This post is part of a series following my adventures as a Game Master in a campaign Iโve home-brewed. My hope is that it provides both entertainment to readers and inspiration for those that have yet to make the leap to being a GM.
After setting out a year ago from Elderglen to establish the outpost town of Project Hope, our heroes find themselves at The Fallen Star pub celebrating the completion of building the wall surrounding the town. Offering a sense of security, the citizens and volunteers of the town breathed a collective sigh of relief feeling a modicum of safety. Isabella “Bella” Steele, the leader of Project Hope, tasked by the council of Elderglen to lead a rag-tag band of volunteers to establish this town, toasts the town.
“Thank you all for your hard work and dedication. This project would not have been successful without your sacrifice and determination. I would especially like to take some time to thank certain individuals for their contributions. Carter Malone, Genesis, Tony Rockside, and Brynn Phoenix. Please, if you would, stand so we can all recognize your extraordinary efforts and aid in establishing this town we now call home.”
Carter stands, a bit awkwardly, not realize he would be thrown into the spotlight. Not one to bask so brazenly, briefly introduces himself before taking a seat. Tony, being quite a socialite, stands proudly waves to everyone in a grand gesture of thanks, before seating himself. Genesis, a quiet and odd one, barely stands before taking her seat, returning to the anonymity she so desires. Brynn stands with the utmost grace and status, turns to the crowd, and bows slightly. She thanks those who are amongst her for their efforts passing praise to everyone around her before taking her seat once more. Bella raises her glass for a collective toast. But, before she is able to speak, a loud crash erupts outside The Fallen Star.
Sounds of twisting metal, screaming, and gunshots ring out. Bella looks to each of the people she was in the middle of toasting before bolting out the front door of the tavern, leaving Brynn, Carter, Tony, and Genesis with their drinks among the crowd.
Carter and Tony run to the window with Brynn shortly behind them. Upon peeking out the window, the source of the horrendous sound is discovered. A truck has crashed through the newly constructed gate and 4 individuals have spilled out of is shooting indiscriminately into the crowds milling about around the town. Bodies are seen on the ground and Bella is readying herself. Carter turns around to inform the others. Tony has disappeared and Brynn has a deep look of concern on her face. Both head for the door.
Upon emerging from the tavern, a better view is available to the heroes. The intruders seem to be less organized than originally though and are seemingly less skilled in combat. Bella has already begun engaging the hostiles as Carter and Brynn ready themselves. Tony has snuck behind some cover waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. When Belle charges the intruders, Brynn and Carter react. Carter, opening fire, runs for some cover not wanting to underestimate the threat she is facing. Brynn, a skilled swordswoman, aids Bella in engaging the intruders.
The battle is tense and lasts less than a minute. Bella brings down the first foe, and Carter the second. Brynn reasons with the third convincing them to join their side in the chaos. Having noticed this, the 4, already heading for a hasty retreat with the truck, strikes down the traitor before peeling out of the compound. The heroes have successfully defended the town from would be intruders protecting all they have built thus far.
After the tense surprise attack, Brynn recovered a note on one of the bodies. The note, tattered and worn, read:
ound a new town to the Southwest
oks like their defenses are wea
grab what you can, fuel is run low
the whole town if yo
– Hammer
Our heroes decipher the note and look around at the carnage before them. Realizing the new threat to the town, and just what they stand to lose, they must decide what to do next. The fate of the town hangs in the balance. What will our heroes do?