The Battle • Odyssey of the Dragonlords

The heroes have an army consisting of thousands of loyal soldiers and captains. The heroes are likely mounted on young dragons, and they are equipped with many powerful magic items. They are capable of unleashing terrifying destructive might with high level spells. Despite their vast numbers, the enemy army does not stand much of a chance.

The enemy army is aware of the power that the heroes wield and have decided to offer battle at the Sour Vintage. They have fortified the buildings and are awaiting reinforcements.

The Might of the Dragonlords#

The purpose of this battle is twofold. First, it is meant to make the heroes feel powerful. Despite the large number of soldiers arrayed against them, the heroes should be able to deal with them quite easily. Second, the battle shows that the heroes are the masters of Thylea. They are the continent’s most powerful heroes and protectors. It is their responsibility to keep the peace.

The Battle Commences#

This section presents three tactical options for your players to choose from. However, experienced parties may devise their own strategies or attempt something entirely unexpected, and that’s perfectly fine.

Read aloud the text that corresponds with the appropriate enemy.

Against the Myrmekes#

You stand at the head of your army, staring across the smoking vineyards toward the Sour Vintage. The myrmekes have transformed the inn and its outbuildings into a fortress. Hundreds of winged soldiers crawl over the walls and rooftops, fortifying them with resin. Columns of smoke rise where the vineyards burn, blackening the sky. By dawn, their reinforcements will arrive, and their numbers will be in the tens of thousands. You cannot wait. You must strike now, or all Thylea will be devoured.

Against the Lizardfolk#

You stand at the head of your army, watching the flames spread through the vineyards that once surrounded the Sour Vintage. The lizardfolk have fortified the inn and its nearby buildings. War drums pound within its walls, and reptilian shapes prowl the courtyards. Copper and brass dragons wheel overhead, their riders preparing for battle while King Jankor himself bellows from the balcony of the main inn, daring you to come. By sunrise, his reinforcements will double his strength, and the Heartlands will burn with him. You must attack before the night is lost.

Against the Order of Sydon#

You stand at the head of your army, gazing toward the Sour Vintage, now a fortress. The Order of Sydon has seized the inn and its surrounding buildings; erecting siege works amid the vines. Cyclopes and gygans guard the walls, while minotaurs drag heavy ballistae into place. By tomorrow their ranks will swell with new zealots, and their strength will double. The choice is clear; you must strike tonight.

Objectives#

The heroes have three objectives that are the most obvious.

Sour Vintage Inn. The largest and most defensible structure, with thick stone walls. This is where the enemy army’s leader is located. If the heroes take the Sour Vintage, the battle will be over. It is also the most difficult objective.
Stables. The enemy’s elite shock troops are preparing for a decisive charge from here. Disrupting the enemy’s best fighters will allow the heroes’ own shock troops to strike without opposition. This makes taking the Sour Vintage easier. However, the shock troops are dangerous.
Innkeeper’s Home. A smaller but solidly built structure standing opposite the main inn. Seizing this building gives a staging point and flanking position against the main Inn. It is also the easiest objective.

Innkeeper’s Home First Floor Locations#

Once a modest residence for travelers, the innkeeper’s home was seized by occupying forces and converted into a temporary garrison.

IK1: Entry Hall#

This open-air hall serves as a watch post. A vigilant guard detail is stationed here, alert for any sign of intrusion.

Lizardfolk: Six lizardfolk Gladiators
Myrmekes: Six Myrmekes Centurions (appendix B)
Sydon: Four Gygan Heroes (appendix B)

IK2: Kitchen#

Several staff members from the Sour Vintage (Commoners) toil here under duress, preparing meals for the soldiers quartered in the house.

IK3: Study and Master Bedroom#

The garrison commander occupies this room with a small escort. He remains here unless a disturbance occurs elsewhere in the house, in which case he and his guards move swiftly to confront the threat.

Lizardfolk: Four lizardfolk Gladiators, one Salamander
Myrmekes: Four Myrmekes Centurions, one Myrmekes Tribune (both in appendix B)
Sydon: One Minotaur Berserker, two Minotaur Warriors (both in appendix B)

IK4: Family Bedroom#

Once a private chamber, this room now holds food stores, ammunition, and spare weapons for the garrison’s use.

Innkeeper’s Home Second Floor Locations#

IK5: Single Guestrooms#

These rooms overlook the surrounding area and serve as vantage points to monitor the battlefield. The stationed soldiers maintain watch unless they were drawn away by a disturbance within the house.

Lizardfolk: Two lizardfolk Gladiators
Myrmekes: Two Myrmekes Centurions (appendix B)
Sydon: One Gygan Hero (appendix B)

IK6: Traveling Party Guestroom#

This room serves as a makeshift infirmary. Weary or wounded soldiers rest here. Half of the forces in the room have the Bloodied condition.

Lizardfolk: Four lizardfolk Gladiators
Myrmekes: Four Myrmekes Centurions (appendix B)
Sydon: Four Soldier Captains (appendix B)

Stables Locations#

ST1: Outer Grounds#

Shock troops gather here, ready to charge into battle at a moment’s notice.

Lizardfolk: Two Young Copper Dragons, one Adult Brass Dragon, three lizardfolk Gladiators
Myrmekes: Three Myrmekes Tribunes, three Myrmekes Centurions (both in appendix B)
Sydon: Six Centaur Heroes, one Centaur Lord (both in appendix B)

ST2: Forge#

Several Sour Vintage staff (Commoners) labor under guard, repairing armor and crafting ammunition for the soldiers.

ST3: Equipment Storage#

Crates of food, arrows, and other supplies are stacked neatly against the walls.

ST4: Animal Pens#

War mounts snort and stamp as additional shock troops ready themselves. If battle breaks out in the Outer Grounds, they ride forth within 1 round to join the fray.

Lizardfolk: Four lizardfolk Gladiators
Myrmekes: Four Myrmekes Centurions (appendix B)
Sydon: Four Centaur Heroes (appendix B)

Sour Vintage Locations#

Once a thriving inn and winery, the Sour Vintage has been repurposed as the army’s headquarters.

SV1: Courtyard#

The courtyard has a large guard detail that is vigilant for intruders.

Lizardfolk: Twelve lizardfolk Gladiators
Myrmekes: Twelve Myrmekes Centurions (appendix B)
Sydon: Six Gygan Heroes (appendix B)

SV2: Wine Storage#

Barrels of aged wine have been stacked aside to make room for supplies and munitions.

SV3: Main Hall#

The main hall is teeming with soldiers awaiting deployment. If the Innkeeper’s Home has fallen, this room stands empty; its troops sent to confront the intruders.

Lizardfolk: Twelve lizardfolk Gladiators
Myrmekes: Twelve Myrmekes Centurions (appendix B)
Sydon: Six Gygan Heroes (appendix B)

SV4: Kitchens#

The inn’s remaining staff (Commoners) cook under duress, churning out rations for the occupying forces.

SV5: Baths#

These chambers have been turned into a crude infirmary. Soldiers soak their wounds in the murky water while others tend to the injured. Half of the soldiers have the Bloodied condition. If a commotion is heard, they will take 1d4 rounds to join the fight.

Lizardfolk: Four lizardfolk Gladiators
Myrmekes: Four Myrmekes Centurions (appendix B)
Sydon: Two Soldier Captains (appendix B)

SV6: Library#

The army commander has claimed this room as their war council. Maps, troop lists, and empty goblets cover the tables as they plan their defense.

Lizardfolk: Jankor (NE lizardfolk Gladiator), five Salamanders
Myrmekes: Myrmekes Imperator, five Myrmekes Tribunes (both in appendix B)
Sydon: Gaius (appendix A), five Soldier Captains (appendix B)

Celebration of the Last Battle#

With the defeat of the enemy, there is much rejoicing. Peace has finally come to Thylea. The commanders in the heroes’ army suggest that a celebration should be held. Wine is brought in for the soldiers. Songs and elaborate plays are performed that describe the exploits of the now legendary heroes. Once the celebrations begin to wind down, the heroes receive an urgent message that they must return to Mytros as soon as possible.