Hail Siege Wall!
TLDR. Players are in a besieged city. How to have encounters that are manageable but feel like an epic siege?
Background. The PCs were sent on a special mission to investigate a missing priest. They’ve discovered a cult highly influential in the World, secretly pulling strings to sow war and chaos on all peoples. Also they have MAGIC (which was assumed to not exists). The PCs almost died trying to penetrate the cult’s secret temple, avoiding death by the skin of their teeth (epic chest rolled a Necronomicon and teleport-to-a-place-you’ve-been item on their last round!) but are now in Jerusalem!.. As it’s being sieged!
Disclaimer: the only historical basis is that all the players like Kingdom of Heaven. This was originally a starting point from which to investigate a cult temple, where upon time traveling shenanigans would take place. But looks like we’re staying in the 12th century a while! No historical accuracy expected.
Components I want:
Battle on the walls, ladders coming up, ladders “spawn” more attackers
Large numbers of both attackers and defenders amongst the PCs
A moment with siege towers, the attackers have took part of the wall, their flags fly above it
Dilema moment… (chance to “sneak” out the city or stay a fight for the people?)
Extra bits:
Trebuchet fireball timer!
Crowd of fleeing civilians filling the street, how to get past them to the walls?
Looters!
Some quiet moments (could be used next session) exploring other aspects of the siege beyond FIGHT
Have that city feel. Or as much as possible without slowing down the game.
So yeah, please Siege Wall, lend me your wisdom!