BATTLESYSTEM:
Swords of the Iron Legion

cover shot
Out of Print
Brief Description This book presents a series of scenarios, which are mostly independent of each other, except for a concluding battle which ties them all together. The adventures feature traditional FRP action leading up to a climatic battle. Orders of battle are provided, but players must design their own maps in some cases. Also provided are three 1-page "firefights," micro-battles involving small forces totally independent of the campaign.
THE SCENARIOS
The Storm of Greshlyrr The adventurers stumble upon an opportunity to clean out a den of kobolds. Unfortunately, they later learn that they have disturbed the truce, and must aid in the defense of the Gnomes of Gildenglade as a kobold army seeks vengeance.
Those Who Forget The Past Recruited by a servant of Tempus, the adventurers help raise an army to confront raiding Undead and Gnolls. The battle has an interesting twist, as victory is most easily won if the player characters fight their way into the fortress while their army holds out as best it can. Blend of army-level and adventurer-level action.
The Hand of Tyr The heroes attend a village festival, which features a dramatic reenactment of an ancient battle. An evil lord sees the reenactment as his chance to steal the village's sacred relic, and recruits goblins and ogres to attack at the height of the battle reenactment.
Rumors of War The adventurers are recruited to aid in the defense of Timindar, a town threatened with destruction by an outcast who has allied with powerful forces. Pre-battle intrigues give the party plenty of opportunity to influence the battle to come. The battle involves a hill riddled with tunnels, lots of catapults, surprise allies and reinforcements, and a seal which might prove to be magical.
Battle of the Five Crowns Following rumors of war, the party stumbles upon an encampment of the forces of good. They are recruited to assault a Storm Giant's castle, while good and evil armies fight it out on land and in the air. Scenario introduces the Dark Watch and Windriders (figures available from Ral Partha in 15mm). Battle involves aerial cavalry, centaurs, ground infantry, and dragons.
The Khan's Mighty Army This battle is fought to stop an oriental barbarian horde from advancing. A defector gives the adventurers key advice. "Ordinary" infantry and cavalry are involved on both sides, but with lots of special rules providing individuality to the units. Spellcasters play a role for both good and evil.
The Gratitude of Princes The adventurers are recruited to steal the plans of the evil host, then receive temporary appointments to command Golconda's military against invasion. Men, Elves, Dwarves, and Halflings fight against Hill Giants, Fire Giants, Ogres, Ghasts, Trolls, Goblins and Orcs. The heroes have a chance to recruit some powerful allies before the battle.
The Final Battle: Infinity Train The secret is revealed: a common enemy has provoked all the previous battles. The adventurers are asked to lead an army to Hades, to destroy the arcane device which an arcanodaemon has built and fuels with the souls of slain warriors. The army of good ("The Iron Legion") is composed of those few who would volunteer. The battlefield is a strange other-dimensional landscape where not everything is as it appears.
THE FIREFIGHTS
The First (and Last) Charge of the Dwarven Air Cavalry Wyvern-mounted goblins attack dragonne-mounted dwarves in a night battle for control of a gold mine. (Good luck finding figures to fight this one with!)
Troll Bridge The militia must drive away gnoll and scrag raiders from a key bridge.
Defense of Halfling Vale Orcs attack a halfling hamlet. The enemy have some magical assistance, as well as being led by a Giant Orc and two Hill Giants. The halflings are assisted by a variety of NPC leaders.
Period Forgotten Realms - Hades Wars
Contents 64-page rulebook, separate cover with map and monster table
Designers Bill Connors, Christopher Mortika, Rick Reid, Scott Bennie, John Terra, Jay Batista, Roy Schelper, Rick Swan
Publisher Published in 1988 by TSR


Last Updates
1 July 1997page first published
Comments or corrections?