Many of these sources of inspiration feature large armies that set out for conquest or glory during campaigning season.
The War of the Roses, The Lord of the Rings, andDragon Ageall feature invasions prominently.
Bring some fresh blood into your D&D campaign.
Faction Agents by Taras Susak
Invasion can make for an excellent late-game challenge.
It ups the stakes and forces your players to make important, time-sensitive decisions.
Invasions make natural bookends for campaigns or seasons.
Scary Modron March by Andrea Piparo
At first glance, invasions seem to promote this bang out of gameplay scenario.
But with someskillful storytelling and foreshadowing,invasions can help set your adventure’s pace.
Invasion sessions don’t need to feature endless battles.
Scary Modron March by Andrea Piparo
These events can form some of the most memorable parts of a campaign.
Considernight raids against the invaders' campto weaken them.
Rooting out spies and double agents inside a besieged fortress could even make a fun side quest.
Dungeons & Dragons Dizzy Bird the Tabaxi Scout by Bia Gordos.
Real sieges and invasions involved starvation, dysentery, and disease.
Battles were often long and desperate.
If it does come to a siege,use waves of enemiesrather than a single massive force.
The Brawl at Yawning Portal Tavern by Scott Murphy
Films use this technique for dramatic reasons.
Borrow this aspect liberally.
In this scenario, the DM canroll to determine events on a larger scalewhile considering the players' actions.
But there are many resources for DMs and players who like to zoom out for larger battles.
Recruit allies by impressing factions.
It’s a great setup for showing the players all the key NPCs, their needs, and motivations.
Recruitment Drive by Diego Gisbert
Consider having the players choose who to recruit byincluding some time restrictions.Their choices will feel more meaningful if limited.
Historically, the campaigning season coincided with the warmest months when crops were plentiful.
Cold, poorly-fed troops should suffer some penalty to their movement and combat.
Have The Party Hold The Line
Heroic last stands atnarrow choke pointsdefine many invasions.
(Look at the film 300 for arguably the most iconic example.)
Perhaps the party musthold a gate for several turns before reinforcements arrive.
Entering Saltmarsh by Zoltan Boros
Implement Siege Weapons
The Dungeon Masters Guide includes a list of siege weapons on page 255.
Siege weapons are heavy and difficult to transport, too.
Generals don’t deploy these valuable tools until they’ve cleared their lines.
Concept Art from Keys from the Golden Vault by Evyn Fong
Sabotaging siege weapons is the kind of adventure D&D’s scale is perfect for.
Use a variety of techniques and tricks to keep your players guessing.
There’s not a lot of tension if they know exactly when and where the sword will fall.
Gear up for the ultimate D&D adventure.
