Settlement, Fort, Desert - Lonely Fort
A modest stone fort hugs the rocky edge of a large arid basin. 150 Imperial soldiers wait patiently for relief that will never come. Their leader is the graying Captain Elm (3HD, heavy, sword and shield, crossbow). Elm is bored out of her mind, yet loses much sleep over encroaching warlords in the region.
The garrison vacillates between muscle-memory routine and mad lethargy. Among them is a student of martial arts, Deodato. The old fox has trounced his comrades many times and is eager for a new opponent. He will regale the victor with all manner of useful kung fu techniques, giving them an extra 1d6 on opposed physical contest checks, e.g. grappling.
The forces stationed here include:
- 50 spearmen (spear, shield, short sword, chain)
- 30 crossbowmen (crossbow, short sword, chain)
- 15 swordsmen (greatswords, chain)
- 10 steppe rider scouts (steppe saber, shield, shortbow, leather)
- 5 engineers (shortsword)
- 40 noncombatant staff and residents
These figures do not include guests, who number 6d6 at any given time.
The soldiers' pay is in a locked vault under the keep, totaling some 5000gp in vintage Imperial coin. Most of the men have stopped bothering to collect it.
The fort has a stockpile of 2d12 fire lances (1d6 fire in a 15' cone with chance to ignite; save against breath avoids) and 2d6 hand cannons (1d6x1d6 damage; morale check if unfamiliar with sound). The hand cannons have enough powder and shot to fire 10d6 times. Captain Elm is quick to display the weapons but slow to use themβonce spent, they cannot be replaced. If word gets out of their depletion, the nearest stronghold will attempt to take the fort.