Greetings!

In my campaigns, I have developed a series of tables and sub-tables in which to determine a basic set of characteristics for a bandit group in the campaign. Each such group of bandits, brigands, and outlaws have a basic force composition; a kind of lair or base of operations; a "Bandit Culture"; particular leadership style; preferred operations focus; and favoured tactics. Various groups of bandits have their own unique style and approach to living out their lives as bandits. I also use the tables to determine the same kinds of details for groups of pirates--whether such groups of pirates are sea-going and coastal-based pirates, or river-based marauders.

I have often explored how some bands of brigands may take on a whole flavour of their own, and become established as a recurring kind of opponent and adversary for the Player Characters. After all, such bandit groups are not always a one-time encounter, easily dispatched by a single encounter with the Player Characters. Definitely having more detailed bandit groups that manage to maintain a certain "campaign presence" for multiple encounters and enduring for some time has been a rewarding and entertaining campaign development.

How have you detailed bandit groups in your campaigns? Have any o such bandit groups endured for some time in the campaign? Have the Player Characters developed any particular kinds of relationships with members of the bandit group? In my own campaigns, I have had several kinds of developments occur, from hated enemies, to romantic partners, converted henchmen, and other kinds of alliances and friendships. However, naturally, most such bandits end up getting hacked down or burned in deluges of fire. *Laughing* Some also are taken off to be judged in a local citadel, where they are publicly hung and dance the jig.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Quote from: SHARK on October 17, 2021, 06:55:34 PM
Greetings!

In my campaigns, I have developed a series of tables and sub-tables in which to determine a basic set of characteristics for a bandit group in the campaign. Each such group of bandits, brigands, and outlaws have a basic force composition; a kind of lair or base of operations; a "Bandit Culture"; particular leadership style; preferred operations focus; and favoured tactics. Various groups of bandits have their own unique style and approach to living out their lives as bandits. I also use the tables to determine the same kinds of details for groups of pirates--whether such groups of pirates are sea-going and coastal-based pirates, or river-based marauders.

I have often explored how some bands of brigands may take on a whole flavour of their own, and become established as a recurring kind of opponent and adversary for the Player Characters. After all, such bandit groups are not always a one-time encounter, easily dispatched by a single encounter with the Player Characters. Definitely having more detailed bandit groups that manage to maintain a certain "campaign presence" for multiple encounters and enduring for some time has been a rewarding and entertaining campaign development.

How have you detailed bandit groups in your campaigns? Have any o such bandit groups endured for some time in the campaign? Have the Player Characters developed any particular kinds of relationships with members of the bandit group? In my own campaigns, I have had several kinds of developments occur, from hated enemies, to romantic partners, converted henchmen, and other kinds of alliances and friendships. However, naturally, most such bandits end up getting hacked down or burned in deluges of fire. *Laughing* Some also are taken off to be judged in a local citadel, where they are publicly hung and dance the jig.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

This sounds interesting. I assume it's for a D&D-like fantasy setting. Would you be willing to post an example of the tables and perhaps one or two example groups you've made with them?