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Archives of Nethys

Archives of Nethys

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

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Battlecry! / Skirmish Units / Building Skirmish Encounters / 2. Pick the Battlefield

Terrain and Hazards

Source Battlecry! pg. 165
Difficult terrain, hazardous terrain, and mechanical or magical hazards can add more considerations to the battle. This isn’t always a good thing! Skirmish encounters are already complex, with players and the GM already needing to run troops in addition to their normal characters. If you incorporate these features, look for ones that either add to creativity or that grant certain combat participants advantages. For instance, if one of the PCs has a flying troop, you might place some terrain that makes them the best troop to go take out a ranged enemy troop. Alternatively, you might put a fortification of spikes or flaming coals down along the most direct path to the enemy but provide a slightly longer side path, so the PCs need to decide whether to rush through and take damage or get fewer attacks in by taking the long way. Either way, use special terrain and hazards sparingly!