Suggestions for a caravan campaign?

[cimbrog]

If you'd like to focus a bit more on the merchanting aspect, and how to make an adventure out of it, I've found that the old Darokin Gazateer (GAZ11) is very useful for the merchanting (and caravaning) campaign I'm running right now. Cutthroat competitors for political-type adventures, quests and unexpected dangers for rare items to sell (like the high quality statues in the marketplace being sold by the medusa) and the thrill of fat profits. (Seriously, my group was more thrilled at the 280% profit they made hauling an eight headed hydra across the Broken Lands than the dragon hoard they found later.)

 

[BigCat]

You guys rock. Thanks for all the help!

 

[masshysteria]

Don't forget the Donner Party!

In all seriousness, here a few more ideas:

Civil war/feuding warlords - Caravan enters a territory where a civil war is happening. Each of the feuding warlord want to exclusively trade with the caravan. Model your warlords after some of the horrendous fighting in Africa for real moral conflicts among the caravan goers.

Mutiny on the wagon train - After a series of setbacks a plot hatches to overthrow the leadership. Will the PCs stop it? Are the PCs the plotters?

Zombie Apocalypse - Forget brigands, the caravan is ambushed by hordes of zombies. PCs must fight them off long enough for the caravan to pass. Think night of the living dead.

Strange Gems - On a scouting expedition strange and wonderful gems are found, these are secretly brought back to the caravan only to have people become sick/fall in love/go crazy/hallucinate/take your pick.

 

[megamania]

In my Darksun campaigns I did a lot of caravan trips.

Things to do to avoid "more bandits"-

Storm comes in hard and fast- take shelter then learn it is haunted. Spirits reenact how many died and PCs must settle / calm the uneasy spirit somehow to leave their shelter (ruins)

Government concerns- are there spy like connections to the other caravan people or even something on board that is illegal?

A wanted caravan worker- son of a powerful noble whom wants to adventure dispite dad's disapproval

bridge is damaged and needs repairs- PCs can aid and defend as cause of damage returns

 

[Warren Okuma]

"Shore leave"
Broken hearts, desertion (mother is sick... etc...)
Brawling
New recruits, (two loyal, one not)
Brawling contests
The party. Week long party. Festival of Olidammara (or other wine god)

 

[Teflon Billy]

You need to get Silk Road by Expeditious Retreat Press. It is a RPG book that shows how to do a caravan type adventure and campaigns with great information on the historical Silk road. It is a very well done book.

Totally agree...awesome book.

Also, if you can find a copy of GURPS 3rd edition, theres a terrific Caravan Adventure in the back of the core book called A Caravan to Ein Arris. Run that if you can.

 

[Herobizkit]

Go watch Resident Evil: Extinction. Apply to fantasy setting. Rinse and repeat.

 

[InkwellIdeas]

I'd also say you need to throw your players off guard a little bit. Not every sound they hear or group of travelers they meet should be an "encounter." Here's a list of some ideas: Normal Encounters List