Average Combat Length

[Elephant]

In my campaign, most combats last less than four rounds, mainly because the group's fighter does 15 damage minimum per hit and only misses on a 1 or 2.

How long do combats typically last in everyone's campaigns? I have a feeling that my group's combats are unnaturally short, and I was hoping to get an idea for what everyone else does.

 

[scourger]

I picked 7+ because it just feels like it takes a long time. I had one combat go about 70 rounds. Epic.

 

[Altamont Ravenard]

If the combat is sustained, it rarely lasts more than 7-8 rounds, unless you're stuck with combat types who just can't hit each other .

Of course, those 7-8 rounds of combat can take an hour or more in real time... :\

AR

 

[MDSnowman]

I wish I could have voted twice because I tend to run two general kinds of combats, the average ones tend to last 1-4 rounds. They are suaully of varying challenge to the players. But the battles that end adventures or are very dramatic always end up lasting in the neighborhood of 7+.

 

[drunkmoogle]

Seems just right; usually 3-4 rounds.

It depends on many factors, though. Sometimes I feel like sending lots of mooks, other times one big baddie. The big baddies dies quickly at the hands of the fighter, while the mooks get nuked by the wizard. Combat also goes much faster of the rogue gets his SA damage, though it usually won't be a factor at later levels.

 

[DragonLancer]

I voted for 3-4. It very rarely goes over that.

I find that combat in 3.X is a lot quicker than it ever was under previous editions.

 

[the Jester]

I run an epic game, and typically the fight's over in two rounds.

The other side of this- the running battle, with a lot of movement and tactical maneuvering just to get in striking distance- tends to last 8-12 rounds, but those are less common.

 

[Album Cover X]

I run an epic game, and typically the fight's over in two rounds.

Is that typically of an epic game in 3.x??? I've never played and ran anything over 12th I believe. See I don't get that... seems to me that epic battles should last longer in practice but I guess not.

I voted 3-4. But my group is at 4th now and the last few sessions the fights have been in 5-6 range.

And scounger... a 70 rounder?!? come on... quit lying

really??? 70 rounds... that take a weekend or five???

 

[cidak]

Lower levels are fun

At low levels the combat can go on for ever.

Player1: Roll...miss
Player2: Roll...miss
Player3: Roll...miss
Player4: Roll...miss
DM: Roll...miss

Player1: Roll...miss
Player2: Roll...miss
Player3: Roll...Hit! 3 points damage.
Player4: Roll...miss
DM: Roll...miss

And so on.

 

[the Jester]

Is that typically of an epic game in 3.x??? I've never played and ran anything over 12th I believe. See I don't get that... seems to me that epic battles should last longer in practice but I guess not.

I think so from what I've heard, but in the epic game I play in the fights take longer. I dunno, maybe the other dm's tactics are better, or maybe the group tactics are better in my campaign...

Either way, a 'typical' fight takes us about 2 rounds or less. If the bad guys get to go, I'm stoked.