This Multi-Day course of study mixes Ancient Military History with the world of role playing (modified D&D 5e) seeking to immerse students in Classical Greek culture, sweeping hoplite campaigns of conquest and decisive battles of the Peloponnesian Wars. Within the Three Pillars of Adventure the students will explore the geography of the Aegean Sea, Greecian Peninsula, the Peloponnese, Ionia, and Anatolia interacting with these varied terrains by conducting scouting missions, patrols and seeking the perfect battle ground for the  Spartan Kings. Students will role play trying to persuade members of other city-states (or even the Persians) to join against the Delian League and on other diplomatic missions related to ancient accounts. As Spartan phalanx commanders (strategoi), the students consult to plan strategies, deliver pre-battle exhortations to their troops and join battle against a host adversaries over a decade-long adventure (not in actual class time) for supremacy in the Hellenic World. 

The course will be run as a modified D&D 5e adventure based upon real historical persons and events (but there will be cyclopes, hydra, and manticore). With a combination of existing official and "homebrew" character classes, students will choose which role they want to play in the Spartan forces; they will begin as young Spartiates in Laconia (Sparta) then after several small adventures will earn the right to command troops in battle. While they will be engaged in team building scenarios and encounters, the will soon be responsible for a contingent of Spartiate and allied soldiers as the war begins. The sessions will vary between history, geography, background and setting lessons to being sent on missions by the Kings or Ephors as an elite cohort to scout, conduct diplomatic missions, and secure important objectives. Ultimately, the students will need to use their critical thinking and problem solving skills to independently fulfill their mission as per the city-state's orders. Skirmishes, set piece battles, and sieges using D&D 5e Mass Combat rules will test their mettle against the best that the Athenians can muster. Famous battles such as Amphipolis, Mantinea, and Sphacteria will be fought - but the war will not just be fought on land; players will also captain triremes in pivotal naval engagements as well.  The adventure does not end with the war, the player-veterans of the Peloponnesian Wars will play an important part in the recovery and rebuilding of these war-torn lands as 'warlords' during the Spartan Hegemony. 

This class aims to bring the pages of Thucydides' "History of the Peloponnesian War"  to life for the students.  

As the instructor/DM, I will support the Three Pillars of Adventure (exploration, role play, and combat) by using authoritative historical sources (Thucydides and Xenophon), my table-top war gaming experience, and a very creative imagination to provide an immersive Ancient History experience for the students.  

It is not necessary that the student have prior D&D experience or prior knowledge of the Peloponnesian War- the only requirements are an active imagination and willingness to learn.

This is a basic course of action for the class - as the modules/scenarios become more sophisticated then it will take longer for the students to navigate through - this class will not be rushed! I want all the students to explore, role play and combat at their own pace, thus some of these classes will take a while to complete in order to fully embrace the immersion experience. 

Class 1 "Session Zero" - character creation, discussion of class concept, review of rules, historical overview, etc.
Class 2 The Spartiate Hoplite - short presentation for initial orientation, exploration in Laconia, role play and combat. 
Class 3 - EARTHQUAKE Poseidon Speaks! Uprisings, revolts and intervention from those nosy Athenians!
Class 4 - All to arms! The Spartiates mobilize for war! The Battle of Tanagra - "baptism of fire."
Class 5 - Events in the Peloponnese (patrolling), Spy mission for the Ephors (Intelligence gathering/stealth)...the rise of Brasidas!
Class 6 -  Those darn Argives! (cross border raid), A visit to Delphi (diplomatic delegation/special mission)...pilgrimmage
Class 7 - Cocyra Controversy (naval 'trireme' battle/amphibious operations), Attica or Bust! 
Class 8 -  The Corinthian Campaign - "A hard slog in the isthmus"
Class 9 - The Siege of Plataea "The Dancing Ground of War"
Class 10 - Attack on the port of Piraeus
Class 11 - Pylos Campaign I - Initial operations by land & sea
Class 12 - Pylos Campaign II - "Bloody Sphaktria"
Class 13 - Amphipolis Expedition with Brasidas 
Class 14 - The ill-fated Athenian Expedition to Syracuse
Class 15 - The advent of Lysander and the end of the War

Due to the complex nature of these scenarios and the desire of the students to extend their imagination, some session topics may be extended and some may be omitted. The Three Pillars of Adventure can often take time depending on class size and the excitement of the students - this is fine since enjoyment of the session is more important than cover each phase of the conflict. 


This unique and engaging course averages out to $17 per class. Considering the rich content and the level of immersion offered the student, it is a fantastic opportunity. Through this RPG historical immersion students will understand more about the Peloponnesian War that watching a video or even reading a book. 

Looking forward to seeing you in the phalanx!


***(For UK parents - this course is in support of OCR GCSE (9-1) and AS/A Level Classical Civ/Ancient History Modules)