DYI Abstract Combat Board

[The Soloist]

A month ago, I got tired of using maps for solo battles. The set up time was getting in the way. It made the game loop too long for games like D&D, in which there are many combats. Theater of the Mind doesn't do it for me.

Also, engagement distances were problem. With 5' maps, it's rare to get more than one round of combat before melee starts, which makes range weapons less interesting.

I drew an abstract board into Excel first, to test it. As you can see all three range bands (red) are there. In the middle (green sections) the character is either engaged or close but not engaged. On both sides I added two Sneak alleys for stealth flanking maneuvers.

I did a full solo session with it and it was fun, but more importantly it speed up the game loop. So, I decided to create a sexier one. I used 1'x1' by 1/4" cork board from the dollar store. Rigid card board (1/8") for the base. First coat with medium grey and a second coat light brush of light grey. I left a 1/8' slot between the zones to remind me they are zones, not 5' areas. Turns out my Battle System dungeon wall system fits it. Could be luck, could be that I'm that good. My wife says, I'm a lucky bastard with good intuitive design sense!

 

[The Soloist]

Another advantage is that it makes my solo footprint on the table within arms reach.

 

[Count_Zero]

Nice. It feels very visually reminiscent (in a good way) to the combat screens in some JRPGs like the Lunar series.

 

[TheSword]

The game imperium Maledictum splits a map into zones. You can move between zones as an action or run between two zones. Area effects like a flamer (fireball) affect everyone in the same zone.

If you’re in the same zone you’re either engaged which means one or the other has attacked the opponent in melee or at close range.

I like it. It means you can abstract where folks are actually standing.

For instance in a typical tavern zones might be the bar room; behind the bar; the cellar; the alleyway and the balcony.

 

[The Soloist]

The game imperium Maledictum splits a map into zones. You can move between zones as an action or run between two zones. Area effects like a flamer (fireball) affect everyone in the same zone.

If you’re in the same zone you’re either engaged which means one or the other has attacked the opponent in melee or at close range.

I like it. It means you can abstract where folks are actually standing.

For instance in a typical tavern zones might be the bar room; behind the bar; the cellar; the alleyway and the balcony.

Cool. Many games have their variations. 2d20 Dunes and The One Ring 2e just to name a few.

My design was mainly inspired by the Wilderness Encounter Distance table in B/X.

 

[SlyFlourish]

I love it! It reminds me a bit of Professor Dungeon Master's Ultimate Dungeon Terrain – a circular disk version with the rings denoting distance.