Absalom Vs Cheliax

[Tom Mannering]

I'm currently running a campaign thats got the party heavily invested in the protection of Absalom and using the city as a base of operation for adventures around the city and surrounding area. As the campaign goes on they've come into contact with more and more Chelish operatives in the city that is eventually going to explode into a diplomatic incident and provoke Cheliax into direct conflict with Absalom.

I've no delusions here, Absalom is pretty much untakable, but I imagine that given the right reason and provacation, the Cheliax are one of the few country that could have a good go at it. They literally have the armies of Hell at their back!

I'm looking to use the Ultimate Campaign mass combat rules in the final stages for having the Chelish attempt a siege of Absalom, but I imagine they would also ply some questionable tactics within the city limits too.

I'm looking for advice on how you guys think both sides would act in open conflict between them, what tactics or interesting events would the party have to contend with and what impact do you think such an event could have on Absalom, Cheliax and the Inner Sea overall?

[TheWarriorPoet519]

Is this that Agents of the Varlokkur campaign you referenced elsewhere? If so, dotting.

Now to the question: Absalom doesn't actually NEED to get offensive against Cheliax, and it would be in their distinct interest NOT to. They've weathered every siege by staying where they are and calling on the incrediblly diverse arsenal at their disposal.

In addition to this, while Absalom may not be able to count on the other powers of the Inner Sea coming directly to their aid, they can be certain that NOBODY else wants Cheliax to control them. If Cheliax makes a move like this, Andoran will jump them while their focus is elsewhere, no question. At the very least they'll ramp up their anti-slavery activities and try to grab chunks of Chelish territory at the same time.

In essence, you could be starting The Inner Sea's first big international world-war scenario.

[Tom Mannering]

TheWarriorPoet519 wrote:

Is this that Agents of the Varlokkur campaign you referenced elsewhere? If so, dotting.

It is indeed. I've become quite attached to the Varlokkur as an agency in Absalom.

TheWarriorPoet519 wrote:

Now to the question: Absalom doesn't actually NEED to get offensive against Cheliax, and it would be in their distinct interest NOT to. They've weathered every siege by staying where they are and calling on the incrediblly diverse arsenal at their disposal.

In addition to this, while Absalom may not be able to count on the other powers of the Inner Sea coming directly to their aid, they can be certain that NOBODY else wants Cheliax to control them. If Cheliax makes a move like this, Andoran will jump them while their focus is elsewhere, no question. At the very least they'll ramp up their anti-slavery activities and try to grab chunks of Chelish territory at the same time.

In essence, you could be starting The Inner Sea's first big international world-war scenario.

I figured other nations may take steps, and it's certainly something I'll be taking into consideration. I have no doubt Absalom will play defensively, but I figure the magical elements at Cheliax disposal (namely, devils) will hook the Varlokkur in nicely. Plus I get the feeling Cheliax would start a war far more subtley than just all out attack, probably weaken the city from within.

You're quite right about the other nations stepping in, but (as in real life) if they aren't expecting it, they would take time to mobilise their forces and figure out to reaction. That said, a world war would be damn cool.

[TritonOne]

You haven't sufficiently explained WHY Cheliax would lay siege to Absalom. Was the "diplomatic incident" a blow to Chelish pride? Does the siege of Absalom also serve the greater agenda of Asmodeus and Hell? Is it to the advantage of Asmodeus, General Gorthoklek, and/or others that Absalom is under Chelish control?

[Renegadeshepherd]

I dont know a whole lot about Absaloms defense but i do know they have strong fortifications and have won through defensive stands. If u assume that the Cheliax commander is a good commander, I have to believe that the army of Cheliax wouldn't take the city. He would first cut off supply, reinforcement, and other useful things from ABsalom. Burn anything that isn't useful to em and siege for a bit but not actually attacking.

Inside the city, agents of Cheliax would search for means by which a waiting army could attack with a reasonable expectation of success. The agents would have to do their work on fixed schedules so the army and the sabotage would work best. I believe that this would be my main focus. The timing of the attacks and sabotage allows the PCs the chance to discover and undo the evil plot without having to bring them into mass battles too frequently.

Since u have said u would like to use mass army battles I would humbly suggest that a few times the sabotage(s) in part or in whole succeed so that the attack comes. It would not be unreasonable for even a good general of Cheliax to skirmish from time to time.

If I may suggest consult the Art of War by Sun Tzu. At least the parts that reference attacking fixed fortifications and cities. It will offer insight about some things on both sides would or would not do. Might even give u an idea u want to bring into ur campaign. If I can find it I will post the chapter number to keep ur search short.