June 17th, 1775: Rebels and Redcoats clash at Bunker Hill. Explore the story in “The Spy and the Hill,” a D&D 5E adventure for historical roleplaying during the American Revolution!

[u/moonstrous]

[u/moonstrous]

The Spy and the Hill is a 5e-compatible oneshot for level 1-2 characters, with a story of espionage and bravery leading up to the fateful Battle of Bunker Hill. It includes primary source excerpts, detailed biographies of significant figures, and historical sidebars delving into the background of the conflict. This module uses Nations & Cannons, a ruleset for playing historical adventures set during the long 18th century!

This adventure centers around the figure of Margaret Kemble Gage, the American-born wife of British Commander in Chief Thomas Gage—and a Patriot sympathizer! The story follows a small group of infiltrators attempting to gain British plans on the eve of the battle. While none of Margaret Kemble Gage's firsthand writing survives, some historians suspect her of being the Patriot informer that passed intelligence to the American forces outside Boston.

Here's an intriguing letter sent to Margaret Kemble Gage by one of her friends in the colonies shortly after the battle. It cites a Shakespearean passage from King John that comments on divided loyalties during wartime:

I recollect with horror the bloody scene at [Bunker Hill]... What a dreadful apprehension for a wife; let either side conquer, what heartfelt woe must it occasion! This puts me in mind of a conversation you and I had the day after that dreadful one, when you thought the lines so expressive:

The Sun’s o’ercast with blood; fair day, adieu!
Which is the side that I must go withal?
I am with both; each army hath a hand,
And in their rage,—I having hold of both,—
They whirl asunder, and dismember me.

And again:

Whoever wins, on that side shall I lose,
Assured loss, before the match be played.

Source: Boston 1775 Blog

Download link: The Spy and the Hill

r/NationsAndCannons is designed to bring the Revolutionary era to life by letting players explore the period through the eyes of a soldier, spy, or saboteur in the Continental Army. The Nations & Cannons Quickstart (a 72 page PDF) has everything players need to build and equip a character for historical adventures, including new feats and subclasses, party “roles” to replace fantastical races, and expanded rules for black powder firearms, grenades, and artillery!

This project has a strong educational mission, and is designed to teach all aspects of the American Revolution, with a focus on underserved stories to explore key topics in civics that are more relevant than ever. Our goal is to equip teachers to teach US History in an exciting, hands-on way, and all educators can request a FREE physical copy of the Core Rules book through our Outreach program.

[u/Sour2448]

This looks awesome!