Encounter-a-Day

Home of elves, bandits and wolves, the forest is a frequently an environment in which initiative will be rolled… So what can we do to make the forest interesting and fun?

Trees: The first, and most obvious, thing one thinks about in a forest is the trees! Consider what kind of trees they are and how that might affect things. A huge oak tree is plenty large to hide most any PC, while a thinner birch tree would do little to obscure vision but would provide a good bit of defense. Low-hanging branches can be used to escape from melee and rain shots down from above. Consider also how the trees might interact with the combat. A fireball may or may not ignite a tree, an errant sword or axe blow might get stuck in the wood, and a dead and rotting tree might even fall over with a bit of coaxing. Overturned trees provide the equivalent of a low wall, and may also serve as treacherous– but convenient– bridges.

Water: Streams, waterfalls, springs, all are readily found in the forest. Deep enough water can be used to set up an ambush, with the ambushers breathing through makeshift snorkels. A stream can prove to be a valuable defensive line, or an annoying offensive obstacle. Standing in the stream hampers your footwork and also places you at a lower elevation than those outside of it. Boots can get stuck in mud, and if the current is strong enough you may even risk being washed away.

Elevation: Forests are rarely flat, and from sheer rock faces to small gullies there are many opportunities to use that to your advantage. Archers can safely shoot at their enemies, and warriors can push others off a small cliff.

Undergrowth: Anyone accustomed to cobblestone roads or even the relatively even terrain of farms and plains will have trouble making the swift and precise movements required in the middle of combat.

Animals: A snake can be a natural trap, leaping out of its hole and biting anyone who steps near it. Hives hanging from trees lend themselves well to interesting and dynamic combat. Scavengers and predators may be drawn to the sounds of the fight.