In the heart of the Civil War’s blood-soaked fields, a mission of mercy unfolds amidst the thunderous roar of cannons. As medics and nurses of a beleaguered field hospital, you are thrust into the crucible of the Battle of Shiloh. With supplies dwindling and the cries of the wounded echoing in your ears, you must venture onto the battlefield under a flag of truce. Your mission: to gather what you need from abandoned camps and fallen soldiers, navigating the treacherous terrain of war and the moral quandaries it presents. Will you rise to the challenge, embodying the spirit of legendary heroes and etching your name into the annals of time? Or will you falter, crushed under the weight of your duty? In this adventure, you will face the harsh realities of war, make difficult choices, and perhaps discover what it truly means to be a hero.
Shiloh's Saviors: A Battlefield Mercy Mission, 1862
You, the brave medics and nurses of a Union field hospital, stand as the last bastion of mercy on this battlefield, a testament to the indomitable spirit of human endeavor.
In the year of our Lord, 1862, the American nation is torn asunder, brother pitted against brother in a bitter struggle that will shape the course of history. The Battle of Shiloh, a crucible of blood and iron, rages with unrelenting fury. Amidst the deafening roar of cannons and the acrid smoke of gunpowder, a beacon of hope flickers in the heart of the chaos. You, the brave medics and nurses of a Union field hospital, stand as the last bastion of mercy on this battlefield, a testament to the indomitable spirit of human endeavor.
Your mission is one of dire necessity. The hospital’s supplies have run dangerously low, and the cries of the wounded echo hauntingly in your ears. The battlefield, a sprawling tapestry of destruction and despair, holds the key to your salvation. Under a flag of truce, you must venture into the heart of the conflict, gathering what you need from abandoned camps and fallen soldiers. But the battlefield is a treacherous terrain, fraught with danger and moral quandaries that will test your mettle and your humanity.
As you navigate the battlefield, you will encounter both Confederate and Union soldiers, each with their own stories, their own fears, and their own hopes. You will be forced to make difficult choices, choices that will define you and shape the course of your journey. Will you uphold the principles of your oath, even when it means risking your own life? Or will you falter, succumbing to the harsh realities of war?
This is your moment, your chance to etch your name into the annals of time. Like the legendary heroes of old, you are called upon to rise to the challenge, to face the unknown with courage and determination. The spirit of adventure courses through your veins, urging you to press on, to conquer the odds, and to forge your own path in this tumultuous chapter of human history. This is your story, your adventure. This is the Battle of Shiloh.
Historical Background
The Battle of Shiloh, also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, was a major battle in the Western Theater of the American Civil War, fought on April 6 and 7, 1862, in southwestern Tennessee. The battle was named after Shiloh Methodist Church, a small chapel near Shiloh Landing on the Tennessee River. The battle was fought between the Confederate Army of Mississippi, led by Generals Albert Sidney Johnston and P.G.T. Beauregard, and the Union Army of the Tennessee, commanded by Major General Ulysses S. Grant. The Confederates launched a surprise attack on Grant’s army, aiming to defeat it before the anticipated arrival of Major General Don Carlos Buell’s Army of the Ohio.
On the first day of battle, the Confederates achieved considerable success, driving the Union forces back towards the Tennessee River. However, the tide turned on the second day. The delayed arrival of Buell’s reinforcements, along with a counterattack led by Grant, reversed the Confederate gains and forced them to retreat, ending the battle.
The Battle of Shiloh was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War up to that point. The Union suffered around 13,000 casualties out of 63,000 troops, and the Confederates had approximately 10,700 out of 40,000. The high casualty rate shocked both the North and South and signaled a long and bloody conflict ahead. The battle was significant for several reasons. It marked the end of the early war optimism, especially in the Confederacy, who had hoped to block Union advances into the South by controlling the Tennessee River. It also solidified Grant’s reputation as a capable leader, despite criticism over his unpreparedness for the Confederate attack. Furthermore, the Union’s victory at Shiloh opened the way for its advance into the heart of the Confederacy, leading to the capture of Corinth, a crucial rail junction, a month later.
The Civil War was a time of unprecedented violence and suffering, and nowhere was this more evident than in the battlefield hospitals. These makeshift medical facilities were often set up in existing buildings, such as the Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, which was established in a commandeered set of wooden barracks. The hospital quickly became one of the largest and most sophisticated in the Confederacy, with a staff of surgeons, nurses, and slaves hired from their owners. At its peak, the number of patients at Chimborazo approached 4,000, most of whom were sick rather than wounded. Over the course of the war, approximately 75,000 patients passed through its doors, with an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 deaths. The conditions in these hospitals were horrific. The sudden burden of caring for so many men hit the opposing governments a staggering blow. The scent of sweat, filth, smoke, and gangrene wafted through the buildings. The sounds of surgeries, soldiers’ cries for help, and the shuffle of feet filled the air. Most wounded soldiers arriving there from the battlefield had been injured several days earlier, had received emergency treatment soon thereafter, and then went to Chimborazo by railroad or ambulance.
Another example is the Ben Lomond Historic Site, a former plantation that was converted into a field hospital after the First Battle of Bull Run. Its rooms were packed with recreated Civil War-era medical tools. The sounds and smells were evocative, and even your tastebuds could get involved in the action, as you had a chance to sample the typical food the patients were served. The George Spangler Farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was another significant Civil War field hospital site, where upwards of 1,900 men, including Confederate Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Armistead, were treated for wounds both minor and fatal. Visitors to the site today can walk in the footsteps of those who experienced the carnage left from the aftermath of the battle of Gettysburg. These hospitals were not for the faint of heart. They were places of intense suffering and death, where the harsh realities of war were laid bare. Yet, they were also places of incredible resilience and humanity, where doctors, nurses, and volunteers worked tirelessly to save as many lives as they could under the most challenging of circumstances.
ADVENTURE!
CARD 1: The Field Hospital (Aim 12)
Setting: A makeshift field hospital near the battlefield of Shiloh, April 1862. The air is thick with the scent of gunpowder and the grim reality of war. The wounded and dying are everywhere, their cries a haunting echo of the battle raging nearby.
As medics and nurses of the Union army, your duty lies not in the frontlines but in the desperate struggle to save lives amidst the chaos. Your supplies are dwindling dangerously low, and the stream of wounded soldiers seems unending. The commanding officer, a grizzled veteran with a heart as sturdy as oak, gives you your orders. You must venture onto the battlefield under a flag of truce to gather more supplies from abandoned camps and fallen soldiers. The mission is perilous, but the lives of countless men hang in the balance.
Obstacle 1: Preparing for the Mission (Pie +2)
Before you can set out, you must prepare for the dangerous journey ahead. Gathering the necessary equipment, studying maps of the battlefield, and formulating a plan are all crucial to your success. The hospital is a whirlwind of activity, but amidst the chaos, you must find a moment of clarity to focus on your mission.
Players must make a preparation check (Aim 12, Pie +2) to successfully gather the necessary equipment and information for their mission. On failure, the group may lack crucial items or information, adding to the challenges they will face on the battlefield.
Obstacle 2: Rallying the Troops (Tricky -4)
The mission is dangerous, and not all are willing to risk their lives. You must convince the other medics and nurses to join you, appealing to their sense of duty and compassion. This is a battle not for territory, but for the lives of your fellow soldiers.
Players must make a persuasion check (Aim 12, Tricky -4) to rally the troops and form a team for the mission. On failure, the players may have to undertake the mission with a smaller team, increasing the difficulty of their task.
CARD 2: No Man's Land (Aim 12)
Setting: The battlefield of Shiloh
The battlefield of Shiloh, a landscape transformed into a grim tableau of war. The ground is churned and scarred, the air filled with the acrid scent of gunpowder and the distant echoes of battle. The party ventures forth under a flag of truce, their mission to gather supplies from abandoned camps and fallen soldiers.
Obstacle 1: Navigating the Battlefield (Pie +2)
The battlefield is a maze of trenches, artillery craters, and hastily erected fortifications. The party must navigate through this chaos, avoiding active combat zones and enemy patrols. The smoke and confusion of battle make it easy to lose one’s way, and the party must rely on their instincts and their knowledge of the terrain to stay on course.
Players must make a navigation check (Aim 12, Pie +2) to successfully chart a course through the battlefield. On failure, the group risks exposure to enemy forces and must try again.
Obstacle 2: Locating Supplies (Tricky -4)
Abandoned camps and fallen soldiers are scattered across the battlefield, their locations often hidden or obscured. The party must search for these potential sources of supplies, all while avoiding detection by enemy forces. This task requires keen observation skills and a good understanding of military logistics.
Players must make a search check (Aim 12, Tricky -4) to locate potential sources of supplies. On failure, the players may waste precious time searching in the wrong places or risk running into enemy forces.
CARD 3: Behind Enemy Lines (Aim 12)
Setting: Confederate camps
The party has successfully navigated through the battlefield and now finds themselves deep within enemy territory. The Confederate camps loom ahead, filled with soldiers unaware of the party’s presence. The party must now gather the needed supplies without alerting the enemy to their presence.
Obstacle 1: Infiltrating the Camp (Pie +2)
The Confederate camp is a hive of activity, with soldiers moving about, performing their duties. The party must find a way to infiltrate the camp, gather the supplies they need, and escape without being detected. This will require stealth, cunning, and a good understanding of military routines.
Players must make a stealth check (Aim 12, Pie +2) to successfully infiltrate the camp. On failure, the group risks being spotted and must quickly find a way to hide or escape.
Obstacle 2: Gathering Supplies (Tricky -4)
Once inside the camp, the party must locate the medical supplies they need. These could be in a variety of places – a medical tent, a supply wagon, or even the personal belongings of the soldiers. The party must search quickly and quietly, all while avoiding detection.
Players must make a search check (Aim 12, Tricky -4) to locate the medical supplies. On failure, the players may waste precious time searching in the wrong places or risk alerting the enemy to their presence.
CARD 4: The Escape (Aim 12)
Setting: Field hospital
With the supplies in hand, the party now faces the daunting task of escaping the Confederate camp and making their way back to the field hospital. The camp is on high alert, and every shadow could hide a potential threat.
Obstacle 1: Evading Detection (Pie +2)
The party must move stealthily, avoiding patrols and watchful soldiers. They must use the chaos of the camp to their advantage, blending in with the crowd and using distractions to cover their escape.
Players must make a stealth check (Aim 12, Pie +2) to successfully evade detection. On failure, the group risks being spotted and must quickly find a way to hide or escape.
Obstacle 2: Navigating Back to the Hospital (Tricky -4)
Once out of the camp, the party must navigate their way back to the field hospital. The battlefield is a maze of trenches and artillery craters, and the party must rely on their memory and sense of direction to find their way back.
Players must make a navigation check (Aim 12, Tricky -4) to successfully chart a course back to the hospital. On failure, the group risks getting lost and must try again.
CARD 5: The Return (Aim 12)
Back to the field hospital
The party has made it back to the field hospital, but their mission is not over yet. They must deliver the supplies and help tend to the wounded, all while dealing with the aftermath of their daring mission.
Obstacle 1: Delivering the Supplies (Pie +2)
The hospital is a scene of organized chaos, with doctors and nurses rushing about, tending to the wounded. The party must deliver the supplies to the right places, ensuring that they are put to good use.
Players must make a logistics check (Aim 12, Pie +2) to successfully deliver the supplies. On failure, the supplies may end up in the wrong place, causing confusion and delays.
Obstacle 2: Tending to the Wounded (Tricky -4)
With the supplies delivered, the party must now help tend to the wounded. This is a test of their medical skills, as well as their ability to stay calm under pressure.
Players must make a medical check (Aim 12, Tricky -4) to successfully tend to the wounded. On failure, a patient’s condition may worsen, adding to the strain on the hospital’s resources.
EXAMPLE PC/NPC
Elijah "Doc" Harper
Bio: Born and raised in the bustling city of Boston, Elijah Harper was a man of science and compassion. Known to his friends as “Doc,” he was a skilled surgeon who felt a deep calling to use his skills to help those in need. When the Civil War broke out, he didn’t hesitate to enlist as a medic, determined to save as many lives as he could on the battlefield. Armed with his medical bag and a steadfast spirit, Doc Harper is ready to face the horrors of war and bring hope to those who need it most.
GEAR
Field Surgeon’s Kit: +3 to medical checks, contains bandages, antiseptics, surgical tools, and other necessary medical supplies. Union Army Uniform: Grants +1 to CON checks when defending against attacks. Letter from Home: A heartfelt letter from his wife back in Boston, used to motivate and inspire others. Map of Shiloh: Detailed map of the battlefield, used to navigate and plan his routes.
ICRPG Stats: STR: +1 DEX: +2 CON: +2 INT: +3 WIS: +2 CHA: +1
Milestones
Compassionate Healer: Doc Harper gains a +1 bonus to INT checks when performing medical procedures. Battlefield Navigator: Doc Harper gains advantage on all WIS rolls when navigating the battlefield. Steadfast Spirit: When in a tight spot, Doc Harper gains a +1 bonus to all CON checks for one round.
EXAMPLE PC/NPC
Captain Samuel "Sam" Hargrove
Bio: A seasoned veteran of the Union Army, Captain Samuel Hargrove is a man of honor and duty. Known to his men as “Captain Sam,” he has seen his fair share of battles and carries the scars to prove it. He leads his men with a firm hand and a compassionate heart, always putting their welfare above his own. When the Battle of Shiloh broke out, Captain Sam was at the forefront, leading his men into the heart of the conflict. With his trusty rifle and unwavering courage, Captain Sam is a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
GEAR
Union Army Rifle: +3 to hit, 1d6 damage, TARGET 12 Union Army Uniform: Grants +1 to CON checks when defending against attacks Pocket Watch: A cherished keepsake from his wife, used to keep track of time and as a source of comfort during tough times Map of Shiloh: Detailed map of the battlefield, used to navigate and plan his routes
ICRPG Stats: STR: +2 DEX: +3 CON: +2 INT: +1 WIS: +2 CHA: +1
Milestones
Battle-Hardened: Captain Sam gains a +1 bonus to CON checks when defending against attacks. Tactical Leader: Captain Sam gains advantage on all INT rolls when planning an attack or strategizing. Unwavering Courage: When in a tight spot, Captain Sam gains a +1 bonus to all STR checks for one round.
UNIQUE RULES
Rule 1: Field Surgery
In the heat of battle, characters may sustain severe injuries that require immediate attention. If a character’s health drops to half or less in a single encounter, they may need to undergo field surgery. A character with medical knowledge (like Doc Harper) must make a successful WIS check (Aim 12) to perform the surgery. On a successful check, the injured character regains half of their lost health. On a failed check, the injured character only regains a quarter of their lost health and suffers a -1 penalty to STR and DEX checks until they can rest.
Rule 2: Limited Supplies
Medical supplies are a precious commodity on the battlefield. Each character starts with a limited number of medical supplies (represented by 3 Supply Tokens). These tokens can be used to add a +2 bonus to a WIS check for healing. Once the tokens are used, they’re gone until the characters can find more (GM’s discretion). This rule encourages strategic use of resources and adds an extra layer of tension to the game.
Rule 3: Risk of Infection
The threat of disease and infection was a grim reality during the Civil War. After each encounter, the GM rolls a d6. On a roll of 1, a character (chosen at random) contracts an infection. The infected character suffers a -1 penalty to all checks until they can be successfully treated with a WIS check (Aim 12) by a character with medical knowledge. This rule adds an element of unpredictability and further emphasizes the harsh conditions of the time period.
