The Ford of Twin Spears
One-Shot · 6 Players · Level 8 · ~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 |
| Players 6 × Level 8 |
| 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.
Handouts
Key NPCs
Sister Eirene — Quest Giver
Meets the party in Misthaven (or aboard a mist-bound trireme). Hands the Twin-Seal. Begs them to stop a war that would curse the ford for a generation.
Atalanta — Amazon Champion
Huntress-general of the Amazon camp. Proud, fair if respected, lethal if betrayed. Iconic — do not kill; subdue or ally.
Leonidas — Spartan King-Commander
Commands the hoplite column. Values lawful challenge and kept oaths. Iconic — do not kill; force yield or ally.
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.
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: Sister Eirene hires the party; Twin-Seal handoff; mist into Greek borderlands.
- Enc. 1 — Fordfall Ambush: collide with Amazon and Spartan scouts; avoid or fight; recruit Myrto and/or Doulos.
- Meet camps; first audiences with Atalanta and Leonidas.
- Enc. 2 — Parley: investigate forged insults; confront/expose Mask of Discord; lock Branch A/B/C.
- Enc. 3 — Three Paths: Amazon war / Spartan war / united peace fight.
Encounter 1 — Fordfall Ambush
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
- 3× Amazon Archer + Myrto
- 3× Spartan Hoplite + Doulos
- If violence escalates: +1 Amazon Outrider or +1 Spartan Lochagos on round 3
🗺 Terrain & Features
Wooded slope → ford road — 100×60 ft; stream (difficult terrain), fallen cedar (½ cover), two game trails.
Harder: Both outrider and lochagos arrive round 2 if any PC deals lethal damage.
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
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
🗺 Terrain & Features
Ford-stone plaza — 80×80 ft shallow water, twin altars (crescent & lambda), rope bridges, spectator banks.
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)
Overview
Use the branch locked at the end of Enc. 2. All three are Hard. 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.
Branch A — Side with the Amazons
Party + Atalanta (+ optional 2× Amazon Archer) vs Spartan dusk assault.
- Foes: Leonidas + 4× Spartan Hoplite + 1× Spartan Lochagos
- Terrain: Ford 120×70 ft; shallow water DT; shield-wall starts on west bank.
- Win: Leonidas yields — 0 HP nonlethal, or aspis destroyed (AC 19 / 40 HP), or Persuasion DC 16 when he is bloodied and ≥3 hoplites are down.
- Token: Gift crescent-face to Atalanta → +2 attacks/saves 1 minute; she may Pinning Shot without recharge once.
- Failure soft: Party downed — Amazons extract; Spartans hold the ford (war continues; sequel).
Branch B — Side with the Spartans
Party + Leonidas (+ optional 3× Spartan Hoplite) vs Amazon dusk assault.
- Foes: Atalanta + 4× Amazon Archer + 2× Amazon Outrider
- Terrain: Same ford; Amazons hold tree line & east bank; sniper nests (½ cover).
- 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.
- Failure soft: Spartans drag PCs behind the wall; Amazons melt into woods with captives (sequel).
Branch C — Peaceful Resolution → True Foe
Both leaders stand down against each other. From the buried cache 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).
- Foes: Strife-Wrought Champion (boss) + Mask of Discord (skirmisher; flees at 25% HP if not trapped)
- Allies: Atalanta and Leonidas (use full cards; if too strong for table pace, run them 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 LA for the fight + 30 psychic once.
- Persistence: Do not escalate to killing gods; Eris does not appear in person.
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 8
- Baseline for this guide. Numbers, DCs, and win tracks assume six PCs at average level 8.
Library Standard — 6 Players, Average Level 8
- Identical to As Written — this guide’s baseline is already 6 PCs at average level 8.
Easier
- APL 4–6: reduce minion counts ~30%; DCs −2; boss loses one recharge or legendary option.
Harder
- APL 10–12: boss HP +25–35%; +1 legendary action; add a lieutenant or extra wave.
📋 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.