From: Jim Bickmeyer (bick10@attbi.com)
Date: Fri 04 Jan 2002 - 05:58:25 EET
I have been a PC in several large scale battles and run a couple as GM. The
method I hate the most is the abstract one roll-glory-or-die system. This
is where all factors are determined. Commanders, troops, win/loose, PC
ability. Modify if the PC plans to hold back, or seek glory. Then roll
percentile once and check results. Oh too bad, . . . your character just
died. I have been forced to play that, but I have never run it.
As a GM I once tried to run a small battle, 300 troops total using standard
RQ combat rules. Only those attacking the PC’s and the PC’s themselves
needed to make rolls. The rest of the battle was handled abstractly with
the overall outcome depending on the PC’s. What a long night that was.
My best attempt was more abstract. None of the PC’s were in command, they
ended up ridding along in chariots. When the armies met, (aprox 30,000
total troops) I described to the PC’s what action they could see. When
their chariots were sent in to strike an exposed flank, they made their own
missile rolls. The success of the unit was related to their success, but I
didn’t tell them that. They did get into a big fight with the Dragon that
broke the center. They were thrown in to try and stop or delay it. At
this point the players took control of their own destiny and dismounted to
become heroes or martyrs. (didn't really expect that. The actions of one
inspired ll of them) They were victorious, but singed. As they were using
their last healing, I described the death of their commander from the other
dragon. We then had the pleasure of role-playing a route.
My suggestion if you plan on doing a large battle. Role-play it. Reduce
the amount of Rolling. Only if/when they go heroic pull out the paper and
pencil and start keep the minute details. Whether the players can influence
the battle or not is your call. I tried to keep the whole night from being
the fight and concentrated on the before and aftermath.
Jim B
From: J
>
>> I'm sure this topic must have discussed already, but I've been with the
>group for only the past year or so. What rules do you GMs use to handle
mass
>combat? I'm especially interested in hearing how SPQR will handle this
>issue.
>>
>> J.
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