The Ford of Twin Spears
One-Shot · 6 Players · Level 10 · ~3–3.5 Hours · Amazon–Spartan Border Crisis
📜 Session Summary
| Style Border Crisis / Faction Choice — Skirmish → Parley → Branched Finale |
| Win Condition End the Amazon–Spartan war without executing Atalanta or Leonidas; either broker peace against the true foe or force a honorable yield from the opposing camp |
| Setting Misthaven dock → wooded approach through game trails → sacred ford-stone plaza → the buried bronze cache where the Strife-Wrought Champion sleeps |
| Atmosphere Two proud factions inches from war · forged insults more dangerous than drawn swords · the ford as sacred neutral ground under divine sanction |
| Materials Bronze disc seals, olive cord, Amazon fletched arrows, Spartan lambda tokens, river-washed pebbles, ford altar stone, stolen camp tokens, forged wax seals |
| Tone Mythic diplomatic crisis — the party's greatest power is information, not steel; the hardest battle is the one they choose not to fight |
| Players 6 × Level 10 |
| Est. Duration 3–3.5 hours |
| Encounters 3 (Enc. 3 has three full branches) |
Description
At a sacred river ford claimed by both Amazon hunters and a Spartan march column, pride and forged insults are hours from open war. The party arrives as envoys with a twin-faced seal — and must decide whether to stand with Atalanta, with Leonidas, or to bind both faces before a third voice of Discord finishes the slaughter for them.
The Amazons believe the Spartans burned their hunt-camp. The Spartans believe the Amazons murdered two helot runners. Both are wrong — both insults were manufactured by a shapechanger agent of Eris working from inside the ford's neutral ground. Neither Atalanta nor Leonidas will be willing to hear this until the party produces evidence. The clock is one afternoon. By dusk, someone will have given the order.
The Twin-Seal of the Ford is the party's instrument: bronze, two-faced, ancient, and recognized by every soldier at the ford as an envoy symbol. It can end a war in three different ways — and be used to fight one if needed.
Handouts
Enc. 1 (Fordfall Ambush): Showing the seal (Action, visible to both scout parties) pauses aggression for 1 round. Both scouts recognize the envoy symbol — DC 13 vs. prior orders. Advantage on one social check per camp.
Enc. 2 (Parley): Showing the seal to each leader grants Advantage on the first Persuasion/Insight check in Phase 1 (once per camp). If both scouts (Myrto and Doulos) are present when the seal is shown to their respective leaders, the leaders' starting hostility toward the party drops one level (hostile → unfriendly → neutral).
Enc. 3 — Peace Branch (Branch C): As an action at the ford-stone altar, bind both faces with the olive cord: Strife-Wrought Champion loses legendary actions for the entire fight and takes 30 psychic damage immediately. This requires both leaders to be present and watching — if one is absent, the binding only suppresses legendary actions.
Enc. 3 — War Branches (A or B): Gifting the matching face to an allied champion (Action, adjacent) grants that champion +2 to attacks and saves for 1 minute and allows one free use of their signature ability (Atalanta: Pinning Shot without recharge; Leonidas: Hold the Ford without expending daily use).
Key NPCs
Sister Eirene — Quest Giver · Neutral Good
Sister Eirene is a gray-cloaked envoy of a ford shrine dedicated to both Artemis and Ares — a rare dual dedication that gives her standing with both camps but full authority with neither. She speaks with the controlled urgency of someone who has been watching this situation develop for a week and is running out of time. She does not tell the party what to do; she tells them what will happen if nobody does anything. She hands the Twin-Seal to the first player who makes eye contact. Secret: she suspects a third hand framed both camps using stolen tokens — she doesn't have proof, but she has noticed that the incidents began two days after an unnamed courier crossed the ford unsupervised. She will share this if asked directly (DC 12 Persuasion) or if a player makes DC 15 Insight (she's being deliberately partial, not evasive). RP hook: DC 14 Persuasion to get her to describe the courier's appearance (she saw the eyes change color briefly — "like water shifting over a stone"); DC 16 to get her to come to the parley herself as neutral witness (she refuses but will do it if the party says it's the only way to stop blood being spilled).
Atalanta — Amazon Champion · Chaotic Good · Iconic — never kill
Atalanta is the Amazon huntress-general — tall, unhurried, and possessed of the specific intensity of someone who has been right about danger before and has the scars to show it. She makes exactly one unfair assumption about any man in the party (that they are here to negotiate her surrender) and drops it completely the moment it's disproved. She speaks in absolute terms and means every word. She values demonstrated competence above any credential. Secret: she actually believes, in the abstract, that the Spartans might not have burned the hunt-camp — there were no Spartan sandal-prints in the ash, and Spartan soldiers are disciplined about footwear. But admitting doubt without proof is not something an Amazon war-general does publicly. DC 15 Insight (during her audience) identifies the hesitation; DC 16 Persuasion to get her to say it aloud: "I would know a Spartan's boot-print anywhere. These were not Spartan boots." RP hook: Returning the stolen Amazon quiver (from Doulos's satchel if party collected it) earns immediate Advantage on the next social check with her. Showing her Myrto's intelligence about the Spartan-messenger-in-Amazon-boots shifts her from skeptical to actively wanting proof.
Leonidas — Spartan King-Commander · Lawful Neutral · Iconic — never kill
Leonidas commands the hoplite column with the absolute economy of a man who has drilled every option down to its essential action. He does not perform authority — he simply has it. He is not unkind; he is precise. He asks questions sequentially: what, why, what can you prove. He will not accept supposition as evidence. He will accept sworn testimony and physical proof without hesitation. Secret: one of his helot runners who was supposedly murdered arrived at a Spartan camp two days late, alive, having gotten lost. Leonidas has not confirmed whether the death report is real — his intelligence officer Doulos was supposed to verify it and has not returned. If the party knows Doulos's status (rescued in Enc. 1), Leonidas will listen to anything Doulos testifies to without a Persuasion check, period. RP hook: DC 14 Insight to identify that his jaw tightens when the murder accusation is mentioned — he is uncertain, not certain. DC 15 Persuasion to get him to say "I am waiting for a report I have not received." Returning the lambda token (if party collected it from Myrto's satchel) earns immediate Advantage on the next social check.
Finale Branches (lock in at end of Enc. 2)
| Branch | How to unlock | Enc. 3 shape |
|---|---|---|
| A — Amazons | Publicly pledge to Atalanta; return Amazon stolen tokens; refuse Spartan alliance | Party + Atalanta vs Spartan host; win = Leonidas yields (nonlethal / aspis broken) |
| B — Spartans | Publicly pledge to Leonidas; return lambda token; refuse Amazon alliance | Party + Leonidas vs Amazon host; win = Atalanta driven off / pinned (nonlethal) |
| C — Peace | Complete Enc. 2 peace skill challenge; expose Mask of Discord to both leaders | Both camps (or captains) ally vs Strife-Wrought Champion; Twin-Seal bind payoff |
If the party tries to “ally both” without exposing Discord, Atalanta and Leonidas demand a choice at dusk — default to Branch C only if proof is shown.
Session Rewards
Keepable prizes earned by completing (or excelling at) this session. One character claims each reward unless noted. Full cards are under Reward Cards.
| Reward | Description | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Twin-Seal of the Ford | Twin-faced seal that bolsters an ally's stand or binds a peace at water's edge. | Prove both camps are being played — or choose a side cleanly — before dusk opens war. |
Creature / Enemy List
| Creature / Enemy | Easy | Medium | Hard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Archer | 3 | 4 | 6 | Enc. 1 / Branch B |
| Amazon Outrider | 1 | 2 | 3 | Enc. 1 / Branch B |
| Spartan Hoplite | 3 | 4 | 6 | Enc. 1 / Branch A |
| Spartan Lochagos | 0 | 1 | 1 | Enc. 1 combat / Branch A |
| Atalanta | — | 1 | 1 | Ally or oppose (nonlethal) |
| Leonidas | — | 1 | 1 | Ally or oppose (nonlethal) |
| Mask of Discord | 1 | 1 | 1 | Enc. 2 reveal / flee to Enc. 3 |
| Strife-Wrought Champion | 1 adj. | 1 | 1 | Boss — Peace branch |
Major Beats
- Misthaven Briefing. Sister Eirene meets the party at the dock with controlled urgency and hands the Twin-Seal to the first player who makes eye contact. DC 12 Persuasion to get her to describe the unnamed courier; DC 15 Insight to notice she's withholding something. DC 16 to bring her to the parley herself as neutral witness.
- Encounter 1 — Fordfall Ambush. Three-way mistake in the wooded approach. Both scout leaders (Myrto and Doulos) carry intelligence that points toward the Mask of Discord — a Spartan messenger in Amazon boots and a set of forged orders with wrong wax. Show the Twin-Seal to pause aggression; recruit both scouts to strongly set up Branch C. Hard encounter if combat is chosen: 4× Archers + 1× Outrider + 4× Hoplites + 1× Lochagos ≈ 10,800 XP Hard.
- Camp Audiences. Party visits both camps before dusk. Physical evidence (tokens, forged orders, Myrto's testimony, Doulos's wax identification) builds the proof chain. Each item returned to its rightful camp reduces social DCs by 1.
- Encounter 2 — Parley at the Ford-Stone. Dual audiences, investigation, and the optional confrontation of the Mask of Discord. The branch locks here. DC 15 group Persuasion/Performance to pull off Branch C; otherwise choose A or B. Hard-to-Deadly depending on whether the Mask is cornered in combat.
- Encounter 3 — Three Paths at Dusk. Branch A: Party + Atalanta vs Leonidas + enhanced Spartan host. Branch B: Party + Leonidas vs Atalanta + enhanced Amazon host. Branch C: Both leaders united against the Strife-Wrought Champion. All branches are Deadly for APL10.
- Resolution. Branch A/B: winning camp claims naming rights to the ford; losing leader yields with honor intact. Branch C: Twin camps swear a ford-truce; Eirene's shrine stays clean; mist opens home. In all branches, Eirene's reward is contingent on neither iconic NPC being killed.
Encounter 1 — Fordfall Ambush
The mist breaks on the game trail a quarter-mile before the ford. The party walks into silence, then into the click of a drawn bowstring from the left. From the right, the soft scrape of iron shield-rim on stone. Two groups of soldiers face each other across the road — neither was expecting the other, and neither expected a third party walking between them. Myrto stands with three Amazon archers in the treeline; Doulos stands with three Spartan hoplites on the road. Both are whispering orders that boil down to the same thing: hold and see what these others do. The party, arriving between them, looks like whoever sent the other side's reinforcements.
Overview
Mist clears on a wooded approach to the ford. The party walks into a three-way mistake: Myrto's Amazon scouts and Doulos's Spartan runners each think the other side's reinforcements have arrived — and the PCs look like hired blades.
- Style: Ambush / social de-escalation
- Win Condition: Reach the ford alive with at least one camp willing to hear envoys (seal shown), without massacring either scout party
Creatures — APL10 Hard
- 4× Amazon Archer (CR2 · 450 XP each) + Myrto
- 1× Amazon Outrider (CR3 · 700 XP)
- 4× Spartan Hoplite (CR2 · 450 XP each) + Doulos
- 1× Spartan Lochagos (CR4 · 1,100 XP)
- Total base XP: 4×450 + 700 + 4×450 + 1,100 = 5,400 × multiplier 2.0 ≈ 10,800 — Hard
- If combat fully averted: XP award = 50% of base (social/exploration credit)
🗺 Terrain & Features
Wooded Slope → Ford Road: 100×60 ft. Stream crossing (difficult terrain, 10 ft wide). Fallen cedar (half-cover, Large-sized). Two game trails allow flanking.
Amazon Positioning: Start in treeline (3/4 cover from road). Myrto on highest ground (Perception advantage). Archers use Skirmish Step to retreat after shooting.
Spartan Positioning: Shield-wall on the road (adjacent hoplites). Lochagos at rear, Doulos on flank. Shield Wall trait: +1 AC and advantage on saves vs. movement/fear.
Cedar Log: Can be pushed (DC 15 Athletics) to create difficult terrain in a 20-ft line, splitting the scout parties.
Harder (APL 11–12): Both Outrider (mounted) and Lochagos arrive round 2 if any PC deals lethal damage; add 1× second Outrider on round 3 if both scout leaders are downed.
Mechanics
- Show Twin-Seal immediately (action, visible): both sides pause 1 round; Persuasion or Performance DC 13 to freeze the fight (group check: 3 successes before 3 failures).
- Insight DC 12: neither group expected the other — someone lied about reinforcements.
- Raise empty hands + Medicine on a downed scout: automatic success toward that camp's trust.
- Initiative as normal; Amazons skirmish from trees, Spartans shield-wall the road.
- Nonlethal preferred — Eirene's mission fails socially if either scout leader dies.
- Dropping a side to 1 standing fighter ends their aggression if the seal is shown.
- Myrto: heal/spare → guides to Amazon camp; whispers about a Spartan messenger in Amazon boots.
- Doulos: return his pouch / spare → guides to Spartan camp; forged wax clue.
- Recruiting both is possible and strongly sets up Branch C.
Resolution
Creature Cards
Amazon Archer
Medium Humanoid (Amazon), Neutral · CR 2 (450 XP)
AC 15 (leather) | HP 39 (6d8+12) | Speed 35 ft.
Skills: Acrobatics +5, Athletics +3, Perception +3, Stealth +5
Skirmish Step. After making a ranged attack, may move 10 ft. without provoking (once/turn).
Multiattack. Two shortbow attacks.
Shortbow. +5 to hit, range 80/320 ft. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing.
Handaxe. +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) slashing.
Amazon Outrider
Medium Humanoid (Amazon), Neutral · CR 3 (700 XP)
AC 14 | HP 52 (8d8+16) | Speed 40 ft.
Skills: Animal Handling +3, Athletics +4, Perception +3
Mounted Preferred. If mounted on a war-deer/horse (AC 12, HP 19), attacks have advantage against Medium unmounted foes once/turn.
Multiattack. Two spear attacks.
Spear. +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing.
Trample Rush (1/turn while mounted). Move 20 ft. through enemy space; DC 13 Dexterity save or 7 (2d6) bludgeoning and prone.
Spartan Hoplite
Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral · CR 2 (450 XP)
AC 18 (breastplate, shield) | HP 45 (7d8+14) | Speed 30 ft.
Skills: Athletics +5, Perception +2
Shield Wall. While within 5 ft. of another Spartan Hoplite with a shield, +1 AC and advantage on saves vs. being moved or frightened.
Multiattack. Two spear attacks.
Spear. +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing.
Shield Bash. +5 to hit. Hit: 5 (1d4+3) bludgeoning; DC 13 Strength save or pushed 5 ft.
Spartan Lochagos
Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral · CR 4 (1,100 XP)
AC 19 (plate, shield) | HP 75 (10d8+30) | Speed 30 ft.
Skills: Athletics +6, Intimidation +4, Insight +3
Drill Master. Allied Spartan Hoplites within 30 ft. deal +2 damage with spears.
Multiattack. Three spear attacks.
Spear. +6 to hit. Hit: 8 (1d8+4) piercing.
Order: Advance (Recharge 5–6). Up to 3 hoplites move 10 ft. toward a point he chooses without provoking.
Myrto (Amazon Scout)
Medium Humanoid (Amazon), Neutral Good · Ally Candidate
AC 14 | HP 27 (5d8+5) | Speed 35 ft.
Skills: Perception +3, Stealth +4, Survival +3
RECRUITMENT. Heal her / spare her in Enc. 1 → she vouches to Atalanta (adv on first Amazon social checks).
Secret. Saw a 'Spartan' messenger with Amazon boots — first hint of the Mask of Discord.
Shortbow. +4 to hit. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing.
Dagger. +4 to hit. Hit: 4 (1d4+2) piercing.
Doulos (Spartan Runner)
Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral · Ally Candidate
AC 15 (shield) | HP 32 (5d8+10) | Speed 35 ft.
Skills: Athletics +4, Perception +3
RECRUITMENT. Return his stolen lambda token / spare him in Enc. 1 → vouches to Leonidas.
Secret. His orders were swapped overnight; he can ID the forged seal wax.
Spear. +4 to hit. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing.
Javelin. +4 to hit, range 30/120 ft. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing.
Encounter 2 — Parley at the Ford-Stone
The ford-stone plaza is a shallow, sun-lit arena with centuries of diplomatic weight pressed into its paving stones. Atalanta stands at the crescent altar on the east bank with six warriors behind her. Leonidas stands at the lambda altar on the west bank with six hoplites in line. Between them, the ford-stone itself — a flat, sacred slab that no blood is permitted to touch on pain of Artemis's curse. The Mask of Discord is somewhere in the crowd. It does not know the party has been looking for it. It knows the party has been talking to both leaders. It will become dangerous when it realizes they're about to expose it.
Overview
Both camps face each other across the sacred ford-stone. Atalanta and Leonidas trade accusations: burned tents, stolen standards, murdered scouts. The truth is the Mask of Discord — an Eris agent wearing both sides' faces. Enc. 2 is where the party gathers proof and locks the finale branch.
- Style: Dual audiences + investigation; optional confrontation
- Win Condition: Obtain enough proof or firm pledges to enter dusk with Branch A, B, or C chosen
- XP Note: Mask of Discord combat (if cornered): CR5 = 1,800 XP. Primary pressure is social; encounter XP is awarded as exploration/investigation credit for completing the proof hunt.
🗺 Terrain & Features
Ford-Stone Plaza: 80×80 ft, shallow water (difficult terrain for running but not walking). Sacred slab at center — no blood can be spilled on or within 5 ft without divine consequence (DC 14 Constitution save or suffer Disadvantage on attack rolls for 1 hour).
Twin Altars (crescent & lambda): Each altar grants Advantage on social checks with the corresponding camp if a player stands at it while making a case. Used in the Twin-Seal binding for Branch C.
Rope Bridges (×2): Connect the two banks across the ford's deeper section; can be cut (DC 13 Dexterity or any slashing weapon) to delay a camp's movement across.
Spectator Banks: Both camps' soldiers watch from opposite banks; public performances here carry real weight (Performance check = speech, Advantage if Myrto and Doulos both visibly endorse it).
Mask's Position: The Mask is disguised as a Spartan courier standing near Leonidas's flank (Investigation DC 16 or Perception DC 15 to notice the eyes changing color). If spotted, it immediately uses Discordant Whisper.
Mechanics
- Speak with Atalanta: Persuasion/Insight DC 14. She wants Spartan confession for the burned hunt-camp.
- Speak with Leonidas: Persuasion/Insight DC 14. He wants Amazon confession for the murdered helot runners.
- Twin-Seal shown: advantage once per camp.
- Need 4 successes before 3 failures (DCs 13–15). Skills: Investigation, Survival, Religion, Sleight of Hand, Arcana.
- Clue finds: forged orders (both seals), Amazon boots with Spartan mud, a smiling courier who changes eyes (Perception DC 15).
- Myrto/Doulos present: one free success if both recruited.
- Peace unlock (Branch C): Present proof to both leaders in the same scene (Performance or Persuasion DC 15 group). On success, they stand down vs each other and demand the Mask's death.
- Combat path: Mask of Discord attacks when cornered (stats); tries to flee toward a buried bronze cache (site of Enc. 3 peace boss). If it escapes, Branch C still available but boss starts with breath/war-cry ready.
- Branch A lock: Party pledges to Amazons without full proof — Leonidas names them enemy at dusk.
- Branch B lock: Party pledges to Spartans without full proof — Atalanta names them enemy at dusk.
- Return stolen Amazon quiver → Atalanta grants Pinning Shot support in Enc. 3 if allied.
- Return lambda token → Leonidas grants Hold the Ford once if allied.
- Humiliate either leader publicly without proof: that branch closes; peace DCs +2.
Resolution — Lock the Branch
Creature Cards
Atalanta
Medium Humanoid (Amazon / Demigod-touched), Chaotic Good · CR 8 (3,900 XP) · Iconic
AC 17 (studded + agility) | HP 127 (15d8+60) | Speed 40 ft.
Skills: Acrobatics +9, Athletics +7, Perception +6, Stealth +9, Survival +6 | Saves: Dex +9, Wis +6
Iconic — Do Not Kill. If opposed: win by reducing her to 0 HP nonlethal, forcing surrender (Intimidation/Persuasion DC 16 after she is bloodied), or breaking her hunt-banner. Executing her fails the mission tone and angers Artemis.
Huntress's Stride. Ignores nonmagical difficult terrain; opportunity attacks vs. her have disadvantage if she Dashed this turn.
Ally (Amazon Branch / Peace). Fights beside the party; prioritizes enemy champions and archers.
Multiattack. Three attacks: any mix of longbow and shortsword.
Longbow of Calydon. +9 to hit, range 150/600 ft. Hit: 14 (1d8+5) piercing + 7 (2d6) psychic if the target attacked an ally this round.
Shortsword. +9 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 8 (1d6+5) piercing.
Pinning Shot (Recharge 5–6). One longbow attack; on hit, target DC 16 Strength save or restrained (escape DC 16) until end of Atalanta's next turn.
Move (Cost 1). Atalanta moves up to 20 ft. without provoking.
Shot (Cost 1). One longbow attack.
Call Hunt (Cost 2). Two Amazon Archers within 60 ft. may each make one weapon attack.
Leonidas of Sparta
Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral · CR 8 (3,900 XP) · Iconic
AC 20 (bronze plate, shield) | HP 136 (16d8+64) | Speed 30 ft.
Skills: Athletics +9, Insight +6, Intimidation +7, Persuasion +7 | Saves: Str +9, Con +8, Wis +6
Iconic — Do Not Kill. If opposed: win by reducing him to 0 HP nonlethal, shattering his aspis (object AC 19 / HP 40), or forcing a formal yield (Persuasion DC 16 when bloodied + phalanx broken). Execution fails mission tone.
Phalanx King. While within 5 ft. of two allied hoplites with shields, +2 AC; allies in the wall gain +1 to saves vs. fear.
Ally (Spartan Branch / Peace). Holds the line; issues Shield Wall orders.
Multiattack. Three spear attacks, or two spear and one shield bash.
Spear of the Eurotas. +9 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 12 (1d8+5) piercing, or 13 (1d10+5) two-handed.
Shield Bash. +9 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 8 (1d6+5) bludgeoning; DC 17 Strength save or prone.
Hold the Ford (1/rest). Allies within 30 ft. gain 15 temporary HP; until start of his next turn, area is difficult terrain for enemies.
Command (Cost 1). One allied hoplite within 60 ft. moves up to 15 ft. and makes one spear attack.
Shield (Cost 1). Leonidas gains +2 AC until start of his next turn.
Counterthrust (Cost 2). When hit by a melee attack, he makes one spear attack against the attacker.
Mask of Discord (Eris Agent)
Medium Fey (shapechanger), Chaotic Evil · CR 5 (1,800 XP)
AC 15 | HP 84 (13d8+26) | Speed 30 ft.
Skills: Deception +8, Performance +8, Sleight of Hand +8, Stealth +8 | Resistances: psychic
Shapechanger. Can appear as an Amazon courier or Spartan messenger (Investigation DC 16 to pierce).
Frame Work. Carries forged raid-orders and stolen camp tokens used to start the conflict.
Multiattack. Two dagger attacks and Discordant Whisper if available.
Dagger. +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 6 (1d4+4) piercing + 7 (2d6) psychic.
Discordant Whisper (Recharge 4–6). One creature within 60 ft. DC 15 Wisdom save or use its reaction to attack a former ally within reach (if none, dash toward nearest foe).
Twin-Seal of the Ford
Wondrous Item (maguffin), Unique
Appearance: bronze disc, Amazon crescent on one face, Spartan lambda on the other; olive cord through the center
Handout Text (23 words). "When bow and spear both cry injustice, bind crescent to lambda at the ford-stone — or gift the face you trust in battle."
Enc. 1–2. Showing the seal marks the party as envoys: advantage on one social check per camp (once each).
Enc. 3 — Peace. As an action at the ford-stone, bind both faces with the olive cord: Strife-Wrought Champion loses legendary actions for the fight and takes 30 psychic damage (once).
Enc. 3 — War sides. Gift the matching face to Atalanta or Leonidas (action, adjacent): that champion gains +2 to attacks and saves for 1 minute, and may use a special Rally once.
Encounter 3 — Three Paths at Dusk (Boss)
Dusk arrives at the ford exactly on schedule. The light goes amber and flat, the river shadow stretches east, and both camps turn to face each other across the ford-stone. The party has until this moment to have made their choice. After dusk, the choice makes itself. Remember: Atalanta and Leonidas are iconic — oppose to yield, never execute. The ford remembers every name that has bled on it.
Overview
Use the branch locked at the end of Enc. 2. All three are Deadly for APL10. Remember: Atalanta and Leonidas are iconic — oppose to yield, never execute.
- Maguffin: War branches — gift the matching Twin-Seal face to your champion. Peace — bind both faces at the ford-stone.
- APL10 Deadly target: ≥16,800 XP per branch (see each branch for composition).
Branch A — Side with the Amazons
Party + Atalanta (+ 2× Amazon Archer) vs Spartan dusk assault.
- APL10 Deadly Foes: Leonidas (CR8 · 3,900 XP) + 6× Spartan Hoplite (CR2 · 450 XP × 6 = 2,700) + 2× Spartan Lochagos (CR4 · 1,100 XP × 2 = 2,200) = 8,800 base × multiplier 2.0 ≈ 17,600 XP — Deadly
- Terrain: Ford 120×70 ft; shallow water DT; shield-wall starts on west bank. Atalanta anchors the east bank with her archers in the treeline.
- Win: Leonidas yields — 0 HP nonlethal, or aspis destroyed (AC 19 / 40 HP), or Persuasion DC 16 when he is bloodied and ≥4 hoplites are down.
- Token: Gift crescent-face to Atalanta → +2 attacks/saves 1 minute; she may Pinning Shot without recharge once.
- Non-combat option: DC 17 Persuasion to Leonidas when he is bloodied (3 hoplites down) + evidence from Enc. 2 reduces DC to 14: Leonidas yields formally. This counts as a full win.
- Failure soft: Party downed — Amazons extract; Spartans hold the ford (war continues; sequel hook).
Branch B — Side with the Spartans
Party + Leonidas (+ 3× Spartan Hoplite) vs Amazon dusk assault.
- APL10 Deadly Foes: Atalanta (CR8 · 3,900 XP) + 6× Amazon Archer (CR2 · 2,700 XP) + 3× Amazon Outrider (CR3 · 700 XP × 3 = 2,100) = 8,700 base × multiplier 2.0 ≈ 17,400 XP — Deadly
- Terrain: Same ford; Amazons hold tree line & east bank; sniper nests (½ cover). Outriders mounted, using Trample Rush.
- Win: Atalanta yields — 0 HP nonlethal, or hunt-banner destroyed (AC 14 / 25 HP on east bank), or Athletics contest to pin her (DC 16) while she is bloodied.
- Token: Gift lambda-face to Leonidas → +2 attacks/saves 1 minute; Hold the Ford without expending daily use once.
- Non-combat option: DC 17 Persuasion to Atalanta when bloodied (3 archers down) + Doulos's testimony about the Spartan-messenger-in-Amazon-boots: DC drops to 13. Atalanta calls off the assault.
- Failure soft: Spartans drag PCs behind the wall; Amazons melt into woods (sequel hook).
Branch C — Peaceful Resolution → True Foe
Both leaders stand down against each other. From the buried cache below the ford-stone rises the Strife-Wrought Champion — a patchwork war-construct of stolen Amazon and Spartan gear — directed by the Mask of Discord (if it fled Enc. 2, it rides the construct's shoulder until bloodied, then flees).
- APL10 Deadly Foes: Strife-Wrought Champion (CR9 · 5,000 XP) + Mask of Discord (CR5 · 1,800 XP) + 2× Strife-Construct Drones — awakened from the cache as minions (CR4 · 1,100 XP each = 2,200) = 9,000 base × multiplier 1.75 ≈ 15,750 XP — Deadly with Ally Offset. With Atalanta and Leonidas as full allies, effective party power offsets ~25%; budget net effective difficulty at ≈18,000 XP.
- Allies: Atalanta and Leonidas (use full cards). If too strong for table pace, run as narrative DPS: 2 attacks/round each at +7, 2d8+4.
- Win: Destroy the Champion (0 HP). Capturing Mask is bonus renown.
- Token: Action at ford-stone: bind crescent+lambda → Champion loses legendary actions for fight and takes 30 psychic immediately. Requires both leaders present and watching — if one is absent, only suppresses LAs.
- Persistence: Do not escalate to killing gods; Eris does not appear in person. Mask's capture means it is bound in a discord-proof vessel by Eirene; it screams the entire time.
Creature Cards (all branches)
Atalanta
Medium Humanoid (Amazon / Demigod-touched), Chaotic Good · CR 8 (3,900 XP) · Iconic
AC 17 (studded + agility) | HP 127 (15d8+60) | Speed 40 ft.
Skills: Acrobatics +9, Athletics +7, Perception +6, Stealth +9, Survival +6 | Saves: Dex +9, Wis +6
Iconic — Do Not Kill. If opposed: win by reducing her to 0 HP nonlethal, forcing surrender (Intimidation/Persuasion DC 16 after she is bloodied), or breaking her hunt-banner. Executing her fails the mission tone and angers Artemis.
Huntress's Stride. Ignores nonmagical difficult terrain; opportunity attacks vs. her have disadvantage if she Dashed this turn.
Ally (Amazon Branch / Peace). Fights beside the party; prioritizes enemy champions and archers.
Multiattack. Three attacks: any mix of longbow and shortsword.
Longbow of Calydon. +9 to hit, range 150/600 ft. Hit: 14 (1d8+5) piercing + 7 (2d6) psychic if the target attacked an ally this round.
Shortsword. +9 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 8 (1d6+5) piercing.
Pinning Shot (Recharge 5–6). One longbow attack; on hit, target DC 16 Strength save or restrained (escape DC 16) until end of Atalanta's next turn.
Move (Cost 1). Atalanta moves up to 20 ft. without provoking.
Shot (Cost 1). One longbow attack.
Call Hunt (Cost 2). Two Amazon Archers within 60 ft. may each make one weapon attack.
Leonidas of Sparta
Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral · CR 8 (3,900 XP) · Iconic
AC 20 (bronze plate, shield) | HP 136 (16d8+64) | Speed 30 ft.
Skills: Athletics +9, Insight +6, Intimidation +7, Persuasion +7 | Saves: Str +9, Con +8, Wis +6
Iconic — Do Not Kill. If opposed: win by reducing him to 0 HP nonlethal, shattering his aspis (object AC 19 / HP 40), or forcing a formal yield (Persuasion DC 16 when bloodied + phalanx broken). Execution fails mission tone.
Phalanx King. While within 5 ft. of two allied hoplites with shields, +2 AC; allies in the wall gain +1 to saves vs. fear.
Ally (Spartan Branch / Peace). Holds the line; issues Shield Wall orders.
Multiattack. Three spear attacks, or two spear and one shield bash.
Spear of the Eurotas. +9 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 12 (1d8+5) piercing, or 13 (1d10+5) two-handed.
Shield Bash. +9 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 8 (1d6+5) bludgeoning; DC 17 Strength save or prone.
Hold the Ford (1/rest). Allies within 30 ft. gain 15 temporary HP; until start of his next turn, area is difficult terrain for enemies.
Command (Cost 1). One allied hoplite within 60 ft. moves up to 15 ft. and makes one spear attack.
Shield (Cost 1). Leonidas gains +2 AC until start of his next turn.
Counterthrust (Cost 2). When hit by a melee attack, he makes one spear attack against the attacker.
Amazon Archer
Medium Humanoid (Amazon), Neutral · CR 2 (450 XP)
AC 15 (leather) | HP 39 (6d8+12) | Speed 35 ft.
Skills: Acrobatics +5, Athletics +3, Perception +3, Stealth +5
Skirmish Step. After making a ranged attack, may move 10 ft. without provoking (once/turn).
Multiattack. Two shortbow attacks.
Shortbow. +5 to hit, range 80/320 ft. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing.
Handaxe. +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) slashing.
Amazon Outrider
Medium Humanoid (Amazon), Neutral · CR 3 (700 XP)
AC 14 | HP 52 (8d8+16) | Speed 40 ft.
Skills: Animal Handling +3, Athletics +4, Perception +3
Mounted Preferred. If mounted on a war-deer/horse (AC 12, HP 19), attacks have advantage against Medium unmounted foes once/turn.
Multiattack. Two spear attacks.
Spear. +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing.
Trample Rush (1/turn while mounted). Move 20 ft. through enemy space; DC 13 Dexterity save or 7 (2d6) bludgeoning and prone.
Spartan Hoplite
Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral · CR 2 (450 XP)
AC 18 (breastplate, shield) | HP 45 (7d8+14) | Speed 30 ft.
Skills: Athletics +5, Perception +2
Shield Wall. While within 5 ft. of another Spartan Hoplite with a shield, +1 AC and advantage on saves vs. being moved or frightened.
Multiattack. Two spear attacks.
Spear. +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing.
Shield Bash. +5 to hit. Hit: 5 (1d4+3) bludgeoning; DC 13 Strength save or pushed 5 ft.
Spartan Lochagos
Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral · CR 4 (1,100 XP)
AC 19 (plate, shield) | HP 75 (10d8+30) | Speed 30 ft.
Skills: Athletics +6, Intimidation +4, Insight +3
Drill Master. Allied Spartan Hoplites within 30 ft. deal +2 damage with spears.
Multiattack. Three spear attacks.
Spear. +6 to hit. Hit: 8 (1d8+4) piercing.
Order: Advance (Recharge 5–6). Up to 3 hoplites move 10 ft. toward a point he chooses without provoking.
Mask of Discord (Eris Agent)
Medium Fey (shapechanger), Chaotic Evil · CR 5 (1,800 XP)
AC 15 | HP 84 (13d8+26) | Speed 30 ft.
Skills: Deception +8, Performance +8, Sleight of Hand +8, Stealth +8 | Resistances: psychic
Shapechanger. Can appear as an Amazon courier or Spartan messenger (Investigation DC 16 to pierce).
Frame Work. Carries forged raid-orders and stolen camp tokens used to start the conflict.
Multiattack. Two dagger attacks and Discordant Whisper if available.
Dagger. +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 6 (1d4+4) piercing + 7 (2d6) psychic.
Discordant Whisper (Recharge 4–6). One creature within 60 ft. DC 15 Wisdom save or use its reaction to attack a former ally within reach (if none, dash toward nearest foe).
Strife-Wrought Champion
Large Construct (Ares-forged), Neutral Evil · CR 9 (5,000 XP) · BOSS (Peace Branch)
AC 17 (patchwork bronze) | HP 161 (14d10+84) | Speed 40 ft.
Immunities: poison, psychic (nonmagical charm) | Resistances: bludgeoning/piercing/slashing from nonmagical | Vulnerabilities: radiant
Forged from Theft. Built from stolen Amazon bows and Spartan shields — both camps recognize their dead comrades' gear (Insight DC 12).
Legendary Resistance (2/day). Turn a failed save into a success.
Twin-Seal Weakness. If the Twin-Seal is bound at the ford-stone, loses legendary actions and takes 30 psychic once.
Multiattack. One shield-slam and two glaive attacks.
Glaive. +9 to hit, reach 10 ft. Hit: 16 (2d10+5) slashing.
Shield-Slam. +9 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 14 (2d8+5) bludgeoning; DC 17 Strength save or prone.
War-Cry of Eris (Recharge 5–6). 30-ft. cone; DC 15 Wisdom. Fail: frightened 1 minute (repeat end of turns) and attack rolls vs. allies within 10 ft. have advantage against the target.
Advance (Cost 1). Moves up to 15 ft. without provoking.
Glaive (Cost 1). One glaive attack.
Split the Line (Cost 2). Creatures in a 20-ft. line DC 15 Dexterity save or 10 (3d6) slashing and pushed 10 ft. apart (breaks adjacent pairing).
⚖️ Difficulty Scaling
As Written ★ — 6 Players, Average Level 10
- Baseline. Enc. 1: Hard (~10,800 XP); Enc. 2: skill challenge primary, Mask combat = 1,800 XP if cornered; Enc. 3 all branches: Deadly (~17,400–17,600 XP for war branches; ~15,750 XP effective-Deadly for peace branch with allies).
- XP thresholds (6×L10): Hard ≈ 10,800 · Deadly ≈ 16,800. Branch C's effective difficulty is higher than raw XP suggests due to Strife Aura and Champion's Legendary Resistance.
- Skill DCs: Enc. 1 de-escalate DC 13; Enc. 2 Persuasion/Insight DC 14, proof hunt DCs 13–15; Enc. 3 yield DCs 16–17 (reduced by evidence).
Library Standard — 6 Players, Average Level 8
- Enc. 1: 2 per side; Lochagos only on round 3. Enc. 2: proof hunt 3 successes instead of 4. Enc. 3 A/B: Leonidas/Atalanta + 4 standard soldiers (~10,800 XP). Enc. 3 C: Champion only, no Drones; Mask flees on entering combat. All DCs −1.
Easier (APL 8–9)
- Apply Library Standard. Additionally: Myrto and Doulos immediately identify themselves as scouts (no combat required in Enc. 1 unless party attacks first); Champion has 2 Legendary Resistance (down from 2/day); Mask does not return after Enc. 2.
Harder (APL 11–12)
- Enc. 1: Both Outrider (mounted) and Lochagos on round 2; second Outrider on round 3 if scout leaders downed. Enc. 2: Mask fights to 50% HP before fleeing (rather than immediately); Discordant Whisper recharges on 4–6. Enc. 3 A/B: +1 Lochagos/Outrider; champions gain one additional Legendary Action use. Enc. 3 C: Champion adds Strife Aura; 3× Drones; Mask stays until 0 HP. All DCs +1.
📋 Appendix — Cards
Full stat blocks for every creature, NPC, and item in this session.
Creature Cards
Amazon Archer
Medium Humanoid (Amazon), Neutral · CR 2 (450 XP)
AC 15 (leather) | HP 39 (6d8+12) | Speed 35 ft.
Skills: Acrobatics +5, Athletics +3, Perception +3, Stealth +5
Skirmish Step. After making a ranged attack, may move 10 ft. without provoking (once/turn).
Multiattack. Two shortbow attacks.
Shortbow. +5 to hit, range 80/320 ft. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing.
Handaxe. +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) slashing.
Amazon Outrider
Medium Humanoid (Amazon), Neutral · CR 3 (700 XP)
AC 14 | HP 52 (8d8+16) | Speed 40 ft.
Skills: Animal Handling +3, Athletics +4, Perception +3
Mounted Preferred. If mounted on a war-deer/horse (AC 12, HP 19), attacks have advantage against Medium unmounted foes once/turn.
Multiattack. Two spear attacks.
Spear. +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing.
Trample Rush (1/turn while mounted). Move 20 ft. through enemy space; DC 13 Dexterity save or 7 (2d6) bludgeoning and prone.
Spartan Hoplite
Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral · CR 2 (450 XP)
AC 18 (breastplate, shield) | HP 45 (7d8+14) | Speed 30 ft.
Skills: Athletics +5, Perception +2
Shield Wall. While within 5 ft. of another Spartan Hoplite with a shield, +1 AC and advantage on saves vs. being moved or frightened.
Multiattack. Two spear attacks.
Spear. +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing.
Shield Bash. +5 to hit. Hit: 5 (1d4+3) bludgeoning; DC 13 Strength save or pushed 5 ft.
Spartan Lochagos
Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral · CR 4 (1,100 XP)
AC 19 (plate, shield) | HP 75 (10d8+30) | Speed 30 ft.
Skills: Athletics +6, Intimidation +4, Insight +3
Drill Master. Allied Spartan Hoplites within 30 ft. deal +2 damage with spears.
Multiattack. Three spear attacks.
Spear. +6 to hit. Hit: 8 (1d8+4) piercing.
Order: Advance (Recharge 5–6). Up to 3 hoplites move 10 ft. toward a point he chooses without provoking.
Mask of Discord (Eris Agent)
Medium Fey (shapechanger), Chaotic Evil · CR 5 (1,800 XP)
AC 15 | HP 84 (13d8+26) | Speed 30 ft.
Skills: Deception +8, Performance +8, Sleight of Hand +8, Stealth +8 | Resistances: psychic
Shapechanger. Can appear as an Amazon courier or Spartan messenger (Investigation DC 16 to pierce).
Frame Work. Carries forged raid-orders and stolen camp tokens used to start the conflict.
Multiattack. Two dagger attacks and Discordant Whisper if available.
Dagger. +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 6 (1d4+4) piercing + 7 (2d6) psychic.
Discordant Whisper (Recharge 4–6). One creature within 60 ft. DC 15 Wisdom save or use its reaction to attack a former ally within reach (if none, dash toward nearest foe).
Strife-Wrought Champion
Large Construct (Ares-forged), Neutral Evil · CR 9 (5,000 XP) · BOSS (Peace Branch)
AC 17 (patchwork bronze) | HP 161 (14d10+84) | Speed 40 ft.
Immunities: poison, psychic (nonmagical charm) | Resistances: bludgeoning/piercing/slashing from nonmagical | Vulnerabilities: radiant
Forged from Theft. Built from stolen Amazon bows and Spartan shields — both camps recognize their dead comrades' gear (Insight DC 12).
Legendary Resistance (2/day). Turn a failed save into a success.
Twin-Seal Weakness. If the Twin-Seal is bound at the ford-stone, loses legendary actions and takes 30 psychic once.
Multiattack. One shield-slam and two glaive attacks.
Glaive. +9 to hit, reach 10 ft. Hit: 16 (2d10+5) slashing.
Shield-Slam. +9 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 14 (2d8+5) bludgeoning; DC 17 Strength save or prone.
War-Cry of Eris (Recharge 5–6). 30-ft. cone; DC 15 Wisdom. Fail: frightened 1 minute (repeat end of turns) and attack rolls vs. allies within 10 ft. have advantage against the target.
Advance (Cost 1). Moves up to 15 ft. without provoking.
Glaive (Cost 1). One glaive attack.
Split the Line (Cost 2). Creatures in a 20-ft. line DC 15 Dexterity save or 10 (3d6) slashing and pushed 10 ft. apart (breaks adjacent pairing).
NPC Cards
Atalanta
Medium Humanoid (Amazon / Demigod-touched), Chaotic Good · CR 8 (3,900 XP) · Iconic
AC 17 (studded + agility) | HP 127 (15d8+60) | Speed 40 ft.
Skills: Acrobatics +9, Athletics +7, Perception +6, Stealth +9, Survival +6 | Saves: Dex +9, Wis +6
Iconic — Do Not Kill. If opposed: win by reducing her to 0 HP nonlethal, forcing surrender (Intimidation/Persuasion DC 16 after she is bloodied), or breaking her hunt-banner. Executing her fails the mission tone and angers Artemis.
Huntress's Stride. Ignores nonmagical difficult terrain; opportunity attacks vs. her have disadvantage if she Dashed this turn.
Ally (Amazon Branch / Peace). Fights beside the party; prioritizes enemy champions and archers.
Multiattack. Three attacks: any mix of longbow and shortsword.
Longbow of Calydon. +9 to hit, range 150/600 ft. Hit: 14 (1d8+5) piercing + 7 (2d6) psychic if the target attacked an ally this round.
Shortsword. +9 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 8 (1d6+5) piercing.
Pinning Shot (Recharge 5–6). One longbow attack; on hit, target DC 16 Strength save or restrained (escape DC 16) until end of Atalanta's next turn.
Move (Cost 1). Atalanta moves up to 20 ft. without provoking.
Shot (Cost 1). One longbow attack.
Call Hunt (Cost 2). Two Amazon Archers within 60 ft. may each make one weapon attack.
Leonidas of Sparta
Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral · CR 8 (3,900 XP) · Iconic
AC 20 (bronze plate, shield) | HP 136 (16d8+64) | Speed 30 ft.
Skills: Athletics +9, Insight +6, Intimidation +7, Persuasion +7 | Saves: Str +9, Con +8, Wis +6
Iconic — Do Not Kill. If opposed: win by reducing him to 0 HP nonlethal, shattering his aspis (object AC 19 / HP 40), or forcing a formal yield (Persuasion DC 16 when bloodied + phalanx broken). Execution fails mission tone.
Phalanx King. While within 5 ft. of two allied hoplites with shields, +2 AC; allies in the wall gain +1 to saves vs. fear.
Ally (Spartan Branch / Peace). Holds the line; issues Shield Wall orders.
Multiattack. Three spear attacks, or two spear and one shield bash.
Spear of the Eurotas. +9 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 12 (1d8+5) piercing, or 13 (1d10+5) two-handed.
Shield Bash. +9 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 8 (1d6+5) bludgeoning; DC 17 Strength save or prone.
Hold the Ford (1/rest). Allies within 30 ft. gain 15 temporary HP; until start of his next turn, area is difficult terrain for enemies.
Command (Cost 1). One allied hoplite within 60 ft. moves up to 15 ft. and makes one spear attack.
Shield (Cost 1). Leonidas gains +2 AC until start of his next turn.
Counterthrust (Cost 2). When hit by a melee attack, he makes one spear attack against the attacker.
Myrto (Amazon Scout)
Medium Humanoid (Amazon), Neutral Good · Ally Candidate
AC 14 | HP 27 (5d8+5) | Speed 35 ft.
Skills: Perception +3, Stealth +4, Survival +3
RECRUITMENT. Heal her / spare her in Enc. 1 → she vouches to Atalanta (adv on first Amazon social checks).
Secret. Saw a 'Spartan' messenger with Amazon boots — first hint of the Mask of Discord.
Shortbow. +4 to hit. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing.
Dagger. +4 to hit. Hit: 4 (1d4+2) piercing.
Doulos (Spartan Runner)
Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral · Ally Candidate
AC 15 (shield) | HP 32 (5d8+10) | Speed 35 ft.
Skills: Athletics +4, Perception +3
RECRUITMENT. Return his stolen lambda token / spare him in Enc. 1 → vouches to Leonidas.
Secret. His orders were swapped overnight; he can ID the forged seal wax.
Spear. +4 to hit. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing.
Javelin. +4 to hit, range 30/120 ft. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing.
Sister Eirene (Quest Giver)
Medium Humanoid (Human), Neutral Good · Quest Giver
Public face: gray-cloaked envoy of a ford shrine dedicated to both Artemis and Ares
Motivation. Stop Amazon and Spartan blood from polluting the sacred ford — the gods' names are already being invoked for slaughter.
Secret. She suspects a third hand framed both camps using stolen tokens from each.
If Confronted. "Choose a side if you must — but bring me proof before you bring me corpses."
Item Cards
Twin-Seal of the Ford
Wondrous Item (maguffin), Unique
Appearance: bronze disc, Amazon crescent on one face, Spartan lambda on the other; olive cord through the center
Handout Text (23 words). "When bow and spear both cry injustice, bind crescent to lambda at the ford-stone — or gift the face you trust in battle."
Enc. 1–2. Showing the seal marks the party as envoys: advantage on one social check per camp (once each).
Enc. 3 — Peace. As an action at the ford-stone, bind both faces with the olive cord: Strife-Wrought Champion loses legendary actions for the fight and takes 30 psychic damage (once).
Enc. 3 — War sides. Gift the matching face to Atalanta or Leonidas (action, adjacent): that champion gains +2 to attacks and saves for 1 minute, and may use a special Rally once.
Reward Cards
Post-session keepables. Reward is the first tag. Mechanics below are for ongoing use after this oneshot.
Twin-Seal of the Ford
Reward · Wondrous · Requires Attunement
Mechanics. While attuned, once per long rest as an action you present one face of the seal to a willing ally within 30 feet: for 1 minute that ally gains a +2 bonus to attack rolls and saving throws. Alternatively, once per long rest as an action at a ford, bridge, or border shrine, you bind both faces together: hostile humanoids of two warring factions you name within 60 feet have disadvantage on attack rolls against each other for 1 minute (they can still attack you). Charisma save DC 15 ends the effect early for a creature.
Appearance. A double-faced bronze seal — crescent Amazon face and aspis Spartan face — joined by a river-loop hinge.
Lore. The ford's twin authority, retained after Amazons and Spartans learned a third hand was stoking dusk.
Quote. "One face for the hunt, one for the wall — both for the water that belongs to neither." — Twin-Seal
Earn when: Prove both camps are being played — or choose a side cleanly — before dusk opens war.