Guards
Guard
- Size: Medium or Small
- Type: Humanoid
- Alignment: Neutral
- AC: 16
- Initiative: +1 (11)
- HP: 11 (2d8 + 2)
- Speed: 30 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 13 | +1 | +1 |
| DEX | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| CON | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| INT | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| WIS | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| CHA | 10 | +0 | +0 |
- Skills: Perception +2
- Senses: Passive Perception 12
- Languages: Common
- CR: 1/8 (XP 25; PB +2)
Actions
Spear. Melee or Ranged Attack Roll: +3, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) Piercing damage.
Guard Captain
- Size: Medium or Small
- Type: Humanoid
- Alignment: Neutral
- AC: 18
- Initiative: +4 (14)
- HP: 75 (10d8 + 30)
- Speed: 30 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 18 | +4 | +4 |
| DEX | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| CON | 16 | +3 | +3 |
| INT | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| WIS | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| CHA | 13 | +1 | +1 |
- Skills: Athletics +6, Perception +4
- Senses: Passive Perception 14
- Languages: Common
- CR: 4 (XP 1,100; PB +2)
Actions
Multiattack. The guard makes two attacks, using Javelin or Longsword in any combination.
Javelin. Melee or Ranged Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. or range 30/120 ft. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) Piercing damage.
Longsword. Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) Slashing damage, or 9 (1d10 + 4) Slashing damage if used with two hands.
Lore & Background
Guards are professional soldiers and watchmen who serve various organizations, from city watches to noble houses to merchant guilds. These trained combatants represent the backbone of law enforcement and security in civilized areas. Guards come from diverse backgrounds but share common training in weapons, tactics, and the maintenance of order. They may be career soldiers, militia members, or hired mercenaries depending on their employer and circumstances.
The life of a guard involves long hours of vigilance, routine patrols, and the constant readiness to respond to threats. Most guards are honest individuals trying to make a living while serving their community, though some may be corrupt or overzealous in their duties. Their effectiveness often depends on their training, equipment, and the support they receive from their superiors and the community they serve.
Combat Tactics
Guards are trained to work as a unit, using coordinated tactics and mutual support to overcome threats. They typically fight in formation when possible, using shields and spears to create defensive lines while archers provide ranged support. Guards are disciplined fighters who follow orders and maintain their positions even under pressure.
When facing superior numbers or dangerous opponents, guards may use tactical retreats, call for reinforcements, or employ non-lethal methods to subdue threats. They're trained to prioritize the protection of civilians and important locations over personal glory or revenge.
Encounter Ideas
Checkpoint Challenge: Guards at a city gate or bridge checkpoint question the party's business and may demand papers, bribes, or explanations for suspicious behavior.
Corrupt Watch: A group of guards has been taking bribes to look the other way while criminals operate in their district, forcing the party to decide whether to expose or work around the corruption.
Under Siege: Guards defending a location under attack request the party's aid in holding their position until reinforcements arrive or the threat is eliminated.
Investigation Partners: Guards work alongside the party to solve crimes or track down dangerous criminals, providing local knowledge and official authority.
Environmental Effects
Guards create an atmosphere of security and order in areas under their protection. Regular patrols and visible presence deter criminal activity and provide reassurance to law-abiding citizens. Guard posts and watchtowers serve as focal points for security operations.
The presence of guards often leads to improved infrastructure such as better lighting, clear signage, and well-maintained roads. Emergency procedures and communication systems are typically well-established in areas with effective guard coverage.
Treasure
Guards typically carry standard-issue equipment provided by their employers. Weapons and armor are functional rather than ornate, though veteran guards may have acquired better gear through service. Coins represent their pay and any confiscated contraband.
Official documents, badges of office, and keys to important locations represent their authority and access. Personal effects might include letters from family, lucky charms, or mementos from their service.
Plot Hooks
The Missing Patrol: A guard patrol has disappeared while investigating reports of strange activity, and the party is asked to find out what happened to them.
Recruitment Drive: The local guard force is undermanned and actively recruiting, offering the party positions or seeking their help in training new recruits.
Internal Affairs: Evidence suggests that someone within the guard force is working with criminals, and the party must investigate without knowing who can be trusted.
Changing of the Guard: A new captain or commander is implementing controversial changes to guard procedures, creating tension within the ranks and opportunities for the party to get involved.
Lore & Background
Guards are professional soldiers employed to protect people, property, and locations of importance. They serve in various capacities from city watchmen to castle sentries, palace guards to caravan escorts. These individuals are trained in combat and crowd control, representing the backbone of organized security forces throughout civilized lands.
Combat Tactics
Guards fight in coordinated groups, using formation tactics and teamwork. They prioritize protecting their charges and maintaining order, often attempting to subdue rather than kill when possible. Guards use shields effectively and coordinate their attacks.
Encounter Ideas
City Watch: Guards patrol streets and investigate disturbances in urban areas. Gate Duty: Guards control access to important locations and check credentials. Escort Mission: Guards protect important persons or valuable cargo during travel. Riot Control: Guards attempt to restore order during civil unrest.
Environmental Effects
Guard presence indicates law and order. Their patrols create safe zones and their stations serve as gathering points for information and assistance.
Treasure
Guards carry standard equipment and modest pay. They may possess official documents, keys, or information about their duties and the locations they protect.
Plot Hooks
Corrupt Guards: Some guards abuse their authority for personal gain. Guard Recruitment: Heroes are hired as temporary guards for special events. Inside Information: A guard possesses crucial intelligence about criminal activities. Honor vs Duty: A guard faces a moral dilemma between orders and conscience.