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Archives of Nethys

Archives of Nethys

Pathfinder RPG (1st Edition) Pathfinder RPG (2nd Edition) Starfinder RPG

Rules Index | GM Screen | Player's Guide
Battlecry! / Skirmish Units / Building Skirmish Encounters / 1. Set Objectives

Seize

Source Battlecry! pg. 164
The PCs must claim a specific place or target. This is similar to an eliminate objective but has the aim of capturing rather than destroying. The most important factor for structuring this type of encounter is figuring out whether the PCs just need to seize the objective (essentially moving from one place to another) or also return it (moving from one place to another and then back again, or to a third location instead). In the first category, they’ll face all their opposition in one series before seizing the objective. In the second, it’s often best to stage part of the opposition far enough away from the objective that there might then be a second stage to the fight after the PCs seize it—otherwise, you can position some of the opposition directly on the objective so that they can try to keep the PCs from leaving with it. Examples of seize objectives are:
  • Enemy archers have an excellent position occupying high ground. There’s a narrow approach to this high ground, and the PCs must defeat the archers to claim the position for themselves, then signal their allies.
  • The army the PCs are aligned with is slowly starving, as their supplies have been cut off. The PCs must seize a wagon of food and escort it back to camp.
  • A team of allied spies with important information has been captured. The PCs must reach the prison where they’re being held, free them from their cells, and help them escape.