formation offers some protection against magical line attacks, but
shields are held overhead to protect exposes the leading units to magical radius effects and indirect
against bow fire. The formation is missile fire. Formations in a wedge receive a +2 to saves versus
+2 AC to its front. When in a turtle magical line effects and +2 to armor class versus ballistae and
formation, the unit may move at half direct-fire missile attacks. A minimum of three units are required to
its movement rate, but may only attack create a wedge. The wedge requires one movement round to form.
from the exact front of the turtle. The
turtle formation is rectangular in shape,
and it requires a minimum of six units to
create the formation. Forming the turtle
takes two full rounds.

Schiltrom: A complicated formation which is a cross between


the shield wall and phalanx but in a circular- or doughnut-shaped
configuration. A typical schiltrom requires hundreds or even thousands
of men to properly form, and it involves the interlocking of shields and Diamond: This formation includes a leading unit, wings, and a trailing
spears to form a defensive wall to deny a cavalry charge. It takes four unit of reserves to fill in any units lost as combatants move across the
rounds to form a schiltrom. A schiltrom may be formed around archers field of battle; the combined formation is shaped like a diamond, thus its
as a defensive structure for them to fire from within. Spearmen in a name. Diamond formations provide moderate protection against most
schiltrom gain half cover or +4 to their armor class, and they deal attacks, depending on the distance the units keep from one another.
double damage to charging enemies. Bowmen hiding within the The diamond formation offers +1 to armor class and +1 to saves
schiltrom gain a concealment bonus of +4 to their armor class. A versus magic. The diamond formation takes one round to form, and it
schiltrom may be created from mixed units, but it requires a minimum requires a minimum of four squads to achieve the diamond shape.
of 20 squads to form a schiltrom, so long
as half of the units bear a shield.
Forming the schiltrom takes two
full rounds.

Schiltroms are generally


immobile formations,
but may be coaxed into
moving at up to one-fourth
speed if the commander
succeeds a charisma check
equal to half the number
of units under his command.
Once mobile, the schiltrom may
be used to assault enemy positions.
Battle Line: The most common of ancient historic
movement formations, the line may extend from horizon
MOVEMENT FORMATIONS to horizon. Lines are efficient in crossing great expanses
Echelon: An echelon formation is a staggered line with a leading of terrain, but are exposed to a variety of attacks. A
edge and a flanker situated off to its left or right. Units in an echelon minimum of two units standing side by side creates a
maintain a distance of 10-20ft. back from one another. The echelon battle line.
provides protection against indirect fire missile attacks or magical
radius-effect spells, but little protection against magical line attacks, Marching Order: The line is used by armed forces to
such as lightning bolts. The echelon grants a +2 to the formations get to the battlefield. It is seldom used in actual combat,
armor class versus indirect fire and +2 to saves versus area-effect however, because it exposes the force to flank attacks or
attack spells. An echelon requires a minimum of four units, with one magical line assaults. Two units with one following the
leading edge and one short edge. An echelon may be created during other are sufficient to create a marching order.
the movement phase in lieu of moving.
Certainly, there are many other battle formationsancient
or contemporarythat would prove acceptable to use in a
Fields of Battle scenario. Castle Keepers wishing to extend
the options should research other maneuvers and convert
them to game terms.

FIELDS OF BATTLE 19
CHAPTER 5: HEROES AT WAR
HEROES IN BATTLEFIELD COMBAT setting would be appropriate. While the HD of the two orc squads
combined in this situation is certainly higher than a single PCs
Hero units participate in Fields of Battle combat in exactly the HD, the presence of the other three heroes of equivalent HD
same manner as they do in standard SIEGE Engine combat. ensures the advantage to the heroes, who combined, have more
While armies act on their commanders initiative, heroic PCs and HD than the two squads. However, the same two squads attacking
NPCs (who may very well be commanders) act independently a single PC would be quite inappropriate, resulting in the
of the armies, moving on their own initiative scores within a outright slaughter the lone herowhich isnt fun for any player.
roundunless they embed themselves within a unit, whereupon Additionally, pitting the same two orc squads against a party of 1st-
non-spellcasters lose their individual action (See Embedded 2nd-level characters in a dungeon situation would likewise not be
Heroes, page 22) and become a part of the units attack, while appropriate. In such an instance, the individual orcs should prove
spellcasters attack with spells on their units initiative. an appropriate challenge to the PCs in their own right!
Typically, heroes face off against other heroes on the battlefield; For hero-versus-unit combat, the CK should consult Table 5-
however, situations may arise where the hero is directly assaulted 1: Squad Information for Hero-Versus-Unit Combat below,
by one or more enemy units. In this circumstance, the hero which provides special attack and damage information for squad
directly faces the direct ratio/number of individuals comprising formations by a squads component creatures size. The attack and
the encountered units. Thus, a hero unit coming into contact damage bonuses provided indicate a squads ability to surround and
with a squad of orcs (medium-sized creatures) faces 5 orcs. A overwhelm an individual, proving that squad formations of even
hero unit encountering a squad of goblins (small-sized creatures) low-level creatures can be deadly. The chart provides the attack and
faces 10 goblins, and so on. This resolution of scale is called squad damage bonuses for a standard 1-HD unit. CKs should add a +1 to
formations (See Squad Formations below for more details). Units attack bonus for each HD above 1 the unit has to the attack bonus;
in squad formations receive attack and damage bonuses against additionally, CKs should add any strength or dexterity bonuses, any
heroes. Squad formations are only used for small- and medium- embedded hero units bonuses, and any character class special abilities
sized units battling heroes. Large units, which consist of two like Weapon Specialization, and any other applicable bonuses to the
troops, cannot fight in squad formation, so they battle hero units base attack and damage bonuses provided on the chart for units in
via the standard SIEGE Engine rules. squad formations. An example battle scenario is included below.
Fighters with Combat Dominance or Extra Attack may
TABLE 5-1: SQUAD INFORMATION FOR HERO-VERSUS-UNIT COMBAT
use these abilities when fighting units, just as they would
in standard SIEGE Engine combat. So, a high-level Individual HP per Attack Damage
Unit Size Ratio Hit Die
fighter with initiative over a weaker squad should have HD Per Squad* Bonus** Modifier**
no problem in defeating the squad quickly or at least Small 10:1 1d4 3 +5 Weapon+4
forcing a morale check! Small 10:1 1d6 4 +7 Weapon+6
Small 10:1 1d8 6 +8 Weapon+8
SQUAD FORMATIONS
Medium 5:1 1d8 6 +5 Weapon+4
When hero-versus-unit combat takes place, the opposing
Medium 5:1 1d10 8 +6 Weapon+5
unit should, more often than not, be treated as if it is in
squad formation. At the CKs discretion, units of creatures Medium 5:1 1d12 10 +7 Weapon+6
with a militant background, such as humanoid foes (goblins, *This number only reflects an average hit point total per hit die for an individual
orcs, hobgoblins, and the like), have at least a rudimentary troop member within the unit when conducting hero-versus-unit battle formation
knowledge of battle tactics; they know how to form battle combat. Small- and medium-sized creatures have three-fourths their standard HD in
hit points per hit die. CKs may wish to alter the base hit points listed for elite units.
ranks to increase both their offensive and defensive output
while working together as a squad. Squad formations are **The chart assumes a 1-HD unit, so add +1 to the attack bonus for each
intended for use with units of medium- and small-sized additional HD. Add any applicable bonuses (embedded hero, strength or dexterity,
creatures. When heroes face units of large or larger size, or special class abilities, etc.) to the base standard. Additionally, cavalry add their
mounts natural attack to the damage.
combat is resolved via the standard SIEGE Engine rules.

Giving monsters of small and medium size the opportunity to form UNIT SIZE, RATIO, HIT DIE, AND HIT POINTS PER HD
ranks when facing player characters gives monsters more traction In Castles & Crusades, monsters, like player character classes,
in the game, allowing the Castle Keeper to continue using old have differing hit die reflecting their physical ability to withstand
standbys without fear of classic monsters like goblins becoming damage. Hit points per hit die per squad have been calculated on
irrelevant to good storytelling. As a rule, it is best to avoid using Table 5-1 for ease of use in game, so that combat between a hero
squad formations whenever the combined HD of a squad is greater unit and an enemy squad may be resolved more quickly. Table
than the HD of a single PC. Thus, 10 orcs (medium-sized creatures 5-1 assumes each individual within a small- or medium-sized
with a total of 10 HD) making two squad formations versus a unit has at least three-fourths its hit dice in starting hit points. A
party of four 5th-level characters (total of 20 HD) in a battlefield hero need only deal the amount of damage listed (per hit die) to
20 CASTLES & CRUSADES
down a squad member. Additionally, because unit members are so in a medium-sized unit, the loss of one member causes the unit to
closely packed together in formation, the hero may, depending on suffer a -1 to its attack and damage bonuses. The starting bonuses
the damage dealt, actually kill more than one unit member with are listed in the chart by unit size and HD type.
his attack, slicing or bashing through his intended victim with his
weapon to the swarm beyond. Hero-Versus-Unit Combat Example: A squad of 10 goblins harasses
Saragun, a 5th-level ranger, on the battlefield. The goblin squad has a
A heros kills diminish a units combat effectiveness (See Attack total of 10 HD (10 x 1 HD creatures=10 HD), and each goblin has
Bonus and Damage Modifier below). 4 hit points each, per Table 5-1 (goblins are small, 1HD creatures,
so, as the chart indicates, each individual goblin has 4 hit points).
ELITE SQUAD FORMATIONS The goblins attack the ranger with their spears. They have a +7
to-hit bonus due to their superior numbers; they roll a 14 on their
Certain squads may be comprised of enemies with more than one hit
d20 attack roll, resulting in a 21, which is good enough to penetrate
die, such as a squad of 3rd-level fighters. When dealing with multiple-
the rangers AC 13 (studded leather armor). Their damage capacity
HD squads, simply multiply a units HD by the hit points listed for an
is 1d6+6 (+6 damage bonus from Table 5-1) points of damage
individual member in Table 5-1, and then increase both the attack
with their spears. Rolling a 2 on the d6, the goblins deal 8 points of
and damage bonuses by +1 for each additional hit die added.
damage to the ranger with their phalanx of spears.
Elite Squad Formation Example: in the case of a squad of 3rd-
The ranger, being an expert in battling such creatures, bears into
level fighters (a medium-sized unit with d10 as its base HD), each
their onslaught with his trusty longsword. The 5th-level ranger has a
individual member comprising the unit would have 24 hp (the base 8
base attack bonus of +4 for his level, but he is strong (16 strength,
hp per member from Table 5-1 multiplied by 3 HD=24). Therefore,
+2) and has a +1 longsword, so he gains +3 to hit, giving him a
a hero would have to cause 24 hit points of damage to one member
total attack bonus of +7. He rolls a 10 on his d20 attack roll; adding
to remove him from the squad. This unit would have an attack bonus
his +7 attack bonus, he has an 18 for his attack roll, which succeeds
of + 8 and a damage bonus of +7 (the unit gains +1 for each added
in hitting a goblin (AC 15). The rangers damage capacity is 1d8+8
hit die, which becomes +2 for the additional 2 HD; this is added to
(+2 strength, +1 sword, and a +5 damage bonus against goblins
the base +6 attack and +5 damage listed on Table 5-1, which, when
for his Combat Marauder ability=+8). He rolls a perfect 8 on his
increased by 2 each, becomes +8 attack and +7 damage).
damage roll and adds his +8 damage bonus, thereby dealing a total
Additionally, an elite force doesnt have to mean a higher HD of 16 points of damage to the goblin unit. As indicated above, while
unit. Instead, it might mean a tougher-than-normal unit. To create the hero concentrates on one individual within the unit, his attack
such an elite standard unit, the CK should boost the squads listed may actually down more than one individual if it is potent enough.
hit point total by one or two points, possibly maxing out the HD. Divide the total number of damage dealt by the base hit points per
Next, the CK might even consider further boosting the squads die of the attacked creatures to see how many unit members are
toughness with a constitution modifier bonus, further bolstering killed; if enough damage is done to wound an additional member
the units hit points. Finally, the unit might possess magical but not kill him, the remaining damage is dropped, and the creature
weapons and/or better armor. All these things would make a is unaffected. In the rangers case, his 16 points of damage is enough
standard unit more difficult to remove from the battlefield. to kill 4 members of the unit (16 damage/4 hp each=4); he literally
scythes through their bodies with his bold strokes. The goblin force,
DAMAGING A SQUAD FORMATION now reduced by 4 members, suffers a -2 penalty to both its to-hit
and damage bonuses listed on Table 5-1 (for every two members
When the hero attacks a squad formation, he deals direct hit point lost in a small unit, the unit suffers a -1 penalty).
damage against a creature within the unit, attacking as per normal
SIEGE Engine combat. In this instance, a squad members hit points The remaining 6-member goblin unit attacks again. Having lost 4
are as per Table 5-1 per hit dice. As the number of squad members members, their small-sized goblin units attack and damage bonuses
dwindles, the units effectiveness degrades, resulting in a reduced are now +5 to hit and +4 to damage. They roll a 17; adding +5, they
attack bonus and a reduced damage bonus, as detailed above. get a 22, and again successfully strike the ranger. Their damage die
roll equals 4+4, and thus the remaining goblins deal another 8 points
If a hero decimates a squad or more single-handedly, the hero of damage to the ranger, bringing him to 16 points of damage.
grants a +1 morale bonus to all allied units within sight of her
deeds, for as long as she remains visible. When a unit takes a 50% The ranger strikes again on his next attack, hitting with a total
loss or more of its squad in hero-versus-squad combat, the unit is score of 18 for a total of 11 points of damage. Since 11 can be
forced to make a morale check at CL 1 to continue fighting. divided evenly by 4 twice, the goblin unit loses 2 more troops,
leaving only 4 remaining (the additional damage is dropped). The
ATTACK AND DAMAGE MODIFIERS OF DAMAGED goblin squads attack and damage bonuses suffer an additional
SQUAD FORMATIONS -1 penalty, reducing them to +4 to hit and +3 to damage.
As a unit loses members, its battle proficiency suffers, causing Additionally, because the goblin unit has suffered a 50% loss
attack and damage penalties to be applied against its standard or more at this point, the unit must roll a morale check (a
combat bonuses listed in Table 5-1. A units size (small or medium) charisma check versus fear) to hold, as they have suffered massive
affects how penalties are assessed. In small-sized units, for every two casualties. The challenge level of the save in this instance is equal
members lost, the unit suffers a -1 to its attack and damage bonuses; to the HD of their opponent +1 for suffering heavy casualties.

FIELDS OF BATTLE 21
Against the 5th-level ranger, the goblins have a challenge level of Likewise, heroes embedded within units in unit-versus-unit
6 for the morale check (5 for the rangers HD + 1 for suffering combat are struck on any hit that would strike their own AC;
casualties=6). The goblins do not have mental prime attributes, they receive the damage amount suffered divided by their unit
so their charisma check starts with a challenge base of 18 and is ratio (rounded down) directly to their hit point total. Depending
modified by CL 6, thereby requiring a challenge class of 24. Even if on the heros hit point total, it is possible for the embedded heros
the goblins rolled a natural 20, they could not overcome their fear entire squad to be decimated while he still stands. He then fights
of the ranger with their +1 morale score, so the goblins fail their as a hero unit, or he joins up with another unit. While fighting in
morale check; they flee the battlefield on their turn. squad formation in hero-versus-unit combat, the embedded hero
receives direct damage from the attacking hero opponent.
HEROES IN BATTLE
Example: In unit-to-unit combat, a squad of gnoll archers fires on
Heroes and officers provide an important component to any battle. Erutanth the bards medium-sized unit. Erutanth is a 4th-level bard and
Their presence adds to their allies morale, and their deeds inspire
has 25 hit points. The gnolls score a hit on her unit, dealing 6 points
their forces to victory. Likewise, their defeat and failure can thoroughly
of damage. Erutanths unit suffers 6 points of Unit Hit Point damage,
demoralize allies who witness these events. This chapter deals with
but Erutanth personally suffers 1 point of damage (6 points of damage
the possible combat activities PC and NPC heroes may take upon a
divided by 5, the units medium-sized ratio (rounded down)).
battlefield, either as commanders or as individual hero units.
Special: Spellcasters embedded with a standard unit may still cast
EMBEDDED HEROES their spells normally on their units turn. Many of these spells may
Some heroes may wish to be embedded directly with perspective grant special effects and powers to their unit. Note: If the spellcaster
units, taking the place of corporals, sergeants, and the like. In this is using a spell which requires a full round of concentration to use,
instance, the heroes are not considered solely as individuals. the embedded spellcasters unit may take no action other than to
Embedded heroes who are not spellcasters do not take individual defend itself while the caster prepares the incantation.
attacks, rather some of their attack bonuses or special abilities
are folded into the bonuses and abilities of the overall unit; EMBEDDED HEROES ASSETS
spellcasters may cast a spell on their units initiative. Only one With the exception of spellcasters, heroes embedded with units
hero may be embedded with a unit at any given time. forfeit their independent actions upon embedding themselves
Embedded heroes double the Unit Hit Point total of the unit they with a unit; spellcasters, however, may cast spells (only) as an
are attached to and add whatever specialized bonus a character of individual action on the units initiative, but may not make
their level brings to his squad. This reflects the greater number of hit hand-to-hand attacks as an individual. While embedded, a
points, better equipment, and, in general, more efficient or specialized heros presence bolsters the abilities of the unit, granting certain
attack style. While in squad formation, however, the embedded hero bonuses dependent upon the heros class and level. In the example
maintains his own hit points, but the other squad members have the above, Gweyeth the Strong, a 3rd-level fighter, granted his unit of
standard HP listed on the chart; so one member of the unit will be spearmen a +1 bonus to to-hit and damage rolls.
harder for the hero to kill. Also, the embedded hero becomes the de-
A hero may disengage from their unit at any time or join another
facto commanding officer of the unit, adding his charisma bonus, if
unit if they so desire. Any time the hero embeds himself within a
any, to morale checks his unit may be forced to make.
unit, that unit gains all the applicable advantages the heros class and
Thus, a unit of spearmen led by Gweyeth the Strong, a 3rd-level level provide from being embedded. CKs should consult the class
fighter, would look like this: information below to determine the specifics of these benefits.

HUMAN SPEARMEN (Fighter 1 with embedded 3rd-level fighter) 1 squad ASSASSINS


Size/Ratio: Medium/ 5:1 Although not a frontline fighters by any stretch of the imagination,
HD/UHP: 1d10/UHP 50* the assassins preference for covert death dealing make them
Move: 30 ft. ideal strike commandos, snipers, and slayers of enemy captains.
AC: 15 (Scale Mail, Shield) Generally, assassins work alone behind enemy lines, infiltrating
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Long Spear (1d8+3)/+3 AB or Short the ranks of opposing forces and dispatching opponents unseen.
Sword (1d6+2)/+2 AB High-level assassins may pose as enemy leaders, using their
Squad Formation: HP 8 x 4 and Gweyeth HP 21, Long Spear disguise to sway the events of the battle in favor of their patron.
(1d8+8)/+9 AB or Short Sword (1d6+7)/+8 AB
Special: Weapon Specialization (long Spear, +1 bonus to hit and EMBEDDED ASSETS
damage), +1 strength modifier, embedded 3rd-level fighter hero An assassin character embedded with troops offers the following
(Gweyeths presence adds +1 to hit and damage and a +1 morale advantages:
bonus as their commandercharisma 14)
Primes: Strength, Wisdom, Constitution
ASSASSIN LEVEL
Morale: +2*
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None 1-4: +1 to damage whenever they attack from flank, rear, or
*Embedded assets provided by the presence of Gweyeth the Strong. from concealment/cover.

22 CASTLES & CRUSADES


5-8: +2 to damage whenever they attack from flank, rear, or EMBEDDED ASSETS
from concealment/cover. Embedded bards grant their allies all bard song bonuses that apply,
9-12: +3 to damage whenever they attack from flank, rear, or plus the bonuses detailed below, meaning a bards Exalt ability
from concealment/cover, +1 to saves vs. poison. stacks with the bonuses below. A bard character embedded with
13-16: +3 to damage whenever they attack from flank, rear, or troops offers the following advantages:
from concealment/cover, +2 to saves vs. poison. Bard Level
17-20: +4 to damage whenever they attack from flank, rear, or
from concealment/cover, +2 to saves vs. poison. 1-4: Morale Bonus: The bards unit is considered to be
prime in charisma for the purposes of morale checks;
21st+: If an embedded assassin studies an opposing unit for 3 rounds in addition, all charisma-based saves, including morale
and his unit has initiative, he can direct the unit to perform a checks, receive a +1 bonus.
standard Sneak Attack, granting the unit a +2 bonus to hit
and a +4 bonus to damage. Additionally, if the units Sneak 5-8: +1 to damage. Morale Bonus: The bonus for all
Attack is successful, the assassin may take the opportunity to charisma-based saves increases to +2.
make a death attack on the units direct commander (or the 9-12: Morale Bonus: The bonus for all charisma-based saves
overall commander if that commander is in range). increases to +3.
13-17: +2 to damage. Morale Bonus: The bonus for all
BARBARIANS charisma-based saves increases to +4.
Barbarian heroes often serve as mercenary commanders, leading 18-20: Morale Bonus: The high-level bards presence within
from the front rather than the rear, and intimidating both allies his unit makes it immune to morale saves and other
and enemies with their ferociousness in combat. They are also fear checks. Additionally, other units within sight of the
likely to lead howling hordes of fearless warriors against firmly bardic hero gain +4 to their morale saves.
entrenched positions that more civilized soldiers fear to assault.
Barbarian PCs and NPCs actively seek out large monsters and 21+: The bards Exhort Greatness extends to the entire unit, granting
enemy commanders, challenging them to single combat. the unit +2 to attack rolls and two HD of temporary hit points.

EMBEDDED ASSETS CLERICS


A barbarian character embedded with troops offers the following The religious warrior priests of their faith, clerics wield amazing
advantages: power on the battlefield. Evil and neutral priests can animate
fallen troops to fight again. Clerics can turn or rebuke enemy
Barbarian Level squads of undead, reducing the strength of enemy forces. Clerics
1-4: The barbarians unit may take one attack during the quite literally command the power of the gods upon the battlefield
entire battle at a +4 to hit, or the unit may receive +4 with their power over life and death.
to any action where a physical attribute check is required EMBEDDED ASSETS
due to the ferocity instilled by the barbarian.
Clerics retain the ability to cast spells and turn undead when embedded
5-8: The barbarian inspires his unit to make a single attack with a unit. Likewise, area-effect spells that overlap the size of the unit
against two adjacent foes once during the entire course (10 ft.) the cleric is embedded in affect all members of the unit. A cleric
of the battle. character embedded with troops offers the following advantages:
9-12: +1 to damage. The unit fights to -6 hit points and has
damage reduction 1 point per physical blow. Special: High-level clerics can summon hero units and other
creatures of the inner and outer planes to do their bidding on the
12-16: Berserkers Morale: +1 to hit and +2 damage. So long battlefield. These units calculate UHP and attacks as any other unit.
as the barbarian is up and fighting, the unit cannot fail
morale checks.
DRUIDS
17-21: Ancestral Hero: The barbarians unit gains two full additional
Possessing great power over nature, druids may call upon the
hit die for the purposes of attack rolls and Unit Hit Points.
forces of nature to change the events and outcomes of battles. The
ability to summon their own units, to warp battlefield conditions
BARDS with their control of weather, and to transform areas of open plain
Bard heroes offer great bonuses to an allied armys morale and into impassable thorn or marsh make these individuals useful
fighting ability. Although adequate as frontline fighters, bards heroes upon the battlefield. A druid character embedded with
frequently assist commanders in relaying orders, using drums or troops offers the following advantages:
trumpet signals to communicate their messages, or they aid leaders
in swaying the tide of battle with inspirational speeches to the EMBEDDED ASSET
troops. A bards golden-tongued words can embolden men to hold Druids retain the ability to cast spells on their units turn when embedded
the breach when all else seems lost, ensuring them that the sacrifice with a unit. Likewise, area-effect spells that overlap the size of the unit
of their lives is well worth the prize being sought in battle. (10 ft.) the druid is embedded in affect all members of the unit.
FIELDS OF BATTLE 23
Special: High-level druids can summon units of beasts to the presence of other character classes due to their specific martial
battlefield that fight under their command and move on the units training in mass combat. Knights improve everyone around
initiative. To determine the UHP of these beasts, use the unit them, offering bonuses even to non-knights, who are awed in the
statistics block generation rules found in Chapter 2. presence of such martial expertise.

FIGHTERS EMBEDDED ASSETS

Fighters often serve as commanders and leaders on the battlefield. Knights are at their best when embedded with cavalry; however,
Being more refined in their training than the typical warrior, they bring foot soldiers also benefit from the unit bonuses knights offer.
the brunt of their many abilities and professional training to bear in Most of the knights embedded assets are clearly listed in the
battle. They help units take on enemy formations, aid it destroying Castles & Crusades Players Handbook. The knights abilities stack
fortifications, and often challenge enemy officers to single combat. with all other units within their command presence. Thus, a
EMBEDDED ASSET knights powers may stack with units in their command presence
who also have embedded heroes within them.
Fighters grant a portion of their combat abilities to units they are
embedded with. A fighter character embedded with troops offers KNIGHT LEVEL
the following advantages:
21+: The knights renown is such that his battlefield bonuses to units
FIGHTER LEVEL in his command presence are doubled for their duration.

1-3rd: +1 to hit, +1 bonus damage (Hero present only, and MONKS


stacking with standard fighter bonuses).
Monks move with great speed upon the battlefield and are
4th-7th: One Combat Dominance bonus attack vs. d6 or smaller often deployed to take out enemy wizards and priests with their
hit die per combat round (stacks with standard fighter devastating stunning attacks and high saving throws. Monks also
bonuses of elite fighter units of 4 HD or greater). make great spies and scouts, as their ground speed at high levels
8th-13th: +2 to hit and +2 damage. may rival that of a charging stallion.
14th+: One Extra Attack granted to the entire unit. EMBEDDED ASSETS

ILLUSIONISTS Monks offer a wide variety of defensive- and movement-based


assets to any force they are embedded with. A monk character
Cursed are the names of illusionists upon the lips of professional embedded with troops offers the following advantages:
fighting men! Illusionists are possibly more dangerous than any other
class to soldiers in enemy formations. Illusionists have the power to Monk Level
create the impression of larger forces and more powerful allies. Their
imaginative arcane flourishes may be used to conceal large swaths of 1-5: +1 Armor class bonus versus missile weapons, +1 to
the battlefield, to masquerade troops of soldiers as a copse of trees, or constitution and charisma saves, including morale checks.
to hide quagmires with the illusion of safe, flat land. 6-10: +2 AC bonus versus missile weapons, +2 to constitution
and charisma saves, including morale checks.
EMBEDDED ASSET
11-15: +10 ft. to units movement rate. Unit attacks as if the
Illusionists retain the ability to cast spells on their units turn when entire unit possesses a +1 magical weapon for purposes
embedded with a unit. Likewise, area-effect spells that overlap of damage reduction and immunities.
the size of the unit (10 ft.) the illusionist is embedded in affect
all members of the unit. An illusionist character embedded with 16-19: +3 AC bonus versus missile weapons. Unit attacks as
troops offers the following advantages: if the entire unit possesses a +2 magical weapon for
purposes of damage reduction and immunities.
Sharp Senses: Embedded illusionists grant a +1 for every 4 levels 20+: The unit may deal one Death Strike per battle. The Death
of the Illusionist to saves versus illusion saving throws. Strike uses the embedded monks level for purposes of
Special: High-level illusionists can create virtual units and even determining if the unit is higher level than its opponents. The
armies to do their bidding through the binding of powerful illusion monks level must exceed the entire HD of the opponent unit
magic. These units have the same UHP, HD, and the like of their to be successful. For instance, an embedded 20th-level monk
true counterparts. can easily affect a medium-sized unit of 3 HD creatures or
lower (3 HD x 5 members=15 total HD), while a 21st-level
monk can affect a medium-sized unit of 4 HD.
KNIGHTS
Knights live for the thunder of hooves and the crash of steel PALADINS
on steel. Born and bred for the battlefield, knights often serve
as officers and commanders of large legions of troops, and with Paragons of their deities and devoted holy warriors, paladins are
very good reason: knights have 1.5 times the normal command frequently designated leaders of cavalry and infantry troops, their
courage emanating out into the other ranks. Paladins challenge the

24 CASTLES & CRUSADES


most powerful and most evil of opponents. They are the first to take EMBEDDED ASSET
the field and the last to leave itbe it in a coffin or guarding the Rogues specialize in attacking foes from surprise and stealth.
retreat of others, allowing them to escape to fight another day. Given the opportunity, they may inflict grievous damage to their
EMBEDDED ASSET opponents. A rogue character embedded with troops offers the
following advantages:
Paladins grant various bonuses to defenses and saves to units that
they are embedded with. Since a unit occupies 10 ft. of space (1 ROGUE LEVEL
inch), a paladin of 6th-level or higher will encompass the unit
with her Aura of Courage at all times, granting the entire unit 1-4: +1 to damage anytime they attack from flank, rear, or
+4 to fear saves, including morale checks. A paladin character from concealment/cover.
embedded with troops offers the following advantages: 5-8: +2 to damage anytime they attack from flank, rear, or
from concealment/cover.
PALADIN LEVEL 9-12: +1 to hit/+3 damage anytime they attack from flank,
1-5: +1 Armor class bonus and +1 to saving throws versus rear, or from concealment/cover.
evil opponents. 13-16: +2 to hit/+4 damage anytime they attack from flank,
6-8: +2 Armor class bonus and +2 to saving throws versus rear, or from concealment/cover.
evil opponents; +2 to constitution saves. 17-20: +3 to hit/ +5 damage anytime they attack from flank,
9-12: +1 damage bonus versus evil opponents. rear, or from concealment/cover.
13-16: +2 damage bonus versus evil opponents. 21st+: If a rogues unit has initiative in the first round of battle,
17-19: +3 damage bonus versus evil opponents. the unit may perform an immediate Sneak Attack at
double the rogues standard bonusgranting the unit a
20+: The entire unit may Smite Evil as a 9th-level paladin +4 bonus to hit and a +8 bonus to damage.
(using their embedded paladins charisma bonus to hit +
any other to-hit bonuses) once per battle. WIZARDS

RANGERS Wizards can have a profound effect upon the battlefield, and
can single-handedly turn the tide of battle by drawing upon
Rangers frequently lead archer squads or recon units to scout their arcane might. A wizard of sufficient level who has buffed
out enemy forces for weaknesses. Their units may also act as himself with powerful mass attack spells and magical defenses
skirmishers and marauders, attacking enemy hero units. With the can be virtually undefeatable on the battlefield, except by other
ability to quickly defeat enemies on the battlefield, rangers make heroes. The various specialized wizards each have their own
invaluable hero units. value upon the battlefield, be it evokers who call down fire and
lightning, abjurers who can protect their forces against attacks, or
EMBEDDED ASSETS
summoners who can call up instant troops to replenish those who
In addition to their own special abilities, rangers embedded with a are spent upon the field.
unit offer the following bonuses:
EMBEDDED ASSET
Ranger Level
Wizards retain the ability to cast spells when embedded with a unit.
1-4: +1 to damage against humanoid/giant opponents. Likewise, area-effect spells that overlap the size of the unit (10 ft.)
the wizard is embedded in affect all members of the unit. A wizard
5-8: +2 to damage against humanoid/giant opponents; +1 character embedded with troops offers the following advantages:
saves and AC versus the rangers favored enemy.
9-12: +3 to damage against humanoid/giant opponents; +2 Special: High-level wizards can summon hero units and other
saves and AC versus the rangers favored enemy. creatures of the inner and outer planes to do their bidding on the
battlefield. These units calculate UHP and attacks as any other unit.
13-16: +4 to damage against humanoid/giant opponents; +3
saves and AC versus the rangers favored enemy.
17-20: +5 to damage against humanoid/giant opponents; +4
saves and AC versus the rangers favored enemy.

ROGUES
Rogues may traverse the field of battle as spies and harassing skirmishers,
seeking out enemy units and relaying their positions and tactics back to
allied units. Rogues may steal the battle plans from an enemy encampment
or pilfer an un-holy artifact needed by the enemy to win the day.

FIELDS OF BATTLE 25
CHAPTER 6: SIEGE WARFARE
In mass combat, it is often necessary for one force to assault a Ammunition lists optional ammunition for the siege engines.
fixed structure and for another force to defend that structure
from an invading onslaught. In prolonged engagement scenarios, BALLISTA
it is possible that some forces may have entrenched themselves, Cost: 500 gp, Damage: 3d8, Area: 5X5, Range: 120 ft., Crew: 1 or 2
creating semi-permanent defensive positions. Possibilities for such
scenarios are endless. This section provides details for the strength A ballista is a huge wooden crossbow typically fixed in place,
of fixed emplacements and siege equipment. It also provides the but it may be mounted on rollers, wagons, ships, and the like.
penalties and bonuses provided by cover, terrain, and elevation, Because a ballista is so large, medium- and small-sized users suffer
information which may be needed to fully realize a Fields of a -4 penalty to their attack rolls when attempting to fire a ballista
Battle encounter for your Castles & Crusades game. alone or -2 when firing as part of a crew. A ballista has a range
increment of 120 ft. This weapon is primarily used to kill large
Sieges work effectively in fantasy role-playing scenarios as plot creatures on the battlefield (such as elephants, ogres, dragons,
hooks and as exciting culminations of long-standing campaigns. etc.) exposed within its range. Equally, ballistae may be used to
Perhaps the PCs are required to take vital information or a holy fire flaming spears against siege towers to catch them on fire. A
relic into a stronghold to give the defenders that last piece of ballista with a crew of 2 may have the weapon prepared to fire
material needed to destroy the demonic enemy general. Perhaps every other round. Otherwise, the ballista may fire once every 3
the PCs are attempting to infiltrate an enemy base to slay an evil rounds. A ballista takes up a 5-ft. space.
lich generating legions of undead warriors from the bowels of his
tower, and the only way into the fortress is through the ranks of CATAPULT, HEAVY
undead in their path. Simply defending what the PCs have fought Cost: 800 gp, Damage: 6d6, Area: 15x15, Range: 200 ft.
long and hard to seize for themselves is about as old school a (minimum range 100 ft.), Crew: 4
campaign scenario as it gets for fantasy role-playing games.
A heavy catapult hurls huge pieces of stone or bundles of cast
SIEGE ENGINES iron balls at a range increment of 200 ft., with a minimum range
of 100 ft. With a crew of 4 trained siege engineers firing the heavy
Siege engines function normally on the battlefield, affecting catapult, it may be winched, loaded, aimed, and fired every other
targeted squares on a hit and random squares on a miss. Listed round. Heavy catapults may be loaded on wagons and moved at
below are common siege engines. Table 6-1: Siege Engines lists the bearing weight and speed of the animals hauling it. Otherwise,
the siege engines cost, typical damage, range increment, and a heavy catapult may be pushed 10 ft. per round. Heavy catapults
number of crew to operate at a glance. Table 6-2: Siege Engine take up a space 15 ft. across.

CATAPULT, LIGHT
Cost: 550 gp, Damage: 4d6, Area:
10x10, Range: 150 ft. (minimum
range 75 ft.), Crew: 2

A light catapult is similar to a


heavy catapult: it hurls stones, cast
iron balls, or other ammunition.
Light catapults have a range
increment of 150 ft., with an
absolute minimum range of 75
ft. A crew of 2 may winch, load,
and fire every other round. Light
catapults may be loaded on wagons
and moved at the bearing weight
and speed of the animals hauling
it. Otherwise, it may be pushed 15
ft. per round. Light catapults take
up a space 10 ft. across.

26 CASTLES & CRUSADES


to easily scale its inside with full cover (+10 AC). The top interior
FIRING A CATAPULT floor of the structure is typically affixed with a drawbridge-like front
A catapult affects an area based on the ammunition used, wall that drops, attaching to the wall of an enemy castle, allowing the
and firing a catapult requires a keen intellect to understand troops within to storm the battlements and end a siege.
the proper elevation, arc, and trajectory of its payload. The
engineer makes a standard ranged attack roll based on his Siege towers are typically constructed at the site of the battle after
base attack bonus, adding his intelligence modifier instead many weeks and months of siege. They are built to be slightly
of his dexterity modifier for purposes of aiming the attack, taller than the wall intended to be breached, thus their cost is
and then subtracting any range increment penalties. Targets reflected in multiples of 20 ft.
of a catapult attack may make a dexterity check to take half The towers roof provides a firing platform that grants 12 cover or
damage from the attack. The saves CL equals the firing +4 armor class to defenders. The roof is large enough to hold one
engineers intelligence modifier. On a roll of natural 1, the squad of combatants or 1 ballista and crew.
catapult shot hurls straight into the air, falls back down, and
then lands on the catapult and its crew. Siege towers have 50 hp per 10 ft. section and an armor class of
14. They may be pushed or dragged 5 ft. per turn, and they require
Catapults may be locked on a target once their engineer at least 20 medium-sized creatures, 10 large-sized creatures (such
scores a hit. Fired ammunition continues to hit the same area as ogres or horses), or any huge or colossal giant to move it per 20
with no additional attack roll required until it is re-aimed. ft. of height. For example, a 40-ft. siege tower may be pushed into
Re-aiming takes one round and requires a new attack roll. position by 2 frost giants, 20 ogres, or 40 orcs.

Historically, the largest siege towers were nearly 140 ft. tall and 60 ft.
RAM, BATTERING wide. They could hold 1000 knights and archers. Such behemoths
were outfitted with multiple catapults, ballistae, or cannons; they
Cost: 1000 gp, Damage: 4d6, Area: 1 stationary target, Range: required hundreds of men to push and pull them into position.
, Crew: 10 medium-sized crew or 20 small-sized crew Siege towers cost 400 gp per 20 feet in height to construct.
A battering ram is a huge log, usually
with an iron or bronze end cap. Battering TABLE 6-1: SIEGE ENGINES
rams may be complicated siege engines ENGINE COST DAMAGE* AREA RANGE CREW
built with protective covering for the ram
Ballista 500gp 3d8 5X5 120 ft. 1 or 2
team (typically 2-4 squads of infantry) in
a wheeled frame with the ram swinging Catapult, Heavy (min 100 ft.) 800gp 6d6 15X15 200 ft. 4
from stout chains. Rams can also be simple Catapult, Light (min 75 ft.) 550gp 4d6 10X10 150 ft. 2
affairs, being a log born by strong backs Ram, Battering 1,000gp 4d6 1 Stationary Target 10-20
used to hammer against a gate.
Ram, Makeshift Varies 2d6 1 Stationary Target 10-20
A battering ram affords full cover (+10 Siege Tower 2,000gp NA 20+
Armor Class) to the ram team. The ram *A ballista or catapult can fire special ammunition. The special ammunition does damage as listed
may strike every other round and deals 4d6 in Table 6-2: Special Ammunition.
points of damage to wooden structures, but
deals only one-half damage to stone, and
SPECIAL AMMUNITION
one-fourth damage to metal (such as a portcullis). A ram of this
sort costs 500 gp to construct. Boiling Oil: Boiling oil is prepared in cauldrons on rooftops.
Boiling oil affects a 10x10 ft. area directly below it and deals 6d6
RAM, MAKESHIFT points of damage. No attack roll is necessary. The oil may be set
Cost: Varies, Damage: 2d6, Area: 1 stationary target, Range: , aflame with fire arrows, whereupon it deals an additional 4d6
Crew: 10 medium-sized crew or 20 small-sized crew points of burning damage before extinguishing in 1d2 rounds. A
gallon of oil costs 8 gps.
A makeshift ram deals 2d6 points of damage to wooden structures,
and may be used to make a ram attack every other round. Falling Stones: Stones may be hurled by defenders on battlements.
Makeshift rams provide no cover, concealment, or protection to These stones affect a 10x10 area below the wall and deal 1d8
their bearers. points of damage.

SIEGE TOWER
Cost: 2,000gp, Damage: , Area: NA, Range: , Crew: 20

A siege tower is a wooden structure covered with soaked animal pelts


or thin metal sheeting to protect it from catching fire. The inside of
the tower is hollow, with ladders built within to allow armed troops

FIELDS OF BATTLE 27
TABLE 6-2: SPECIAL AMMUNITION
AC of 16, reflecting the hardness of the wall and
difficulty in damaging it. Wooden walls have an
AMMUNITION DAMAGE COST
AC of 14, reflecting the hardness of wood and
Harpoon 2d8+and anchored to target. 5 gp each difficulty of damaging it.
Ballista
Flaming Bolts 3d8+1d6 (fire) 2 gp each
Cast Iron Balls 6d8 10 gp each TABLE 6-3: WALLS
Catapult, Heavy
Flaming Oil Cask 6d6 (fire) 32 gp each
WALL TYPE HIT POINTS AC
Cast Iron Balls 4d8 10 gp each
Catapult, Light Masonry 100 per ft. 16
Flaming Oil Cask 4d6 (fire) 16 gp each
Reinforced Masonry 200 per ft. 16
Boiling Oil 6d6 (with fire +4d6) 8 gp/gallon
Dropped from Above Hewn Stone 1000 per ft. 16
Falling Stone 1d8
Iron 100 per inch 20
Cast Iron Balls: Cast iron balls are expensive and rare, though they Wood 50 per ft. 14
are easier to manufacture than the typical fieldstone spheres used as
catapult ammunition. Cast iron balls are said to be an invention of Using the above table, a 15-foot-thick castle wall made from
dwarves, owing that iron deals double damage against stone structures reinforced masonry would have 3000 HP per 10-ft. section
and fortifications and triple damage to wood. Cast iron balls also have of stone. Taking down such a wall would require constant
the potential of rolling when they land, causing havoc among ground bombardment from catapults and/or magical strikes against the
troops, tearing off legs and pulverizing feet with their strike. same 10 ft. section of wall to breach it.

Flaming Bolts: Flaming bolts deal standard damage plus 1d6 Edged melee weapons typically deal no damage to stone walls over 1
points of fire damage. They have a 20% chance of setting ablaze ft. thick, no matter what special material the weapon is made from.
any wooden structure they strike. This is because most melee weapons are designed to overcome armor,
cleave flesh, and shatter bone; they are not tools designed to destroy
Soaked animal skins reduce the chance of wooden structures fixed structures. One could argue that the military pick would work
catching fire. They provide 1d4 rounds of complete fire protection, vs. stone walls since it is a pick. The clever CK will remind the player
after which they reduce any fire damage by half. that a military pick is for punching holes in helmets and breastplates,
and a pickaxe is designed to carve through stone. Mauls and chisels do
Flaming Oil Cask: A flaming oil cask is typically an amphora-like
normal damage and require no attack roll to hit, so long as the striker is
jug filled with flaming oil that explodes on contact, hurling its
not under attack from defenders. In other words, a lone man hitting a
contents throughout the ranks of enemy forces. Flaming oil casks
wall section with a hammer and chisel without duress would simply do
are especially destructive to wooden structures, lighting them
1d8 points of damage to the wall per round. This is called tunneling or
aflame, and causing panic (requiring morale checks) to forces
demolition and is detailed elsewhere in this chapter.
adjacent to squads immolated by their fiery payload. These casks
usually contain 2-4 gallons of oil and are affixed with a wick that Magic: Magic spells which deal damage to objects also deal damage
must be lit before launching the payload. to walls. Spells such as fireballs and lightning bolts deal structural
damage equal to the damage rolled on the dice. Other, more powerful
Harpoon: Harpoon ammunition is attached to a length of strong
spells such as earthquake, dig, and move earth may be used to easily
rope up to 100 ft. long, with the rope coiled around a winch and
collapse reinforced walls unless some precaution on the part of the
pulley mechanism. Due to the weight of the rope and its effect on
builders is made to protect their structures from such magic.
the aerodynamics of the harpoon, the firer takes an additional -4 to
attack rolls. Harpoons may not fire beyond the length of their rope. DEFENSIVE BONUSES
Walls generally have protective features, providing cover for those
ASSAULTING STRUCTURES
who stand atop them. This protection is conferred as an armor
Structures have armor class and hit points. Units attacking class bonus due to cover.
structures with the proper gear (rams or mauls for walls) do
damage to structures as PCs normally do when kicking in doors and Arrow Slits: Piercing a length of bastion wall, arrow slits provide
shattering locked chests. Walls and gates that are 10-20 ft. thick excellent cover for defending missile units. Arrow slits grant 3/
tend to have more hit points and more guardians, ensuring they 4ths cover or a +6 to armor class.
do not get overtaken easily. Rules already exist for climbing walls,
breaking stone, and cutting down doors, and they work normally Crenellation: The classic battlement or castle top that ridges
in large-scale combat, with the squad or larger force replacing the the edge of the wall. Crenellations confer 12 cover or a +4 to the
individual effort for all except the hero units on the battlefield. armor class of defenders.

Earthen Rampart: An earthen rampart is similar to a trench, but


WALLS elevated to require enemies to move up-hill against defenders
Walls come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are made from crouched and firing or attacking from above them. Ramparts
various materials. Wall hit points are measured by the number of are often lined with sharpened dung-coated stakes, dealing 1d4
feet of thickness per 10-ft. section of wall. Stone walls have an points of damage against approaching opponents and reducing

28 CASTLES & CRUSADES


their movement rate as they scale the expanse. They offer a and pickaxes. While siege engines demolish fixed emplacements by
secondary effect of potentially infecting climbers with, requiring a dealing direct deal direct hit point damage against them, sappers
constitution save (CL 4) to avoid their debilitating effects. Beings destroy or circumvent fortifications by carving their way through
thus infected suffer a -2 to attacks and damage and may only move earth and stone at a number of feet or inches per turn, thereby
at half speed until they finally make a successful constitution save penetrating or collapsing structures.
and shrug off the infection. The onset of this dysentery begins 1d12
hours after infection. Ramparts provide 12 cover or +4 armor class Tunneling beneath fixed fortifications takes time and requires a great
to those crouched in the fighting holes atop the rampart. amount of patience on the part of commanders. The charts below
give tunneling speed and time for sapper units based on their affinity
Improved Range: Archers firing from an elevation gain 10 ft. to to earth and stone. A unit of sappers clears a number of cubic feet of
their range increment for every 20 ft. of elevation, with maximum earth or stone per round based on the rate listed in the chart.
bonus of +30 ft. at 60 ft. of elevation.
TABLE 6-4: SAPPING
Trench: Trenches are in essence narrow earthen ditches, providing
Race of Sapper Squad Tunneling Rate per Round
the most basic of siege protection. Defenders in trenches are
conferred 1/4th cover or a +2 to their armor class. Earth Soft Stone Hard Stone
Halfling or Human 1 ft. .5 ft. .25 ft.
TUNNELING AND SAPPING Gnome or Kobold 1.5 ft. 1ft. .5 ft.
The purpose of tunneling and sapping is to dig beneath enemy Orc or Hobgoblin 1.75 ft. 1.5 ft. .75 ft.
positions, creating a weakness below the enemys walls, tumbling
Goblin 2 ft. 1.75ft. 1 ft.
them down upon the defenders heads, and leaving a breach in their
defenses. Tunneling or sapping takes place as part of a pre-existing Dwarf 2.5 ft. 2 ft. 1.5 ft.
scenario, as digging requires a great amount of work on the part of Stone Giant 10 ft. 5ft. 2.5 ft.
miners. Tunneling and sapping may also involve counter tunnels Earth Elemental 15ft. 10 ft. 5 ft.
and counter sapping to collapse the tunnels of attackers.
Xorn 20 ft. 20 ft. 20 ft.
Sapping: Sapping is the technique of digging trenches or tunnels
Collapsing Walls: Tunneling under walls may cause them to
to pierce, undermine, or destroy walled fortifications. Typically,
collapse. Typically, sappers dig beneath enemy walls, timbering
experienced engineers are required to sap or mine an area, and
the roof and sides of their tunnel, but setting these to collapse
do so while protected from enemy fire and counter sappers. In
once the tunnel is vacated by sapper squads. On its turn, a sapping
fantasy role-playing games, various races have an affinity to
unit may collapse a wall section as its action. Once the tunnel is
tunneling and mining, which may play a role in the use of such a
collapsed, a section of wall equal to the width of the sapper tunnel
technique in the campaign setting.
crumbles, leaving a breach in the fortification.
Sappers are also adept at building and maintaining siege equipment
Tunnels may also be used to secret enemy troops inside of a fortification
on site from on-hand materials. Sapper units come outfitted with the
without the necessity of collapsing the wall at all. Would-be conquerors
proper tools to perform their job: saws, shovels, hammers, chisels,
intending to occupy a captured fortress prefer to keep the structure
intact for their own occupation rather than raze it to the ground,
so their troops do not collapse tunnels and walls.

Tunneling and Counter Tunneling: A typical sapper tunnel


is 10 ft. x 10 ft. wide and is accessible by one sapper squad.
Multiple sapper squads may dig multiple tunnels at the same
time.

One method of sapper combat is when one sapper


crew attempts to collapse the tunnels of another by means
of crossing or otherwise weakening the other crews walls. In
game terms, this is simply accomplished by breaching another
sapper crews tunnel and spending a full turn sabotaging it.
Collapsing a tunnel causes 1d6 x 10 ft. of tunnel work to
collapse. Sapper units caught in a resulting cave-in are
instantly destroyed.

FIELDS OF BATTLE 29
CHAPTER 7: AIR AND SEA BATTLES
AERIAL BATTLES In ship battles, ballistae attack rolls are based on the captains
level and Intelligence modifier, as his maritime warfare expertise
Aerial combat units are generated in the same way as they are
supersedes the skill of crewmen manning the ballistae. For
in standard mass combat, and combat works the same, except it
instance, Captain Zarek, a 6th-level fighter with a 15 Intelligence
takes place in three dimensions. A units movement rate is based
score would add +7 to his crews ballista attack roll.
upon the flight speed of the units mount.
MANGONEL (SHIP MOUNTED)
When a unit is reduced to less than 50% of its hit points, it must
land and cannot return to the air again until the unit is healed Cost: 1800 gp, Damage: 5d8, Range: 220 ft., Crew: 4
above 50% of its hit points.
This heavy weapon uses torsion coils to directly fire round shot,
If a single attack reduces an aerial unit to less than 25% of its hit stones, or flaming oil casks. It is a heavy, unwieldy weapon that
points, the unit plummets from the sky, taking falling damage as well. suffers an additional -2 to hit and requires 3 rounds to load and 1
This falling damage equals to 1d6 per 10 ft. fallen, and is suffered by round to re-aim. It occupies a 10 ft. x 10 ft. space on a ships deck.
the entire unit. A dexterity check saves for half damage. Mangonels are mounted on ships and battle barges to maintain
seaside sieges of port towns and fortresses. An historical example
SEA BATTLES of the mangonels use is Alexander the Greats siege of Tyre.
Sea battles differ in some ways to land battles. The most obvious Range Increment Penalties: Ballistae and other missile attacks
difference is they take place upon the sea, where armor actually suffer a -2 penalty for each range increment. Thus, a ballista fired
makes combatants more vulnerablethey may be hurled overboard at a range of 600 ft. has a -6 penalty to hit due to range penalties;
and drown, after all! Additionally, even the largest sea battles combined with its -2 difficulty penalty for firing the unwieldy siege
constrain quarters of melee combatants to ship decks, limiting their piece, a ballista fired at this range suffers a total -8 penalty to hit.
movement and mobility. Thus, as often as not, when ships are tied
together, no quarter is asked, nor given! There is no retreat, and
COMBAT AND COMBAT ACTIONS
surrender likely brings the same end for the survivors as defeat.
Castle Keepers should treat sea combat as per the mass combat
The flipside to this is that sea battles involve a great deal of artillery rules for land battles. The sailors and marines aboard the ships
fire prior to hand-to-hand engagement, with siege equipment and form units via the unit size rules, just like in land combat. The
archers lofting swarms of arrows against the decks and riggings of only difference between the hand-to-hand melee upon the sea
opposing vessels. Vessels with greater speed and longer range tend and that on land is that such melee can only take place when
to win the day before grapples are even cast! ships are lashed together and boarded. This maneuver is detailed
in the grappling rules below. If ships are never boarded, then fire
OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN and movement rates rule the battles upon the high seas!
The captain of a warship is the equivalent to the commander in
Grappling: Once ships are within 30 feet of each other, sailors
a ground campaign for the purposes of initiative, ship movement,
aboard the ship with the prevailing advantage (i.e., the least
morale, and ballistae and ramming attacks.
damaged and/or the fewest casualties) may attempt to grapple
the opposing ship. To grapple, the attacker needs only to make a
ARMAMENT
successful ranged touch attack against the hulls armor class. At
Most ships may be armed with ballistae or ballistae-type weaponry. least two ropes must be successfully grappled to an enemy ship to
Catapults are virtually impossible to use on any except the largest successfully lash the ships together.
and slowest of battle barges, as the torsion from their firing would
shatter the deck and destroy their vessel. That said, in a fantasy Allies aboard their attacking ship tie off the ropes, bringing the
game, anything is possible. ships crashing together, shattering any oars not stowed, and
forcing all members of each crew to make a dexterity save (CL 5)
BALLISTA, LIGHT (SHIP MOUNTED) to avoid falling. Crewmen hanging from riggings gain a +2 to their
Cost: 600 gp, Damage: 2d8, Range: 120 ft. (minimum 75 ft.), check. Anyone failing from the rigging has a 50% chance of falling
Crew: 1 or 2 1d4 x10 ft. to the hard deck, taking 1d6 points of damage per
10 ft. of the fall, or they fall into the water, forcing swim checks.
A ballista is a huge wooden crossbow mounted to a locking swivel Sailors who fall overboard are lost for the remainder of the battle.
and pivot. Medium- and small-sized crewmen using the giant
weapon suffer a -2 penalty to their attack rolls. A light ballista has a Those on deck who fail their dexterity save and fall must spend
range increment of 120 ft. The weapon is primarily used to set ships the subsequent round getting up.
sails aflame by firing fiery spears at them, or to hole enemy vessels
at the waterline. A ballista with a crew of 2 may have the weapon Cutting Grapples: Cutting grappling ropes takes 1 round per rope.
prepared to fire every other round. Otherwise, the ballista may fire No other action may be taken by a squad while cutting the lines.
once every three rounds. The ballista takes up a space 5 ft. across. Assume one rope per squad of marines or sailors aboard ship.

30 CASTLES & CRUSADES


Hulls and Holing: A ships hull has 50 hp per 10-foot section and
an AC of 14 for the purpose of holing or damaging the boat. Ships
hulls are highly vulnerable to warp wood spells! A warp wood spell
cast on the hull of a ship causes it to immediately sink. For battle
purposes, the ship and its crew are both lost. It otherwise takes
a holed ship 1d10 rounds for a ship to sink completely, allowing
other ships to rescue crewmen and marines.

Masts, Rigging, and Sails: Masts have 50 hp each and an AC of 14


for the purpose of cutting them down with weapons. Their sails and
have an AC of 10 and 25 hit points; sails take double damage from
fire. A ships speed is reduced by 1/4th for each destroyed mast or
sail. Burning sails and rigging fall to the deck, dealing 3d6 points of
fire damage the first round, 2d6 the second, and 1d6 the third over
a 10 x 20 ft. area directly below the sail. This fire has a 10% chance
per round of catching the deck and rails on fire, as well.

Rams and Ramming: A ships ram deals 5d10 points of damage on


a successful hit against an opposing ship. The attack roll is based
on the ships captains base to hit, with no modifiers for strength or
dexterity. Enchanted rams receive any applicable magical bonuses,
and captains under the effect a bards inspiration ability, a bless spell,
or a prayer spell, or any other spell providing relevant bonuses may
add those to the attack roll, as well. On a successful hit, the ships
are tied together as if grappled. Ships with oars may back away from
a sinking vessel if the captain makes a successful Intelligence roll
and opts to move his vessel on the next turn. The challenge level of
this roll is based on the length of the opposing vessel, adding +1 to
the challenge level for every 25 ft. in length.

Speed: Ships can move at speeds between 2-10 miles per hour,
translating to roughly 5-25 ft. per round. Oared ships can double
their speed during a ramming attempt, but they can only maintain
ramming speed for 1d4 rounds + 1 round for every 10 rowers.

Swinging to the Opposite Deck: Swinging on ropes to the


opposite deck is a movement action requiring a successful
dexterity check (CL 4). A successful roll places the unit safely on
the oppositions deck, as intended. Failure means they fall from
the rope and have a 50/50 chance of hitting the deck or falling in
the water. Units and characters hitting the deck suffer 2d6 points
of damage and must spend the subsequent round getting up.

Forecastles and Sterncastles: Forecastles and sterncastles offer a


+2 armor class bonus to their defenders against missile fire due to
their elevation and wooden crenellations.

TABLE 7-1 SAMPLE SHIPS

COMMON SPEED/ SPEED/


LENGTH WIDTH CREW ARTILLERY RAM OARS MASTS COST
SHIPS HOURS ROUND
120,000
Carrack 120 ft. 100 82/ +300 passengers 2 ballista/2 mangonels No None 3 7 mph 18 ft.
gp.
Trireme 125 ft. 23 ft. 170 None Yes 170 1 2 mph 5 ft. 5000gp
Yes/
Longship 120 ft. 27 ft. 50-80 None 25 1 8mph 20 ft. 30,000 gp.
Optional
Cog 100 ft. 20 ft. 20/+120 passengers None No None 2 8 mph 20 ft. 5000 gp.
Yes/ 20/
Galley 160 ft 20 ft. 30-50/+30 passengers 4 ballista 2 10 mph 25 ft. 60,000 gp.
Optional Optional

FIELDS OF BATTLE 31
CHAPTER 8: MAGIC FOR BATTLE
The following are spells and magic items for use on the battlefield, SPECTRAL DEFENDERS, Level 6 cleric
though they may also be useful in a standard Castles & Crusades CT 1 round per squad R special D 1 min./lvl.
campaign. SV none SR no Comp V, S, M
Through interdiction of the clerics deity, 1 squad of spectral defenders
BATTLEFIELD SPELLS per 2 levels of the caster may be summoned to the defense of the cleric
and his allies. These defenders may only be set to a fixed emplacement,
BLESSED FIRMAMENT, Level 6 cleric
such as a parapet, trench, or tower, and may not make any forward
CT 10 min. R special D permanent
movement across the battlefield to attack the clerics enemies. In other
SV none SR no Comp V, S, M
words, they cannot press an attack or pursue fleeing foes. The summoned
The portents and strength of this spell were said to have first units are medium size. They have a 5:1 ratio, AC 15, a HD of 1d10,
been granted by Krannogh, but later learned by clerics of many 20 UHP; they receive +1 to their Unit Hit Points per point of wisdom
faiths. Through its devices, the very foundations of stone walls bonus of the summoning cleric. The attack bonus of summoned units is
may be warded against the effects of earth-based creatures, such equal to the summoners wisdom bonus. Spectral defenders are typically
as xorn, earth elementals, and the like. Such creatures must armed with a bows and a melee weapon. Their attacks deal 1d8 points
make a wisdom save or be turned in a similar manner to undead of damage regardless of the weapon used. When destroyed, the spectral
being turned by a cleric. The presence of the blessed firmament defenders simply blink out of existence, returning to whichever heaven or
also allows a structure to save versus a spells damage (equal to hell that they were called from. The casting time for this ritual is 1 round
the spellcasters save) when the structure would not normally per summoned squad, and requires the sacrifice of a magical weapon or
receive a save; for instance, blessed firmament would allow saves armor of at least +1 enhancement bonus.
versus such spells as move earth, earthquake, transmute rock to mud,
and other spells which could cause the very walls of a terrestrial WROTH OF BOWBE, Level 3 cleric
CT 1 action R 100 ft. +20 ft./lvl. D 1 rd./lvl.
fortress to come crumbling down. Beings within the walls of a
SV wisdom negates SR yes Comp V, S, M
protected structure gain a +2 to saves versus these spells, as well.
This spell also grants an increased save versus the effects of a horn The Wroth of Bowbe drives individuals within a 10-foot radius into
of blasting or other such magical item, but grants no further effects a frenzy of unadulterated violence. Recipients of this spell gain +2 to
versus standard physical attacks. Material Components: The damage, +2 to charisma saves vs. fear effects (including morale checks),
casting of this spell requires 50 gp worth of powdered sapphire for and a -2 to armor class. Clerics of Bowbe have used this spell to cause
every 10-foot length of wall foundation to be thus fortified. havoc in the ranks of enemy combatants by enraging entire squads to
attack their allies, or upon allied squads who have failed moral, forcing

32 CASTLES & CRUSADES


them to fight to the death. The caster of this spell must temporarily The ramming mechanism is capped with a fist-shaped head. The
sacrifice 1d8 hp during the casting of this spell and fully curse the name ram of thundering requires at least 10 medium figures to wheel it into
of Bowbe in whatever fashion they deem most aggressive. position at a rate of 5 ft. per round. The A-frame shielding grants
a +10 bonus to armor class. When striking against stone or wood,
PEACE OF TAXUS, Level 2 cleric the ram of thundering deals 6d6 points of physical damage and 2d6
CT 1 action R 100 ft. +10 ft./lvl. D 1 rd./lvl. points of sonic damage. The shockwave created by the rams impact
SV wisdom negates SR yes Comp V,S,M forces all foes within a 30-foot cone in front of the ram to make a
This spell creates a calming effect on all combatants in the area of dexterity save (challenge level 12) or be knocked prone.
effect who fail their wisdom save versus this oratory of amity. All Screaming Balls of Ataxus 1000 gp each XP 250
creatures within a 20-foot radius who fail their wisdom save are
pacified. They instantly drop all weapons and refuse to fight, move, These head-shaped cast iron balls are affixed with a toothy, insane
or follow any order that involves bloodshed for the spells duration. grin. When used as catapult shot, they strike for 6d8 points of
damage and act as +1 enchantment for purposes of damage
23RD LEGION OF MALHATER, Level 8 cleric, 8 wizard reduction. When they strike their target, they rupture into a
CT 1 min. R 50 ft. +10 ft./lvl. D 1 min./lvl. cacophony of howling and screeching in a 30-foot radius, forcing
SV none SR no Comp V,S,M a morale check to all within hearing range (CL 4). On a failed
This spell summons a legion of the vengeful damned under the check, all run in fear in a direct line away from the screaming.
command of the caster. The caster calls into being 1 squad of Horn of Rallying GP4250 XP 1050
medium combatants for every 4 caster levels. The summoned
demonic forces have 2d12 HD, 60 UHP, AC 18, and a movement of When sounded, all allied units within hearing range (maximum range:
30 ft. The forces are immune to electricity and poison and subtract 5 1 mile) of the horn of rallying gain a +4 bonus to all morale checks and
points from any fire, cold, or acid damage suffered. They have a +3 saves versus fear effects for 10 minutes. The horn can only be used
Attack Bonus and deal 1d10+1 points of damage per hit. Opposing 3/day. If used in a non-battlefield situation, all allied individuals within
units encountering the 23rd legion must make an immediate morale a 100-foot radius gain the +4 bonus on saves versus fear.
check (challenge level equal to the casters level) or be forced to Horn of Despair GP 4250 XP 1050
retreat. Material Component: The material spell component for
this is a living, good-aligned sacrifice of renowned purity, such as a When sounded, all enemy units within hearing range (maximum
captured paladin, unicorn, nymph, Pegasus, or the like. range: 1 mile) of the horn of despair suffer a -4 penalty on all
morale checks for 10 minutes. The horn can only be used 3/day. If
THE KHANS REIGN, Level 3 wizard, 3 cleric used in a non-battlefield situation, all enemies within a 100-foot
CT 1 action R 100ft. +20 ft/Level D instant radius suffer a -4 penalty on saves versus fear.
SV Dexterity for 12 SR Yes Comp V, S, M
Horn of Heroic Surge GP 4250 XP 1050
This spell calls into being a rain of arrows that fills a 30-foot radius
with hellfire arrows that rise from the ground, impaling everything When sounded by a commander or heroic unit, all allies within
in their path. The arrows deal 1d6 points of physical damage +1 hearing range (maximum range: 1 mile) gain a surge of heroism.
point of damage per 3 caster levels and 1d6 fire damage to all This surge provides a +4 bonus to attacks and a +2 bonus to
targets within the spells radius. The flames ignite any flammables damage for the next 10 rounds. The horn can only be used 1/day.
such as cloth, foliage, and wood. If sounded in a non-battlefield situation, all allies within a 100-
foot radius of the sounding horn gain a +4 bonus to hit and a +2
BATTLEFIELD MAGIC ITEMS bonus to damage for 1d6+4 rounds.
The following magic items are designed for use in large-scale Battlefield Banner GP 4250 XP 425
combat situations. They are still useful in normal (non-unit)
combat situations, but are less effective in these situations. This is a large enchanted banner that can be flown from a spear
haft or similar item. It appears as a plain white banner until
Dragon Ram GP 16,000 XP 2500
claimed by a new owner. When it is first touched, the banner
This large enchanted ram is built in the shape of a dragon coated changes color and design to reflect any crest, coat of arms, symbol,
in iron scales, with the cruel dragon head comprising the head etc., associated with the new owner. If the new owner does not
of the ram. The heavy dragon ram requires at least 10 medium already have an appropriate crest or coat of arms, the banner
figures to move it into position at a rate of 5 ft. per round. The reveals a new one that reflects the bearers deeds and personality.
scales across the top and sides of the frame grant a +10 bonus Once per day, the bearer of the banner can command the banner
to armor class for those pushing it forward. The long log beam is to change its appearance, disguising the armys true allegiance or
tipped with a dragon-like head, where an unholy flame burns from nature and providing an element of surprise for the owners unit or
its ironclad jaws. The dragon ram deals 6d6 points of damage to army. The banner changes back at the bearers will. Additionally,
wooden structures and 3d6 points of damage to stone. The dragon if the commander of a unit falls, the banner retains the crest
ram may be swung to strike every other round. The ram deals an of that commander for 24 hours. During that period, someone
additional 1d6 points of fire damage to wooden structures. can use the banner to rally troops and issue commands as if the
Ram of Thundering GP 15,500 XP 2200 commander were still alive; the command words are Rally to the
banner of [insert the commanders name]. The banner gives all
This large enchanted ram is built with an iron-scaled A-frame shape. allies within sight of it a +1 bonus to their morale checks.
FIELDS OF BATTLE 33
CHAPTER 9: BATTLE SCENARIOS
THE BATTLE OF BOWBES ROADHOUSE Bulls girls have been ordered to stay within the great hall or the
beer-garden and see to the last defense should the palisade be
This Fields of Battle scenario takes place at the environs of Dirty overrun. Bull is loath even now to give away the location of the secret
Bowbes Roadhouse. A raider force comprised of orcs, goblins, door leading away from the Roadhouse hidden within his office. He
ogres, and trolls is being led by the orc war band leader Unako will, if pressed with extermination, give this secret away to the girls to
Gut-Ripper. The raiding force has broken off from Yorgachs lead non-combatants from the hill should it come to that. For more
main force. Unako has been ordered across the Mandras River information on the girls, see Haunted Highlands by Troll Lord Games.
on a mission to pillage the northern farmsteads and wipe out the
troublesome Roadhouse once and for all. UDRU IRONHAMMER (He is a neutral dwarf 5th level barbarian
whose vital statistics are HP 38, AC 19. His primary attributes
Luckily, rangers spied the creatures crossing the Mandras River and are strength and constitution. His significant attributes are strength
hurried to the closest farmsteads to warn them of the threat; they then 16 and constitution 16. He wears a +2 breastplate, large steel
sent runners to other farmsteads along the path, to the Roadhouse, shield, and a warhammer He has a command Presence of 6 and a
and onwards to the Ugashtan and the Grove of the Green Man to command bonus of +0.)
alert them of the danger and to rally defenders against the horde.

Few have arrived to help the farmsteads, as many defenders and far ROADHOUSE DEFENDERS
too many civilians have flooded the Roadhouse Compound since MERCENARIES (Human Fighter 1) (2 squads)
the warning was called. The Ugashtan sent a score of berserkers,
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
and the druids of the grove offered less than a dozen initiates of
HD/UHP: 1d10/25 UHP
the Green Man. Also reckoned among the defenders are members
Move: 30 ft.
of the small band of half-orcs allied with the Bull. The farmers,
AC: 15 (Scale Mail, Large Wooden Shield)
armed with spears, protect the grounds around the main structure
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Longsword (1d8+2)/+3 AB
where their children hide; they pray to whatever gods to save
Squad Formation: HP 8, Longsword (1d8+9)/+10
them. Added to this is the usual complement of cutthroats and
Special: Weapon Specialization (Longsword, +1 to hit/damage),
frontiersmen who frequent the Roadhouse.
Combat Dominance, Strength 13
The druids quickly covered the hillock with sharpened stakes for Saves/Primes: Strength, Wisdom, Constitution
defense; they placed them everywhere except along the causeway Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
leading up the hill, hoping to force Unakos troops into the teeth Morale: +1
of the deadliest defenders. Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None

Arrayed against this meager defense are 140 orcs of the Gut- OGNARDS (Half-Orc Barbarian 1) (2 squads)
Ripper tribe, 10 goblin worg riders, 10 goblin sappers, 20 goblin
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
archers, 8 ogres, 4 river trolls, Unako, and a pair of goblin shamans
HD/Ratio: 1d12/30 UHP
who wield the power of Gathaak.
Move: 30 ft.
The remainder of Hummanders Ugashtan Highlanders needs AC: 14 (Mail Shirt)
another day to arrive at the Roadhouse. Hummander has moved Attacks/Attack Bonus: Two-Handed Axe (1d12+2)/+2 AB
his war-bands to the east, anticipating Yorgachs crossing in force Squad Formation: HP 8, Two-Handed Axe (1d12+7)/+8 AB
at the river ford. Even now, leading companies of the Duke Special: Combat Sense (opponents receive no flank bonus; back
Karbosks army are already heading north along the western banks and rear attack bonuses halved, +2 when rolling surprise checks),
of the river as a prelude to his own arrival with the majority of Deerstalker, Intimidate, Primeval Instincts, Half-Orc Traits; Strength 16
his forces. Duke Mandras Karbosk V hopes his city will hold long Saves/Primes: Constitution, Strength
enough that he may encircle Yorgach the Ravager on the eastern Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
side of the river, where he will crush his enemy in a pincer move Morale: +1
against the walls of Dro Mandras itself. Spell/Spell-Like Abilities: None

ROADHOUSE HEROES HIGHLAND RANGERS (Human Ranger 1) (2 squads)


BULL (He is a chaotic neutral human 10th level barbarian whose vital Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
stats are HP 81, AC 19. His primary attributes are strength, wisdom, HD/UHP: 1d10/25 UHP
and constitution. His significant attribute is strength 18 (20 with Move: 30 ft.
gauntlets of ogre power). He carries boots of striding and springing, a AC: 14 (Studded Leather + 1 Dexterity)
+1 glaive, +1 dagger, +1 flaming two-handed sword, +2 breastplate, Attacks/Attack Bonus: Longsword (1d8+1)/+1 AB or Longbow
gauntlets of ogre power, and a +2 amulet of natural armor. Bull has a (1d6)/+1 AB
command presence of 11, and a command bonus of +0.) Squad Formation: HP 8, Longsword (1d8+7)/+8 AB or
Longbow (1d6+5)/+7 AB

34 CASTLES & CRUSADES


FIELDS OF BATTLE 35
Special: Combat Marauder (+1 damage to humanoids and ENEMY HEROES
giants), Conceal, Delay/Neutralize Poison, Move Silently, Scale, UNAKO GUT-RIPPER (He is a lawful evil orc 8th level fighter whose vital
Survival, Traps, Track; Dexterity 13 and Strength 14 stats are HP 51, AC 18 (20 shield). His primary attributes are strength
Saves/Primes: Dexterity, Strength, Wisdom and wisdom. His significant attribute is strength 18. He has darkvision 60
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) ft. His fighter abilities include: Weapon Specialization (battleaxe +2 to
Morale: +1 hit/damage), Combat Dominance. He carries +1 plate mail, +1 large
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None steel shield, +2 battleaxe (1d8+7 damage), 3 potions of cure serious
wounds. Unakos command presence is +11, and is strength-based due
UGASHTAN WARBAND (Human Barbarian 3) (4 squads) to his orcish heritage; his command bonus is +3.)
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 NEEZLE OLZMAK (He is a chaotic evil goblin 4th level shaman
HD/UHP: 3d12/90 UHP whose vital stats are HP 8, AC 12. His primary attributes are
Move: 30 ft. intelligence and dexterity. His significant attributes are intelligence
AC: 15 (Mail Shirt, Large Wooden Shield) 15 and charisma 14. He has darkvision 60 ft. He carries a +1
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Bastard Sword (1d10+1)/+3 AB quarterstaff, a +1 ring of protection, 3 potions of invisibility, 1
Squad Formation: HP 30, Bastard Sword (1d10+7)/+10 AB potion of cure light wounds, and 120 gp in various coin and jewels.
Special: Combat Sense (opponents receive no flank bonus; back Neezle can cast the following spells: 0th-ghost sound, dancing
and rear attack bonuses halved), Deerstalker, Intimidate, Primeval lights, message x2; 1st-shield, magic missile, sleep; 2nd-fog cloud,
Instincts; Strength 13 web. Neezle has a command presence of +5 due to his level
Saves/Primes: Constitution, Strength, Wisdom and charisma bonus; his command bonus is +1.)
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Morale: +3 XELATISH (He is a lawful evil goblin 5th level shaman whose vital
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None stats are HP 11, AC 12. His primary attributes are intelligence and
wisdom. His significant attribute is intelligence 16. He has darkvision
60 ft. He carries a +1 dagger, a +2 ring of protection, a wand of web
GREEN MAN OVATES (Human Druid 2) (2 squads)
with 26 charges and 200 gp in various coin and jewels. Xelatish can
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 cast the following spells: 0th-ghost sound, detect magic, message x2;
HD/UHP: 1d8/20 UHP 1st-shield, sleep, color spray x2; 2nd-invisibility, web; 3rd-lightning
Move: 30 ft. bolt. Xelatish has a command presence of +5 due to his level; He has
AC: 13 (Hide Armor) a command presence of +6, his command bonus is +0).
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Spear (1d6)/+1 AB or Longbow (1d6)/+1 AB
Squad Formation: HP 30, Spear (1d6+4)/+5 AB or Longbow ENEMY FORCES
(1d6+4)/+5 AB
Special: Spells GOBLIN ARCHERS (2 squads)
Saves/Primes: Wisdom, Constitution, Charisma (morale CB 12) Size/Ratio: Small/10:1
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) HD/UHP: 1d6/20 UHP
Morale: +2 (CB 12) Move: 20 ft.
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: 0th-first aid x2; create water; 1st AC: 15
entangle, shillelagh Attacks/Attack Bonus: Short Sword (1d6)/+1 AB or Shortbow
(1d6)/+1 AB
HIGHLAND SETTLERS (Human Rabble Commoner 1) (4 squads) Squad Formation: HP 4, Short Sword (1d6+6)/+7 AB or
Shortbow (1d6+6)/+7 AB
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
Special: Darkvision 60 ft.; goblin combat maneuver (goblin swarm)
HD/UHP: 1d4/10 UHP
Saves/Primes: P
Move: 30ft.
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
AC: 11 (Leather Jerkin)
Morale: +1
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Spear (1d6)/+1 AB
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
Squad Formation: HP 3, Spear (1d6+4)/+5 AB
Special: Rabble cannot form complex formations; rabble units
have notoriously poor morale when faced with heavily armed GOBLIN SAPPERS (1 squad)
opponents (they have a +0 morale score) Size/ Ratio: Small/10:1
Primes: Strength, Constitution, Dexterity HD/UHP: 1d6/20 UHP
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) Move: 20 ft.
Morale: +0 AC: 15
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None Attacks/Attack Bonus: Light Pick (1d6) or Grenade (2d6,
hurled)/+1 AB
Squad Formation: HP 4, Light Pick (1d6+6)/+7 AB or Grenade
(2d6+6)/+7 AB
Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Tunneling; goblin combat maneuver

36 CASTLES & CRUSADES


(goblin swarm) TROLLS, RIVER (2 Squads)
Saves/Primes: P Size/ Ratio: Large/2:1
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) HD/UHP: 6d8/63 UHP
Morale: +1 Move: 30 ft.
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None AC: 16
The sappers have 3 grenades each, with a range increment of 15ft, Attacks/Attack Bonus: 2 Claws (1d4) /+6 AB and Bite (2d6)
affecting an area of 10 ft. for 2d6 points of damage. Grenades may /+6 AB or Weapon (+3 damage)/+6 AB
be used to clear areas of spikes and like impediments. Squad Formation: NA
Special: Rend (1d4+1 added damage on 2 claw hits), Darkvision
GOBLIN WORG RIDERS (2 squads) 60 ft., Regeneration 2 UHP per round, Twilight Vision
Saves/Primes: P
Size/ Ratio: Medium/5:1
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
HD/UHP: 4d8+1d6/95 UHP
Morale: +6
Move: 50 ft.
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
AC: 15
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Light Lance (1d6 + Bite (2d4))/+1 AB
Squad Formation: HP 28, Light Lance (1d6+ Bite (2d4)+6)/+7 BATTLEFIELD SUMMARY
AB The Hill: The hill rises to a height of 50 ft, and is crowned by the
Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Twilight Vision, Scent, Track, Trip; palisade. The hill has a 45-degree grade, reducing movement of
goblin combat maneuver (goblin swarm) those coming up the hill by to one-fourth speed.
Saves/Primes: P
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) The hill is spiked, dealing 1d4 points of damage to advancing
Morale: +5 (Mount and rider are a 5-HD creature for purposes troops for every 10 ft. of movement. The spiked brush grown by
of morale) the druids may be removed by burning it, whether by a fire-based
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None spell (like fireball) or by standard means.

The Palisade: The Palisade is 10 ft. high and has 50 hp per 10 ft.
ORC GUT-RIPPER RAIDERS (28 squads) section. The 3 ft. walkway that rings the palisade offers defenders
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 a +4 armor class bonus.
HD/UHP: 1d8/20 UHP
Move: 30 ft. The Gate: The Gate is 10 ft. high and has 100 hps.
AC: 13
The Trench Works: The defenders hurriedly dug this trench along
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Longsword or Battle Axe (1d8)/+1 AB
the top of the hill between the druids spikes and the palisade wall.
Squad Formation: HP 6, Longsword or Battle Axe (1d8+4)/+5
It is within this trench that the Ugashtan hill men and half-orcs
AB
defend the Roadhouse. The trench grants a +2 armor class bonus
Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Light Sensitivity (-2 to hit in bright
to the defenders within it.
light)
Saves/Primes: P
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) START OF THE CONFLICT
Morale: +1 The battle of Bowbes Roadhouse begins just after sunset (giving
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None the human defenders a -1 penalty to ranged attacks made outside
of any light source). The players and Castle Keeper may place the
OGRES (4 squads) defenders anywhere within the trench, walls, or grounds of the
Roadhouse that they deem necessary for their defensive engagement
Size/Ratio: Large/2:1
to begin. The orc forces should start their offensive anywhere along
HD/UHP: 4d8/42 UHP
the tree-line covering the southeastern side of the map. Starting
Move: 30 ft.
positions are listed on the map, though the starting points of each
AC: 16
individual unit or squad have not been placed, as this should be up
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Slam (1d10)/+4 AB or Weapon (by
to the Castle Keeper (likely playing the Orc Forces) and the players
weapon, +3 damage)/+4 AB
(likely running the defending forces) to decide.
Squad Formation: NA
Special: Darkvision 60 ft. Twilight Vision; ogrish combat The PCs as heroes likely start within the grounds of the
maneuver (disconcerting strength) Roadhouse. It is, however, possible the PCs may very well have
Saves/Primes: P come upon the battle from the road or from some other adventure
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) in the Haunted Highlands. In this event, it is possible they have
Morale: +4 come upon the southern conflict unaware of what has transpired
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None since their last adventure in the area. In this case, just place the
PCs at any cardinal point at the edge of the battlefield from
whichever direction they have been traveling.

FIELDS OF BATTLE 37
THE BATTLE The orc lord Fulgarth Orange Hair, calling his most hearty
followers, then marches north. Following old goat tracks along the
ROADHOUSE OBJECTIVES FOR VICTORY mountain slopes, he comes to the ford. There he constructs a camp,
To be successful, the defenders of the Roadhouse must meet the fortifies it, and sends forth his scouts. The scouts range across the
following conditions to claim victory: river, following the hedge running from the ford to the Muddy Wash
Bridge that stands upon the northern edge of Ends Meet.
Defend the Roadhouse and civilians inside it from the orc force.
There, in the mornings darkness, the ranger-lass Karen captures an
Slay or drive off Unako Gut-Ripper
orc and cruelly tortures the beast until it reveals the whereabouts of
Bull Survives Fulgarth and the threat the orcs pose. After dispatching the creature,
The defenders hold the Roadhouse until sunrise, whereupon she races to the main road of Ends Meet. In the village, she sounds
the Ugashtan tribesmen swing south and drive the orcs away. her great horn, warning the villagers of the coming trouble. The horn
This takes place in the event of a draw in which the orcs cannot blast summons all the able-bodied to gather arms and muster before
take the hill, but Unako and a majority of his army survives. the Cockleburr Inn. In short order, a troop of 78 men and women
gather. They are well armed and armored and quickly vote Otto their
Possible Tactics: The Ovates of the Green Man impede large groups of Captain. With Karen to guide them, they rush to Merric Forde.
orcs at best bow range with entangle spells, and the rangers and ovates
destroy these forces with arrows. Barbarians defend the trenches until None too soon, for there upon the far bank have gathered Orange
the orcs and goblins close with them for hand-to-hand combat. Hairs troops; orcs, wolves, and some dark visage creature that
lumbers in the background. Even now their foul boots tramp into
ORC RAIDERS OBJECTIVES FOR VICTORY the stream, walking lock step with pole arms and shields. Orange
Hair sounds the horns of war and the battle is on.
To be successful, the Roadhouses attackers must meet the
following conditions to claim victory: FULGARTH ORANGE HAIRS WAR PARTY
Kill Bull FULGARTH ORANGE HAIR, ORC LORD: (He is an 8th level orc
Raze the Roadhouse fighter whose vital statistics are HD 8d10, Hp 54, AC 21. His
primary attributes are strength and constitution. His Significant
Slay or take all defenders prisoner attributes are strength 18 and constitution 16. He carries a +2 battle
axe dealing 1d8+7 points of damage and wears +1 full plate with
Possible Tactics: Goblin sappers and shamans use fireballs and
a +1 large steel shield, and boots of haste. He keeps 2d10+200 gp
grenades to clear the hillside of spikes and to destroy gates and
in gold and jewels, and 2 potions of cure serious wounds healing 3d8
walls, making a path for the ogres, trolls, and worg riders to
points of damage. Fulgarth has a command presence of +11his
infiltrate the Roadhouse.
command presence is strength-based; his command bonus is +3.)
Should Unako win, all corpses are beheaded, and their heads are
Fulgarth leads this well-armed but unruly orc horde. Any
piled upon wagons and presented to Yorgach as tribute. Gold and
orcs outside of the command presence of Fulgarth or his Elite
weapons are divided among the survivors.
Bodyguard act out of command presence for the purposes of
engaging enemies. The player of the orc forces must thus be sure
THE BATTLE FOR ENDS MEET to arrange their armies in such a manner as to keep the most of
Deep in the Darken fold, where the Old Post Road and Southern their forces in check for the duration of the battle.
Way meet, lies the small village of Ends Meet. Once a thriving trade
town, it has since fallen on hard times and has slowly wasted away, ORC HEAVY GUARD, ORANGE HAIR S ELITE BODYGUARD (2 Squads)
becoming a rump of a community. The remnants of an old stone Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
wall surround portions of the village. The wall is in ruins, and, in HD/UHP: 4d8/80 UHP
but a few places, rises above three feet. The Cockleburr Inn and Move: 30 ft.
Tavern, a small inn and trading post, encompass the pride and joy AC: 18 (Polish Hussar Armor)
of the slightly suspicious but overall friendly villagers. They number Attacks/Attack Bonus: Halberd (1d10+2, reach 10 ft.)/+6 AB
about 300. They have no master and the town no constable, only an Squad Formation: HP 6, Halberd (1d10+6, reach 10 ft.)/+10 AB
overweight Innkeeper named Otto who, in long years past, wandered Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Light Sensitivity (-2 to hit in bright
the adventurers road. They are a hearty folk, armed and unafraid. light); orcish combat maneuver (bloodlust); Strength 16;
Command Units: These units have a command presence of +6;
But the Darkenfold harbors many a beastly creature, not the least
Reach Weapon Initiative: Strikes first at the beginning of combat
of which is a great tribe of orcs, the Bowlgaard. These orcs have
regardless of its combat order against foes with shorter weapons,
built a fortress of sorts across the Mistbane River and to the south
once per battle.
along the slopes of the Rhodope Mountains. They Bowlgaard are
Saves/Primes: P
warlike and filled with tremendous pride in their own arms. Laying
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
claim to the whole stretch of the Mistbane River from Merric
Morale: +4
Forde to the Millorian Bridge, the Bowlgaard bring open war to
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
Ends Meet and to all those dwelling there.

38 CASTLES & CRUSADES


ORC HEAVY INFANTRY (4 Squads) Squad Formation: HP 6, Longsword (1d8+5*)/+5 AB or
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 Composite Longbow (1d8+5*)/+5 AB
HD/UHP: 2d8/40 UHP Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Light Sensitivity (-2 to hit in bright
Move: 30 ft. light); orcish combat maneuver (bloodlust); Ranger Qualities, +1
AC: 18 (Polish Hussar Armor) damage vs. humans* (added above), elves, halflings, gnomes, and
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Halberd (1d10+2, reach 10 ft.)/+4 AB dwarves; Dexterity 16.
Squad Formation: HP 6, Halberd (1d10+6, reach 10 ft.)/+8 AB Saves/Primes: P
Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Light Sensitivity (-2 to hit in bright Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
light); orcish combat maneuver (bloodlust); Strength 16; Reach Morale: +1
Weapon Initiative: Strikes first at the beginning of combat Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
regardless of its combat order against foes with shorter weapons,
once per battle. WOLVES
Saves/Primes: P Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 (2 Squads)
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) HD/UHP: 2d8/40 UHP
Morale: +2 Move: 50 ft.
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None AC: 13
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Bite (1d8)/+2 AB
ORC INFANTRY (30 Squads) Squad Formation: HP 12, Bite (1d8+4)/+6 AB
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 Special: Scent, Trip, Twilight Vision, Track
HD/UHP: 1d8/20 UHP Saves/Primes: P
Move: 30 ft. Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
AC: 13 Morale: +2
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Halberd (1d10, reach 10 ft.)/+1 AB Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
Squad Formation: HP 6, Halberd (1d10+4, reach 10 ft.)/+5 AB
Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Light Sensitivity (-2 to hit in bright 1 HEAVY CATAPULT
light); orcish combat maneuver (bloodlust); Reach Weapon Cost: 800 gp, Damage: 6d6, Area: 15x15, Range: 200 ft.
Initiative: Strikes first at the beginning of combat regardless of its (minimum 100 ft.), Crew: 5
combat order against foes with shorter weapons, once per battle. Orc Heavy Catapult Crew
Saves/Primes: P Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 (1 Squad)
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) HD/UHP: 1d8/20 UHP
Morale: +1 Move: 30 ft.
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None AC: 15
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Longsword (1d8)/+2 AB or Longbow
ORC CROSSBOWMEN (3 Squads) (1d8)/+2 AB
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 Squad Formation: NA
HD/UHP: 1d8/20 UHP Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Light Sensitivity (-2 to hit in bright
Move: 30 ft. light); orcish combat maneuver (bloodlust)
AC: 13 Saves/Primes: P
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Light Crossbow (1d6)/+1 AB or Short Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Sword (1d6)/+1 AB Morale: +1
Squad Formation: HP 6, Light Crossbow (1d6+4)/+5 AB or Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
Short Sword (1d6+4)/+5 AB
Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Light Sensitivity (-2 to hit in bright ENDS MEETS FORCES
light); orcish combat maneuver (bloodlust) OTTO THE INNKEEPER (He is a lawful neutral 12th level human
Saves/Primes: P fighter whose vital statistics are HD 12d10+12, HP 96, AC 23.
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) His primary attributes are strength, charisma, and wisdom. His
Morale: +1 significant attributes are strength 17(19) and charisma 16. He
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None wears +2 full plate armor, a belt of ogre strength (+2 strength),
a +2 large steel shield, and wields a +2 bastard sword called Von
ORC 1ST-LEVEL RANGERS (1 Squad) Hurstenfury. He has two potions of cure critical wounds. Otto has
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 a command presence of +14; his command bonus is +2).
HD/UHP: 1d10/25 UHP KAREN (She is an 8th level half elf ranger, whose vital statistics
Move: 30 ft. are HD 8d10+8, HP 61, AC 19. Her primary attributes are
AC: 15 Strength and Dexterity. Her significant attributes are strength 16
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Longsword (1d8+1*)/+0 AB or and dexterity 18. She carries a +1 longbow with 20 +1 arrows,
Composite Longbow (1d8+1*)/+2 and a +2 longsword. Her special qualities are Ranger abilities

FIELDS OF BATTLE 39
and twilight vision. She gains +8 damage vs. humanoid opponents BATTLEFIELD SUMMARY
such as ogres, orcs, trolls, giants, goblins, hobgoblins, and bugbears. There is the ruin of a half tower that comprises the Cockleburr Tavern
She wears +2 studded leather armor, a +1 ring of protection and in the western edge of the battlefield. A pair of half-ruined walls
boots of elvenkind. Karen has a command presence of +10; she provide breastwork on either side of the Post Road as it leads from
has a command bonus of +2) the forest to the village. The defenders of Ends Meet align themselves
HARDENED MERCENARIES (Human Fighters 5) (1 squad) here as the Orange Hairs forces approach from the road.

Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 THE BATTLE


HD/UHP: 5d10+5/137 UHP
Move: 30 ft. FULGARTHS OBJECTIVES FOR VICTORY
AC: 16 (Banded Mail)
Orc Strategy: Due to Orange Hairs low overall command
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Long Spear (1d8+2)/+7 AB or
presence, all units under his command must remain within his
Longsword (1d8+1)/+6 AB
command presence or within a 10-inch radius of his commander
Squad Formation: 65 HP, Long Spear (1d8+7)/+12 AB or
marker or his elite bodyguard units. Orange Hairs horde barges
Longsword (1d8+6)/+11 AB
into Ends Meet with fury, using the heavy catapult and flanking
Special: Weapon Specialization (Long Spear, +1 to hit/damage),
crossbowmen as covering fire. The wolves range the battlefield,
Combat Dominance; Strength 13, Constitution 15
picking off units and civilians attempting to flee.
Saves/Primes: Strength, Constitution, Charisma (CB 12)
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) Enter Ends Meet
Morale: +5 (CB 12)
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None Burn the Tavern
Slay Otto and Karen
PRIAM (He is a neutral human 4th level wizard whose vital statistics
are HD 4d4, HP 13, AC 12. His primary attributes are intelligence, ENDS MEETS OBJECTIVES FOR VICTORY
constitution, and charisma. His significant attributes are intelligence
14 and charisma 13. He carries a quarterstaff dealing 1d6 points Ends Meets Strategy: Ends Meets forces seek to catch the orcs
damage and wears +2 bracers of armor. He has a scroll of web. in a choke point, making the orcs superior numbers meaningless.
His typically memorized spells include: 0thdancing lights, light,
Route the Orcs
message, prestidigitation; 1stshield, sleep x2, magic missile; 2nd
invisibility, protection from arrows, web. Priam has a command Slay or drive off Orange Hair
presence of +5; he has a command bonus of +1.) Decimate Fulgarth Orange Hairs Elite Bodyguard
LAOCON (He is a neutral human 4th level cleric whose vital statistics Otto and Karen survive
are HD 4d8, HP 20, AC 18. His primary attributes are wisdom,
strength, and dexterity. His significant attributes are wisdom 14 and SUGGESTIONS FOR MULTI-PLAYER GAME
charisma 16. He wears banded mail. He carries a +1 large steel
shield and a +1 mace dealing 1d6+2 points of damage. He keeps If the scenario is played like a strategy board game, some players
2 potions of cure light wounds. His typically memorized spells are: may be assigned the roles of the heroes of the various armies,
0thdetect evil, detect magic, first aid x2; 1stbless, command, while other players are assigned the role of the various combatant
cure light wounds x2; 2ndhold person, spiritual weapon. Laocon units. For example, one player could take on the orc infantry, and
has a command presence of +6; he has a command bonus of +2). another play orange hair and his bodyguard. Still others could play
the wolves, orc rangers, and crossbowmen.
MEDIUM INFANTRY (Human Fighter 1) (14 Squads)
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 THE ULGAKUR INSURRECTION
HD/UHP: 1d10/25 UHP A battle scenario for 2-3 players
Move: 30 ft.
AC: 15 (Scale Mail, Shield) Deep within the bowels of the earth below the Haunted Highlands is a
Attacks/AB: Long Spear (1d8+2)/+3 AB or Short Sword world unknown to most surface dwellers. Within this hidden world lies
(1d6+1)/+2 AB a city so secretive, that to even mention its existence upon the surface
Squad Formation: HP 8, Long Spear (1d8+7)/+8 AB or Short is to invite ones own death. The Undercity of Ulgakur is a bastion
Sword (1d6 +6)/+7 of evil ruled by a merciless Hegemony comprised of demonologists,
Special: Weapon Specialization (Long Spear, +1 to hit/damage), devil worshippers, assassins, subterranean humans, dark dwarves, and
Combat Dominance; Strength 14 Lluvandro the Dark, a lich who is the only surviving member of the evil
Saves/Primes: Strength, Wisdom, Constitution adventurers who conquered Ulgakur in the distant ages.
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Morale: +1 Not all members of the Hegemony who rule the Undercity of
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None Ulgakur maintain a peaceful co-existence. Recently, the lies
of Pitch Blacksoul and his twisted sister, Mistress Sinn, have
incensed the fury of Zataricon against his arch rival, Nembrol,

40 CASTLES & CRUSADES


and the Grey Clan of Zvarguth. Zataricon seeks the upper hand, armor, an amulet of shielding, and a belt of strength (22), giving
and the battle begins as he attacks the Grey Clans fortress with an him an additional +5 to hit and damage. He wields a +2 heavy
aerial assault of his Meshkuri Nightmare Legion. flail (1d10+9). He keeps a small bag of holding with 2000 gp
worth of gems, jewels, and precious jewelry, two potions of cure
Infuriated by the lack of discipline amongst the rulers of the hegemony, serious wounds, and a potion of invisibility. Nembrols command
Lluvandro the Black, Lich Lord and most powerful member of the presence is +12; his command bonus is +2; the grey clan sergeants
Hegemony, orders his ghouls into the battle during the sixth round of extend his command presence through chain of command.)
combat to paralyze all of the combatants so they may be punished in a
manner the undead one sees fit. For more information on Lluvandro The Zvarguth fortress is defended with four ballistae and their
the Black, see Dwellers in the Darkness by Troll Lord Games. crews; the ballistae can fire every other round.

ZATARICONS LEGION BALLISTAE (4)


ZATARICON (He is a lawful evil Meshkuri 11 level knight whose
th
Cost: 500 gp, Damage 3d8, Range 120 ft.
vital statistics are HD 10d10+14, HP 84, AC 23. His primary Zvarguth Ballista Crew (4 Squads)
attributes are Strength and Charisma. His significant attributes Size/Ratio: Small/10:1
are Strength 17 and Constitution 15. He carries a +3 sword HD/UHP: 1d8/26 UHP
of wounding and wears +3 full plate armor and an amulet of Move: 20 ft.
shielding and a ring of counterspells (fireball). He bears a +2 AC: 15
medium steel shield. Zataricon always has 3 vials of Meshkuri pain Attacks/Attack Bonus: Short Sword (1d6+2)/+1 AB or Ballista
killer, and a potion of feather fall.) Zataricons command presence Attack/+4 AB (Weapon Specialization + Mechanical Minded*)
is +13 and is enhanced by his knight abilities; his command bonus Squad Formation: NA,
is +2 but is enhanced by his knight abilities.) Special: Deepvision 120 ft.; +2 vs. Fear; +2 vs. Poison; +3 vs.
Magic; Strength 16
Zataricon has promised his knights a boon of 13000 gold in Saves: M, P
plunder for their troubles, thus personally ensuring his command Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
over all 50 squads in his army. Morale: +7
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
ZATARICONS MOUNT, NIGHTMARE BAT (This large neutral
*See The Dwellers in the Darkness for details on the Zvarguth and
magical beasts vital statistics are HD 5d8, HP 48, AC 16. It attacks
their unique abilities.
with two claws for 1d6 points of damage and a bite for 2d6 points of
damage +2d6 points of blood drain per round after. Its special abilities
are Dive, Blood Drain, Sonar, Scent, Track, and Terrifying Shriek.) ZVARGUTH TROOPS (Dwarf Fighter 1) (20 Squads)
Size/Ratio: Small/10:1
NIGHTMARE LEGION BAT RIDERS (50 Squads) HD/UHP: 1d10/30 UHP
Move: 20 ft.
Size/Ratio: Large/2:1
AC: 17
HD/UHP: 2d10 + 5d8/79 UHP
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Heavy Flail (1d8+2)/+3 AB or Heavy
Move: 20 ft., 100 ft. (fly)
Crossbow (1d10)/+2 AB
AC: 16
Squad Formation: HP 8, Heavy Flail (1d8+12)/+11 AB or
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Heavy Lance or Longsword (1d8+1 +
Heavy Crossbow (1d10+10)/+9 AB
Bite (1d6))/+1 AB
Special: Deepvision 120 ft.; +2 vs. Fear; +2 vs. Poison; Weapon
Squad Formation: NA
Specialization (Heavy Flail, +1 to hit/damage); Strength 13
Special: Inspire +2, triple damage lance charge, Deflect (+3
Saves: M, P
overall AC on non move action. Bite: Doom bats making a
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
successful bite attack attach to enemy units dealing 2d6 damage
Morale: +3
per round until they or their target are slain; Reach 10 ft.
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
Primes: Charisma, Strength, Constitution
Morale: +7
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: Terrifying shriek: Once per battle, GREY CLAN SERGEANTS (Dwarf Fighter 3) (2 Squads)
the Doom bats may use their shriek attack. Enemy units within Size/Ratio: Small/10:1
hearing range (4 inches) of the bats must make a charisma save vs. HD/UHP: 3d10+3/110 UHP
fear (challenge level 5) or be paralyzed for 1d4+2 rounds. Undead Move: 20 ft.
are immune to the Terrifying shriek. AC: 18
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Heavy Flail (1d8+3)/+5 AB or Heavy
ZVARGUTH DEFENDERS Crossbow (1d10)/+5 AB Heavy or +4 AB Heavy Crossbow
Squad Formation: HP 8, Heavy Flail (1d8+12)/+13 AB or
NEMBROL: (He is a lawful evil zvarguth 10th level fighter whose
Heavy Crossbow (1d10+10)/+11 AB
vital statistics are HD 10d10+20, HP 80, AC 20. His Primary
Saves: M, P
Attributes are strength and wisdom. His significant attributes are
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
strength 16(22) and constitution 16. He wears +2 full plate
FIELDS OF BATTLE 41
Morale: +4 THE BATTLE
Special: Deepvision 120 ft; +2 vs. Fear, +2 vs. Poison; Weapon At the onset of battle, the Zvarguth dwarves are hunkered down
Specialization (Heavy Flail, +1 to hit/damage); Strength 13; in their fortress at the center of the battlefield. Zataricons forces
Command Unit: These Units have a command presence of +4 may enter the battle from any direction their player chooses,
and a command bonus of +0. so long as they are in a swarm within the enhanced command
The zvarguth forces array themselves so that a squad of sergeants presence of Zataricon.
moves with 10 squads of zvarguth troopers. Nembrol keeps
himself in the middle of the tower, where he can bark orders to ZATARICONS OBJECTIVES FOR VICTORY
the sergeants, who then relay his will to the masses. Kill Nembrol
Destroy Ballistae
LLUVANDROS FORCES
Inflict heavy casualties on Zvarguth forces
Lluvandro controls the ghouls from the sanctity of his tower. His
physical eyes on the battlefield are his unholy champion, Ybras Defeat enemy before ghouls arrive
the Drinker.
Zataricons Strategy: Zataricon and his knights seek to humiliate
YBRAS THE DRINKER: (He is a Chaotic Evil Grave Knight the Zvarguth forces by destroying their ballistae and slaying their
Vampire whose vital statistics are HD 12d12, HP 96, AC 31. chieftain. They move to a position where the most Zvarguth
His Primary Attributes are Mental and Physical. He attacks with may be affected by their mounts horrifying shriek ability before
a Slam for 1d8, a Bite for 1d4, or with his +3 two-handed sword, charging in to attack.
( 2d6+6). He wears +2 full plate armor. Ybras has all of the
special abilities of a vampire and all of the skills of a 10th-level ZVARGUTH DEFENDERS OBJECTIVES FOR VICTORY
knight. He may drain 40 points of blood before he is sated.) Zvarguths Strategy: The Zvarguth win the battle if they manage
to route Zataricon within 9 rounds of the start of battle. If
Lluvandros Ghouls: (25 squads)
Zataricon is routed prior to the ghouls entering the fortress, the
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 ghouls pursue Zataricon to his lair. Nembrol intends to fight off
the assault with crossbows and ballistae for as long as possible,
HD/UHP: 2d8/40 UHP using the armor of their fortifications to defend them.

Move: 30 ft. Slay Zataricon

AC: 14 Route enemies before Lluvandros ghouls arrive


Destroy 50% or more of enemy units
Attacks/AB: 2 Claws (1d3)/+2 AB and Bite (1d6)/+2 AB
Maintain Ballista for duration of battle
Squad Formation: HP 12, 2 Claws (1d3+4)/+6 AB and Bite
(1d6+4)/+6 AB LLUVANDROS OBJECTIVES FOR VICTORY

Special: Darkvision 60 ft. Paralysis (Opposed units must make a Ghoul Strategy: The ghouls arrive on the 6th round of combat
Strength Save or be paralyzed for 1d4+1 turns.) from the side of the battlefield closest to the fortress gates. They
attack anyone in their path, clambering up the walls of the fortress
Saves: P in an undead mob or tearing down its gates with their hardened
claws. If the ghouls gain entry to the fortress, they seek to paralyze
Face: 10 ft. any combatants they come in contact with, moving from one
paralyzed unit to the next. Their goal is to capture both leaders if
Moral: +2 possible. The ghouls move as directed by the will of Lluvandro and
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None are infallible in that they will never fail a morale save.

Capture Nembrol
BATTLEFIELD SUMMARY
Capture Zataricon
The fortress walls are 20 ft high and 10 ft wide. They are
crenellated, affording the Zvarguth a +2 to their armor class, Paralyze 50% of units they come in contact with.
despite the aerial attacks of the Doom Knights.
SUGGESTIONS FOR MULTI-PLAYER GAME
The crenellations afford +4 to armor class from ground attacks. This scenario is ideal for 2-3 players, though more players could
The gates have 80 hit points, meaning that two squads of ghouls join in as player characters, running the officers of the armies, or
should tear through them in 4 rounds, affording them entry to the taking on the rolls of various units such as ballistae crews or as
fortress. Zvarguth Grey Clan Sergeants.

42 CASTLES & CRUSADES


CHAPTER 10: COMMON MONSTROUS & HUMAN UNITS
MONSTER UNITS Special: Enhanced Senses, Move Silently, Spell Resistance, Spot
Hidden Doors, Twilight Vision, Weapon Training (+1 to hit with
BUGBEAR INFANTRY Composite Longbow); elven combat maneuvers (elven artillery,
battle sagacity)
Size/Ratio: Large/2:1
Saves/Primes: P
HD/UHP: 3d8/32 UHP
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Move: 30 ft.
Morale: +1
AC: 17
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Weapon, typically Halberd (1d10)/+3 AB
Squad Formation: NA
Special: Darkvision 60 ft. ELF LIGHT CAVALRY
Saves/Primes: P Size/Ratio: Large/2:1
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) HD/UHP: 3d10 (light war horse) +1d8/50 UHP
Morale: +3 Move: 60 ft.
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None AC: 14
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Shortbow (1d6)/+2 AB or Longsword
CENTAUR CAVALRY (1d8+ Hoof (1d4+2))/+1 AB
Squad Formation: NA
Size/Ratio: Large/2:1
Special: Enhanced Senses, Move Silently, Spell Resistance, Spot
HD/UHP: 4d8/42 UHP
Hidden Doors, Twilight Vision, Weapon Training (+1 to hit with
Move: 50 ft.
Shortbow); elven combat maneuvers (elven artillery, battle sagacity)
AC: 14
Saves/Primes: P
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Weapon, typically a Heavy Lance (1d8 +
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Hoof (1d6))/+4 AB or Club (1d6 + 1 + Hoof (1d6))/+4 AB or
Morale: +4 (Mount and rider are a 4-HD creature for purposes of morale)
Shortbow (1d6)/+4 AB
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
Squad Formation: NA
Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Track (as 5th-level ranger), Woodland Stride
Saves/Primes: P GARGOYLE RAIDERS
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
Morale: +4 HD/UHP: 5d8/100 UHP
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None Move: 45ft., 75 ft. (fly)
AC: 16
DWARF INFANTRY Attacks/AB: 2 Claws (1d3)/+5 AB and 1 Bite (1d6)/+5 AB and
1 Gore (1d4)/+5 AB
Size/Ratio: Small/10:1
Squad Formation: HP 30, 2 Claws (1d3+4)/+10 AB and Bite
HD/UHP: 1d8/27 UHP
(1d6+4)/+10 AB and Gore (1d4+4)/+10 AB
Move: 20 ft.
Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Freeze
AC: 16
Saves/Primes: P
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Battle Axe or Warhammer (1d8)/+1 AB
Face: 10ft. (1 inch)
Squad Formation: HP 6, Battle Axe or Warhammer (1d8+8)/+8 AB
Morale: +5
Special: Deepvision 120 ft.; +2 saves vs. fear (including morale),
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
+2 saves vs. poison, +3 saves vs. magic, stonecraft; +1 to hit
goblins and orcs; dwarven combat maneuver (dwarven mantlet)
Saves/Primes: P GHOULS
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
Morale: +3 (dwarves are fearless, as reflected in their save vs. fear) HD/UHP: 2d8/40 UHP
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None Move: 30 ft.
AC: 14
ELF SCOUTS Attacks/Attack Bonus: 2 Claws (1d3)/+2 AB and Bite (1d6)/+2
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 AB
HD/UHP: 1d8/20 UHP Squad Formation: HP 12, 2 Claws (1d3+4)/+6 AB and Bite
Move: 30 ft. (1d6+4)/+6 AB
AC: 15 Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Paralysis (Opposed units must make a
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Composite Longbow (1d8)/+2 AB or strength save or be paralyzed for 1d4+1 turns)
Longsword (1d8)/+1 AB Saves/Primes: P
Squad Formation: HP 6, Composite Longbow (1d8+4)/+6 AB Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
or Longsword (1d8+4)/+5 AB Morale: NA (Undead never check morale)
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
FIELDS OF BATTLE 43
GNOLL RAIDERS GOBLINS
Size/Ratio: Large/2:1 Size/Ratio: Small/10:1
HD/UHP: 2d8/21 UHP HD/UHP: 1d6/20 UHP
Move: 30 ft. Move: 20 ft.
AC: 15 AC: 15
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Heavy Flail (1d10)/+2 AB or Composite Attacks/Attack Bonus: Short Sword (1d6)/+1 AB or Shortbow
Longbow (1d8)/+2 AB (1d6)/+1 AB
Squad Formation: NA Squad Formation: HP 4, Short Sword (1d6+6)/+7 AB or
Special: Darkvision 60 ft., gnollish combat maneuver (dirty Shortbow (1d6+6)/+7 AB
dogs) Special: Darkvision 60 ft.; goblin combat maneuver (goblin
Saves/Primes: P swarm)
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) Saves/Primes: P
Morale: +0 (Special: Gnolls require a moral check after taking Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
20% casualties) Morale: +1
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None

GNOME INFANTRY GOBLIN SAPPERS


Size/Ratio: Small/10:1 Size/Ratio: Small/10:1
HD/UHP: 1d8/26 UHP HD/UHP: 1d6/20 UHP
Move: 20 ft. Move: 20 ft.
AC: 16 AC: 15
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Light Pick (1d4)/+1 AB or Hand Attacks/Attack Bonus: Light Pick (1d6) or Grenade (2d6,
Crossbow (1d4)/+1 AB hurled)/+1 AB
Squad Formation: HP 6, Light Pick (1d4+8)/+8 AB or Hand Squad Formation: HP 4, Light Pick (1d6+6)/+7 AB or Grendade
Crossbow (1d4+8)/+8 AB (2d6+6)/+7 AB
Special: +1 to hit goblins and kobolds, Darkvision 60 ft., Spells; Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Tunneling; goblin combat maneuver
gnomish combat maneuver (badgers bite) (goblin swarm)
Saves/Primes: P Saves/Primes: P
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Morale: +1 Morale: +1
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: Once per day gnomes can cast the Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
following spells: dancing lights, ghost wind, and prestidigitation as a
1st-level caster

44 CASTLES & CRUSADES


GOBLIN WORG RIDERS
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
HD/UHP: 4d8 (worgs) +1d6/95 UHP
Move: 50 ft.
AC: 15
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Light Lance (1d6 + Bite (2d4))/+1 AB
Squad Formation: HP 28, Light Lance (1d6+ Bite (2d4)+6)/+7 AB
Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Scent, Track, Trip, Twilight Vision;
goblin combat maneuver (goblin swarm)
Saves/Primes: P
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Morale: +5 (Mount and rider are a 5-HD creature for purposes
of morale)
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None

HALFLINGS
Size/Ratio: Small/10:1
HD/UHP: 1d8/26 UHP
Move: 20 ft.
AC: 16
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Short Sword (1d6)/+1 AB or Shortbow
(1d6)/+1 AB
Squad Formation: HP 6, Short Sword (1d6+8)/+8 AB or Saves/Primes: P
Shortbow (1d6+8)/+8 AB Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Special: +1 to constitution checks, +2 saves vs. fear (including Morale: +5 (Mount and rider are a 5-HD creature for purposes of
morale), Duskvision, Hide, Move Silently morale) (CB 12 when in iron morale racial maneuver)
Saves/Primes: P Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Morale: +3 (Halflings receive +2 to saves vs. fear) KOBOLDS
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None Size/Ratio: Small/10:1
HD/UHP: 1d4/13 UHP
HOBGOBLINS Move: 30 ft.
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 AC: 15
HD/UHP: 1d10/25 UHP Attacks/Attack Bonus: Spear (1d6)/+1 AB or Shortbow (1d6)/+1 AB
Move: 30 ft. Squad Formation: HP 3, Spear (1d6+4)/+5 AB or Shortbow
AC: 15 (1d6+4)/+5 AB
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Longsword (1d8)/+1 AB or Composite Special: Darkvision 60 ft,. Light Sensitivity (-2 to hit in bright
Longbow (1d8)/+1 AB light); kobold combat maneuver (guerilla action)
Squad Formation: HP 8, Longsword (1d8+5)/+6 AB or Saves/Primes: P
Composite Longbow (1d8+5)/+6 AB Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Special: Darkvision 60 ft.; hobgoblin combat maneuvers (iron Morale: +1
morale CB 12 morale, focus at arms +1 damage with longsword) Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
Saves/Primes: P
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) LIZARDFOLK
Morale: +1 (CB 12 when in iron morale racial maneuver) Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None HD/UHP: 2d8/40 UHP
Move: 30 ft., 20 ft. (swim)
HOBGOBLIN HEAVY CAVALRY AC: 15
Size/Ratio: Large/2:1 Attacks/Attack Bonus: 2 Claws (1d2)/+2 AB and Bite (1d8)/+2
HD/UHP: 4d10 (heavy warhorse) +1d10/66 UHP AB or Spear (1d6)/+2 AB
Move: 50 ft. Squad Formation: HP 12, 2 Claws (1d2+4)/+6 AB and Bite
AC: 15 (1d8+4)/+6 AB or Spear (1d6+4)/+6 AB
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Heavy Lance (1d8)/+1 AB or Composite Special: Amphibious, Hold Breath, Swim
Shortbow (1d8)/+1 AB Saves/Primes: P
Squad Formation: NA Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Special: Darkvision 60 ft.; hobgoblin combat maneuvers (iron Morale: +2
morale CB 12 morale, focus at arms +1 damage with longsword) Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
FIELDS OF BATTLE 45
OGRES Squad Formation: HP 18, Heavy Lance (1d8 + Gore (2d6) +
Size/Ratio: Large/2:1 4)/+5 AB or Shortbow (1d6+4)/+5 AB
HD/UHP: 4d8/32 UHP Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Light Sensitivity (-2 to hit in bright
Move: 30 ft. light), Twilight Vision; orcish combat maneuver (bloodlust)
AC: 16 Saves/Primes: P
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Slam (1d10)/+4 AB or Weapon (by Face: 10ft. (1 inch)
weapon, +3 damage)/+4 AB Morale: +3 (Mount and rider are a 3HD creature for purposes
Squad Formation: NA of Morale)
Special: Darkvision 60 ft. Twilight Vision; ogrish combat Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
maneuver (disconcerting strength)
Saves/Primes: P SAHUAGIN
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
Morale: +4 HD/UHP: 2d8/40 UHP
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None Move: 30 ft., 60 ft. (swim)
AC: 16
OGRES, WAR Attacks/Attack Bonus: Weapon (by weapon)/+2 AB or Talon
Size/Ratio: Large/2:1 (1d4)/+2 AB and Bite (1d4)/+2 AB
HD/UHP: 6d8/63 UHP Squad Formation: HP 12, Weapon (by weapon +4)/+5 AB or
Move: 30 ft. Talon (1d4+4)/+5 AB and Bite (1d4+4)/+5 AB
AC: 18 Special: Blood Frenzy, Darkvision 60 ft., Freshwater Sensitivity,
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Slam (1d10)/+6 AB or Two-Handed Light Blindness, Speak with Sharks, Water Dependent
Axe (1d12+3)/+6 AB Saves/Primes: P
Squad Formation: NA Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Special: Darkvision 60 ft. Twilight Vision; ogrish combat Morale: +2
maneuver (disconcerting strength) Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
Saves/Primes: P
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) SKELETON INFANTRY
Morale: +6 Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None HD/UHP: 1d12/30 UHP
War ogres are bred in the goblin pits of the Undercity of Ulgakur. Move: 30 ft.
Deadlier and more cunning than their lesser cousins, they prefer AC: 13
heavy cleaving weapons and stout armor. Attacks/Attack Bonus: Weapon, typically Spear (1d6)/+1 AB
Squad Formation: HP 10, Weapon (by weapon +6)/+7 AB
ORCS Special: Undead, Half Damage from Piercing/Slashing
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 Saves/Primes: P
HD/UHP: 1d8/20 UHP Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Move: 30 ft. Morale: NA (Undead never check morale)
AC: 13 Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Longsword (1d8)/+1 AB or Battle Axe
(1d8)/+1 AB or Shortbow (1d6)/+1 AB SKELETON CAVALRY
Squad Formation: HP 6, Longsword (1d8+4)/+5 AB or Battle Size/Ratio: Large/2:1
Axe (1d8+4)/+5 AB or Shortbow (1d6+4)/+5 AB HD/UHP: 1d12 +3d12(skeletal light warhorse)/63 UHP
Special: Darkvision 60 ft., Light Sensitivity (-2 to hit in bright Move: 60 ft.
light); orcish combat maneuver (bloodlust) AC: 13
Saves/Primes: P Attacks/Attack Bonus: Heavy Lance (1d8 + Hoof (1d4+2))/+1 AB
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) Squad Formation: NA
Morale: +1 Special: Undead, Half Damage from Piercing/Slashing
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None Saves/Primes: P
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
ORC BOAR RIDERS Morale: NA (Undead never check morale)
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
HD/UHP: 1d8+2d8 (boars)/60 UHP
Move: 40 ft. TREANTS
AC: 14 Size/Ratio: Large/2:1
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Heavy Lance (1d8 + Gore (2d6))/+1 HD/UHP: 7d8/74 UHP
AB or Shortbow (1d6)/+1 AB Move: 30 ft.

46 CASTLES & CRUSADES


AC: 20 WIGHTS
Attacks/Attack Bonus: 2 Slams (2d8)/+7 AB Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
Squad Formation: NA HD/UHP: 4d12/120 UHP
Special: Animate Trees, Blend, Trample (4d4 damage to anything Move: 30 ft.
in its path on a movement action), Twilight Vision, Vulnerability AC: 15
to Fire (Suffers double damage from fire) Attacks/Attack Bonus: Slam (1d6)/+4 AB
Saves/Primes: P Squad Formation: HP 40, Slam (1d6+6)/+10 AB or Weapon (by
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) weapon +6)/+10 AB
Morale: +7 Special: Create Spawn, Energy Drain, Darkvision 60 ft.
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: Animate 1d12 trees as animate object spell Saves/Primes: M
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
TROGLODYTES Morale: NA (Undead never check morale)
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: Create Spawn
HD/UHP: 2d8/40 UHP Note: Units struck by a wight suffer one negative level and heal
Move: 30 ft. the wight unit 5 UHP.
AC: 15 Wights may create spawn of any units destroyed by their energy
Attacks/Attack Bonus: 2 Claws (1d2) and Bite (1d4+1) or drain ability. These spawn rise as wights with 2 HD that cannot
Weapon (by weapon)/+2 AB create spawn, but are otherwise identical.
Squad Formation: HP 12, 2 Claws (1d2+4)/+6 AB and Bite
(1d4+4)/+6 AB or Weapon (by weapon +4)/+6 AB WOLVES
Special: Stench, Darkvision 90 ft. Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
Saves/Primes: P HD/UHP: 2d8/40 UHP
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) Move: 50 ft.
Morale: +2 AC: 13
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None Attacks/Attack Bonus: Bite (1d8)/+2 AB
Squad Formation: HP 12, Bite (1d8+4)/+6 AB
TROLLS, RIVER Special: Scent, Trip, Twilight Vision, Track
Size/ Ratio: Large/2:1 Saves/Primes: P
HD/UHP: 6d8/63 UHP Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Move: 30 ft. Morale: +2
AC: 16 Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
Attacks/Attack Bonus: 2 Claws (1d4)/+6 AB and Bite (2d6)/+6
AB or Weapon (by weapon, +3 damage)/+6 AB ZOMBIE HORDE
Squad Formation: NA Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
Special: Rend (1d4+1 added damage on 2 claw hits), Darkvision HD/UHP: 2d12/60 UHP
60 ft., Regeneration 2 UHP per round, Twilight Vision Move: 20 ft.
Saves/Primes: P AC: 12
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) Attacks/AB: Slam (1d8)/+2 AB
Morale: +6 Squad Formation: HP 20, Slam (1d8+6)/+8 AB
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None Special: Slow, Undead
Saves/Primes: P
TROLLS, HILL Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Size/Ratio: Large/2:1 Morale: NA (Undead never check morale)
HD/UHP: 9d8/ 95 UHP) Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
Move: 30 ft. Note: Zombies always have last initiative, even if their commander
AC: 16 or controller wins initiative.
Attacks/Attack Bonus: 2 Claws (1d4)/+9 AB and Bite (2d6)/+9
AB or Weapon (+3 damage)/+9 AB HUMAN UNITS
Squad Formation: NA
Special: Rend (1d4+1 added damage on 2 claw hits), Darkvision HUMAN SKIRMISHERS (RANGER 1)
60 ft., Regeneration 2 UHP per round, Twilight Vision Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
Saves/Primes: P HD/UHP: 1d10/UHP 25
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) Move: 30 ft.
Morale: +9 AC: 1 4 (Studded Leather + 1 Dexterity)
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None Attacks/AB: Longsword (1d8+1)/+1 AB or Longbow (1d6)/+1 AB
Note: Hill trolls are typically classed as standard giants (hill, fire, Squad Formation: HP 8, Longsword (1d8+6)/+6 AB or
frost, etc.) and are generally encountered as hero units. Longbow (1d6+5)/+6 AB

FIELDS OF BATTLE 47
Special: Combat Marauder (+1 damage to humanoids and HUMAN RABBLE (COMMONER 1)
giants), Conceal, Delay/Neutralize Poison, Move Silently, Scale, Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
Survival, Track, Traps; Strength 13 and Dexterity 14 HD/UHP: 1d4/13 UHP
Saves/Primes: Strength, Dexterity, Wisdom Move: 30ft.
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) AC: 11
Morale: +1 Attacks/Attack Bonus: Spear (1d6)/+1 AB
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None Squad Formation: HP 3, Spear (1d6+4)/+5 AB
Special: Rabble cannot form complex formations; rabble units
HUMAN HEAVY CAVALRY (KNIGHT 1) have notoriously poor morale when faced with heavily armed
Size/Ratio: Large/2:1 opponents (they have a +0 morale score)
HD/UHP: 1d10 plus 4d10 (heavy warhorse)/66 UHP Saves/Primes: Strength, Constitution, Dexterity
Move: 50 ft. Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
AC: 16 (17) (Full Chain Suit, Shield) Morale: +0
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Heavy Lance or Longsword (1d8 + Hoof Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
(1d6+3))/+1 AB
Squad Formation: NA HUMAN WARBAND (BARBARIAN 3)
Special: Horsemanship (Deflect, Cover, Fall Softly, Leap, Charge), Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
Inspire +2 to 12 persons, triple damage lance charge; Charisma 16 HD/UHP: 3d12/90 UHP
Saves/Primes: Charisma, Strength, Constitution Move: 30 ft.
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch) AC: 14 (Mail Shirt)
Morale: +1 Attacks/Attack Bonus: Bastard Sword (1d10+1)/+3 AB
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None Squad Formation: HP 30, Bastard Sword (1d10+7)/+10 AB
Special: Combat Sense (opponents receive no flank bonus; back
HUMAN LONGBOWMEN (FIGHTER 1) and rear attack bonuses halved, +2 when rolling surprise checks),
Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1 Deerstalker, Intimidate, Primeval Instincts; Strength 13
HD/UHP: 1d10/UHP 25 Saves/Primes: Constitution, Strength, Wisdom
Move: 30 ft. Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
AC: 14 (Studded Leather Armor + 1 Dexterity) Morale: +3
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Longbow (1d6+1)/+3 AB or Short Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None
Sword (1d6)/+1 AB
Squad Formation: HP 8, Longbow (1d6 +6)/+8 AB or Short
Sword (1d6+5)/+6 AB
Special: Weapon Specialization (Longbow, +1 to hit/damage),
Combat Dominance; Dexterity 13
Saves/Primes: Strength, Dexterity, Wisdom
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Morale: +1
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None

HUMAN SPEARMEN (FIGHTER 1)


Size/Ratio: Medium/5:1
HD/UHP: 1d10/25 UHP
Move: 30 ft.
AC: 14 (15) (Scale Mail, Shield)
Attacks/Attack Bonus: Long Spear (1d8+2)/+3 AB or Short
Sword (1d6+1)/+2 AB
Squad Formation: HP 8, Long Spear (1d8+7)/+8 AB or Short
Sword (1d6+6)/+7 AB
Special: Weapon Specialization (Long Spear, +1 to hit/damage),
Combat Dominance; Strength 14
Saves/Primes: Strength, Wisdom, Constitution
Face: 10 ft. (1 inch)
Morale: +1
Spells/Spell-Like Abilities: None

48 CASTLES & CRUSADES


UNIT TYPE: UNIT TYPE: UNIT TYPE: UNIT TYPE:
SIZE/ RATIO: SIZE/ RATIO: SIZE/ RATIO: SIZE/ RATIO:
HD/UHP: HD/UHP: HD/UHP: HD/UHP:
MOVE: AC: MOVE: AC: MOVE: AC: MOVE: AC:
ATTACKS/ ATTACK BONUS: ATTACKS/ ATTACK BONUS: ATTACKS/ ATTACK BONUS: ATTACKS/ ATTACK BONUS:
SPECIAL: SPECIAL: SPECIAL: SPECIAL:
SAVES/PRIMES: / SAVES/PRIMES: / SAVES/PRIMES: / SAVES/PRIMES: /
FACE: FACE: FACE: FACE:
MORALE: MORALE: MORALE: MORALE:
SPELLS/ SPELL-LIKE ABILITIES: SPELLS/ SPELL-LIKE ABILITIES: SPELLS/ SPELL-LIKE ABILITIES: SPELLS/ SPELL-LIKE ABILITIES:

UNIT TYPE: UNIT TYPE: UNIT TYPE: UNIT TYPE:


SIZE/ RATIO: SIZE/ RATIO: SIZE/ RATIO: SIZE/ RATIO:
HD/UHP: HD/UHP: HD/UHP: HD/UHP:
MOVE: AC: MOVE: AC: MOVE: AC: MOVE: AC:
ATTACKS/ ATTACK BONUS: ATTACKS/ ATTACK BONUS: ATTACKS/ ATTACK BONUS: ATTACKS/ ATTACK BONUS:
SPECIAL: SPECIAL: SPECIAL: SPECIAL:
SAVES/PRIMES: / SAVES/PRIMES: / SAVES/PRIMES: / SAVES/PRIMES: /
FACE: FACE: FACE: FACE:
MORALE: MORALE: MORALE: MORALE:
SPELLS/ SPELL-LIKE ABILITIES: SPELLS/ SPELL-LIKE ABILITIES: SPELLS/ SPELL-LIKE ABILITIES: SPELLS/ SPELL-LIKE ABILITIES:

UNIT TYPE: UNIT TYPE: UNIT TYPE: UNIT TYPE:


SIZE/ RATIO: SIZE/ RATIO: SIZE/ RATIO: SIZE/ RATIO:
HD/UHP: HD/UHP: HD/UHP: HD/UHP:
MOVE: AC: MOVE: AC: MOVE: AC: MOVE: AC:
ATTACKS/ ATTACK BONUS: ATTACKS/ ATTACK BONUS: ATTACKS/ ATTACK BONUS: ATTACKS/ ATTACK BONUS:
SPECIAL: SPECIAL: SPECIAL: SPECIAL:
SAVES/PRIMES: / SAVES/PRIMES: / SAVES/PRIMES: / SAVES/PRIMES: /
FACE: FACE: FACE: FACE:
MORALE: MORALE: MORALE: MORALE:
SPELLS/ SPELL-LIKE ABILITIES: SPELLS/ SPELL-LIKE ABILITIES: SPELLS/ SPELL-LIKE ABILITIES: SPELLS/ SPELL-LIKE ABILITIES:

UNIT CARDS: Fill these cards in for each unit type that a player controls based on the unit block found in Fields of Battle or those based on units you have created for your own
personal Fields of Battle combat scenarios. Use these cards to record remaining hit points or special conditions of units on the field. PHOTO COPY THIS SHEET.

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