D&D 5E (2024) PCs as Generals Commander Abilities?

[Zardnaar]

So had an idea for mass combat. On s hex/square map you can use units f troop. The unit is just the stats from the MM.

The the PCs can be generals. Each class can use an ability. It might be a class ability or abstract.

So 100 orcs. If commanded by a 5th level wizard with fireball the unit gains an extra d6 fire damage. A dragon sorcerer can add d8 or d10.

A fighter could perhaps add action surge or champion level 3 advantage to initiative. Clerics let them regain 1d8 hp. Rangers maybe some sort of bonus in hill or forest terrain.

Main focus would be the main 4 classes and archetypes war cleric, battlemaster fighter etc.

Thoughts on the concept? Units would move slower though thinking speed 1., two for mounted, 3 for flyers on a 12 mile fee grid.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

I’d let the troops use the General’s proficiency or their own, whichever is higher. That gives the level of the General some weight.

Abilities are a bit harder.

Rogue: troops get a double move or bonus to surprise (cunning action)

Fighter: attack twice

Barbarian: damage resistance or hardness

Wizard: the option to slow a group or put some kind of negative aspect on a group of units. Or scry: let the enemy show its move before it moves.

How would you do actual combat? Each point of damage dealt kills one unit?

 

[Zardnaar]

I’d let the troops use the General’s proficiency or their own, whichever is higher. That gives the level of the General some weight.

Abilities are a bit harder.

Rogue: troops get a double move or bonus to surprise (cunning action)

Fighter: attack twice

Barbarian: damage resistance or hardness

Wizard: the option to slow a group or put some kind of negative aspect on a group of units. Or scry: let the enemy show its move before it moves.

How would you do actual combat? Each point of damage dealt kills one unit?

Combats just using MM stats and pretending its a unit.

I lije your proficiency idea.