Best book for large scale combats?

[Ilium]

I have Cry Havoc, and like it, but agree that its fluff is better than its crunch. More specifically, the actual mass combat system is only so-so, but the various feats and spells intended to go with it are quite good.

I took a shot at my own mass combat rules if you're interested. Their greatest virtue is probably the price (free!): http://home.comcast.net/~jim.ade/ilium/MassCombat.doc

 

[frankthedm]

IMHO the D20 System is not a good system for mass combat. The D20 Game is so loaded in the favor of the One Strong Hero [Or monster] that any massive battle system will be unsatisfactory lopsided if the D20 standards are kept.

 

[Siberys]

I wrote an article on using Risk rules for D&D Mass Combat last weekend for Regdar's Repository on Wizards. Sadly, it has yet to be put up.

Here's a copy of it, if you're interested...

Cheers,
Siberys

 

[Yair]

Hi all,

I'm looking to invest in a book (preferrably WotC, but not essential) that deals with running large scale, squad (or army) based conflicts - like how Battlesystem did back in ealier D&D editions...

I'm assuming Heroes of Battle is the way to go. I've got the Miniatures Handbook, but it doesn't really have what I'm looking for.

All suggestions welcomed - T

OK, you got several answers already but I'll add mine.

The question is what do you want in the combat system?
* If you want to continue playing D&D but take the combat environment into account, I think WotC's Heroes of Battle should fit well.
* If you want to have a wargame system that allows you to play out a large-scale battle like you would a D&D encounter, I think Eden's Fields of Blood will serve well (Cry Havoc also comes to mind, but at least in this thread it seems it isn't well appreciated).
* If you want a system to fairly decide the outcome of battles, focusing on strategy rather than on tactically playing out each battle, I think the Mass Combat pdf (by Bad Axe Games) is excellent.

There are a host of other mass combat systems, of course. Take your pick.