As we finished the first draft text of Burning Frontier this week (and sent it off to the Sensitivity Editor for their red pen), it seemed appropriate to post some more Burning Frontier content. This is inspired by Lysistrata by Aristophanes. And it seems appropriate considering everything going on in the real world.
When the player characters arrive in the frontier settlement of Black Creek, they discover something unusual. The town is functioning well despite the ongoing war, but the women of the settlement refuse to support the militia.
The town is effectively under the quiet leadership of Lydia Straus, tavern keeper and widow, who has organised the women into a cooperative that controls food, labour, and trade.
Her goal is simple.
If the men insist on fighting the war, they will do so without the labour and comforts that sustain it.
There are a lot of things about us women
That sadden me, considering how men
See us as rascals.
The Situation
Most of the town’s men marched off months ago to join colonial militia forces. With them gone, Lydia organised the remaining women to keep the town alive.
They now control:
the tavern
the grain stores
the smithy
the laundry and mending
most of the farms
When a detachment of militia returns demanding supplies and recruits, Lydia refuses. Her position is blunt. The town will feed travellers and defend itself, but it will not supply the war.
Key NPC
Lydia Straus
Widowed tavern keeper in her forties. Intelligent, charismatic, and utterly pragmatic. She believes the frontier will survive only if people stop burning their sons in imperial wars.
Personality:
dry humour
fearless when challenged
deeply protective of the town
Secret:
She has quietly negotiated neutrality with nearby Indigenous hunters through an interpreter.
Why the PCs Become Involved
The party arrives during rising tension. If they’re part of the Militia, they’ll be treated as such. If they’re hunters or passing through, they’ll be welcomed.
Captain Jonathan Reed, a militia officer, has arrived with wounded men and demands:
food
blacksmith work
fresh horses
several young boys to serve as runners
Lydia refuses.
Reed threatens to take supplies by force.
The town is on the brink of violence.
Both sides may ask the PCs to intervene.
Complications
The situation is more complex than it appears.
1. The Town Is Barely Holding Together
Lydia’s organisation is the only reason the settlement still functions. If Reed seizes supplies, winter survival becomes doubtful.
2. Some Women Oppose Lydia
A few settlers believe refusing the militia is treason. They may secretly support Reed.
3. War Bands Are Active Nearby
The war is real. The town cannot simply pretend neutrality forever.
4. Lydia Has Leverage
Many of Reed’s soldiers rely on the town’s women for care and nursing. Without them, the wounded will likely die.
Possible Player Roles
The players may:
mediate a compromise
support Lydia’s resistance
support the militia’s demands
uncover hidden tensions in the town
escort a supply convoy that could resolve the crisis
Possible Outcomes
1. Lydia’s Peace Holds
The PCs broker an agreement. The town provides limited aid but avoids becoming a military depot. Black Creek becomes a rare neutral frontier settlement.
2. Militia Seizes Control
Captain Reed forces the issue. The town becomes a supply base and morale collapses. Several women quietly leave.
3. The Women Take Up Arms
If violence erupts, the women defend the town. The PCs may witness (or even contribute to) an unexpected militia defeat.
4. Outside Threat Arrives
Warriors, raiders, or bandits attack the weakened town. Suddenly Lydia and Reed must cooperate to survive.
Themes
This scenario explores:
the hidden labour that sustains war
frontier pragmatism versus imperial ambition
the power of community organisation
the cost of conflict on those who never chose it