Epic Battle Rules anyone? New way for PCs to fight a war!

[Kaptain_Kantrip]

Anyone interested in an alternative way to involve PCs in epic battles and wars should check this link out:

http://www.enworld.org/messageboards/showthread.php?s=&postid=75381#post75381

It provides a simple yet infinitely customizable mechanic for allowing your PCs to not only participate in, but direct the outcome of the battle without having to learn a whole new complicated set of "mass combat" rules.

Basically, the DM creates 4 encounters resembling crucial points in the battle. Each encounter has a mission objective. Every encounter won by the PCs brings their side one step closer to winning the battle, but not even complete success indicates a guaranteed victory. Rules for the aftermath of the battle (win or lose) are included. A sample encounter, "Totem of Doom" is also provided to clearly illustrate the rules and serve as a springboard for DM creativity.

Check 'em out!

 

[Dr Midnight]

Looks very cool, from what I saw.

I'm going to avoid reading more (no time) until I read that people are diggin' it. I like the four pivotal points in the battle concept.

 

[Kaptain_Kantrip]

Looks very cool, from what I saw.

I'm going to avoid reading more (no time) until I read that people are diggin' it. I like the four pivotal points in the battle concept.

More people are diggin' it, doc. Better read up!

 

[DWARF]

Doctor, you should probably go over it. It is an interesting system, albeit far from a complete mass combat system. But for the storytelling way DnD usually works out, it's a very unique and workable idea. I like it!

 

[Broken Fang]

An intresting idea. Instead of fielding the whole army field a small part that the PC's are in charge of. Make it one of the important parts of the battle and the PC's can affect the outcome. Makes it less tedious than the full scale war played out over the enitre day (which sometimes is fun) but not quick. Will have to try it when a war begins to loom.

 

[Kaptain_Kantrip]

Glad you guys like the rules set!

 

[Deadguy]

Nice approach. Interestingly I have a friend who uses a very similar approach to run battles. The addition is that there is a Battle skill, to represent the Battle Tactics of PCs and NPCs. He rolls for the PC side's Battle Leader, and then maybe the Rank commander, depending on whether it's a skirmish or large battle. The results of one feed into another. Finally the PC with the best Battle skill (or their designated leader) rolls, and that roll determines who the PCs fight for that part of the combat. Then the PCs get to engage or try and evade the people they meet.

The effectiveness of the PCs is scaled up using the DM's judgement to affect the next Leader Battle roll. These rolls also determine how many men are injured or slain. It sounds a little complicated, and it's hard to explain without his battle tables in front of me (it's bastardised from te Pendragon rules). But I can tell you it works really well. The PCs have managed to reshape the course of history in his game, by engaging an enemy king and capturing him, thus saving the day for our own side. One of the PCs secured a Duchy for his leadership in that battle!

 

[S'mon]

I already used something like this for my lower-level games, typically breaking the battle into 3: beginning, middle and end.

I remember a tricky bit in one battle where the PCs' side was close to victory but from where the PCs stood they didn't realise this and started yelling 'run away! run away!' - nearly routing their own side. Luckily the NPCs ignored them...

 

[Kaptain_Kantrip]

I already used something like this for my lower-level games, typically breaking the battle into 3: beginning, middle and end.

I remember a tricky bit in one battle where the PCs' side was close to victory but from where the PCs stood they didn't realise this and started yelling 'run away! run away!' - nearly routing their own side. Luckily the NPCs ignored them...

LOL, damn chicken PC's...

 

[Kaptain_Kantrip]

It appears we've dropped to page 3 hell, old chum.

If I could just... reach... utility belt...

*bump*

Ah! That's better!