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Running a D&D Adventure with War as a Backdrop

Sometimes it is amusing watching some old movies. But as you probably know me by now, if you are a fan of the channel that is, I am always looking to gain D&D inspiration from real life and the

What is looks when the Artificer bard takes the stage.

things I see. Watching a movie last night was no different. War is a powerful force in storytelling, shaping the world, characters, and conflicts in profound ways. A Dungeons & Dragons campaign set during wartime offers endless possibilities, whether the party fights on the front lines, acts as spies behind enemy lines, or simply tries to survive the chaos. This guide will explore how to incorporate war into your adventure, including ways for players to engage—or avoid—the battlefield while still feeling the weight of the conflict.

Choosing the War’s Role in Your Story

First, decide how central the war will be to the campaign. Will it be a looming backdrop, influencing events but rarely seen firsthand? Or will it be an inescapable force, with the party caught in its wake? Here are a few approaches:

1. Active Participation: Fighting for a Cause

• The party serves as elite soldiers, mercenaries, or champions for a nation or faction.
• Missions could involve raiding enemy encampments, protecting key locations, or hunting down enemy generals.
• Political intrigue can play a role, with the party navigating shifting alliances, betrayals, and war councils.

2. Avoiding the War: A World in Turmoil

• The war is ever-present, but the party is focused on a different mission—perhaps treasure hunting, diplomacy, or uncovering an ancient secret.
• Travel becomes difficult, with battlefields, occupied towns, and desperate refugees changing the game world.
• The party might be forced to pick a side or maintain neutrality in a world where no one trusts an outsider.

3. Behind Enemy Lines: A War of Shadows

• The party is stranded in hostile territory with no reinforcements, supplies, or safe havens.
• They may be spies, saboteurs, or prisoners of war trying to escape.
• Moral dilemmas abound: Do they assassinate an enemy leader or try to turn them to their cause? Do they ally with the oppressed locals or avoid unnecessary risks?

Game Elements to Enhance a War Campaign

1. War-Torn Environments

A world at war isn’t just about battles; the land itself should reflect the conflict:

• Burned villages, razed farmlands, and looted towns create a sense of desperation.
• Refugees and displaced families offer roleplay opportunities and side quests.
• Fortified cities and military encampments create obstacles and opportunities for espionage or diplomacy.

2. Warfare Mechanics & Mass Battles

If the party is involved in large-scale warfare, consider using:

• DMG’s Mass Combat Rules for quick resolutions.
• Homebrewed battle events, where the party leads squads or completes key objectives (e.g., disabling enemy siege weapons, assassinating officers).
• Random battlefield encounters, such as a stray war beast rampaging through the fight or sudden reinforcements changing the tide.

3. Resource Scarcity

If the party is cut off from support behind enemy lines, emphasize survival elements:

• Limited rations, forcing them to hunt or steal.
• No access to shops or spell components, making scavenging vital.
• Hostile terrain, where every step risks exposure or ambush.

4. Morality and Choices

War isn’t just swords and spells—it’s a test of ethics and survival. Some dilemmas include:

• Taking prisoners vs. executing foes—Will mercy be rewarded, or will enemies return stronger?
• War crimes and collateral damage—Does the party follow orders if they conflict with their morals?
• Changing sides—Perhaps the faction they serve isn’t as righteous as they believed.

Example Adventure Hooks

The Unkillable NPC is a heavily armored hand to hand warrior with serious staying power. [Art by Wayne Reynolds]

1. “The Lost Battalion” – The party is part of an army unit surrounded behind enemy lines. They must navigate hostile territory, gather intelligence, and escape before being wiped out.

2. “A Blade in the Dark” – Disguised as commoners, the party infiltrates an enemy capital to assassinate a warlord. If caught, they will be executed as spies.

3. “The Smuggler’s Gambit” – War has made medicine and food scarce. The party must run a dangerous supply line through enemy territory, dodging patrols, bribing officials, and fending off bandits.

4. “The Peacekeepers” – The war has torn a town apart, with locals split between two factions. The party must negotiate peace—or pick a side and fight for it.

Conclusion

A war setting in D&D creates tension, drama, and unforgettable challenges. Whether players are warriors, spies, or survivors, they’ll be forced to make tough decisions and adapt to a world in chaos. By weaving war into your campaign with rich environments, difficult choices, and unique challenges, you can craft an experience that feels as thrilling as any battlefield legend.

Would you run a war-themed D&D campaign? Share your ideas in the comments below! Thanks for reading. Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy!!