Viking-esque raiders / kidnappers

[Haskul]

So I'm working on an adventure/campaign set in Land of the Linorm Kings, for my first adventure arc I wanted to have some raiders from another village raid the PC's hamlet and kidnap some of the people. I'm drawing a blank on how to make the raiders able to pick up folk and get away from the PC's. I'm sorta think some 1st or 2nd level warriors, maybe 6 or so that do subdual damage? or grapple? Not sure what I should do, do they use a wagon or horses? What do you guys think? I need like 2-3 people to get kidnapped, I want the PC's to have to negotiate for the return of thier people, or plan their own raid or maybe even go to another village and recruit help. Thanks!

[Jubal Breakbottle]

I think you're planning too much. A longship carries 50-150 raiders. Make it smaller if you want.

You only need to plan on the few raiders that actually interact with the players here. Maybe APL+2 because you're probably not going to throw anything else at them that day.

Maybe three of these guys. Or more and have them withdraw when they break half hit points.

Everything else that happens is flavorful description.

cheers

[gutnedawg]

You should probably have the PC's run through town and fight anyone that comes in their way. Since raids are pretty unorganized when pillaging just make them encounter a few small groups as they progress through town possibly on a mission to protect some important person or place and then when they get there have the raiders leave or one final attack.

[Benoc]

If the village is by the sea or other body of water, send two groups of raiders. One group, those the pcs will fight, set fire to one side of the village. The other group, the kidnappers, grab people from the other side of town while everyone is distracted by the fighting and fire.

They can then take their canoe or whatever type of boat out to sea where the longship is waiting. If the players are quick enough and think about, they can grab the other boat the first group used and pursue them. Just in time to see the longship sailing off of course.

[gutnedawg]

Remember the vikings aren't looking to take over the town, unless this is what you want. So their goal isn't going to be to eliminate all opposing forces. They just want to loot, pillage and take as many things and women with them as possible. They're also looking to do this with limited losses so if they notice a group cutting down their ranks they'll probably retreat back to their ships