Simple and Entertaining Mass Combat Systems for Fantasy RPGs

Telarus · July 11, 2017, 03:27:16 PM

Quote from: estar;974586The thing to remember is that 1e Battlesystem is a math hack that allow any AD&D 1e character or monster to be used in mass combat. As it turned out it works with just about anything that uses a d20 for attack versus a target number.

That was the inspiration for my Ship-to-Ship and Mass Combat Rules for Earthdawn 4e, being able to use all the statblocks from the base-game. Also, the ability to run a scenario either abstractly (on paper or narratively) OR on a map w/ tokens as a tactical scenario with the same system is really nice. I have a preview up of my rules in the Design forum: http://www.therpgsite.com/showthread.php?37161-Earthdawn-4E-Ship-and-Mass-Combat

estar · July 11, 2017, 03:29:26 PM

Quote from: Gronan of Simmerya;974619Unfortunately none of those systems seem to include TACTICS. CHAINMAIL should be more than just line up troops and grind 'em together. Terrain and maneuver is what wind battles, not dice rolling.

I don't know which system you are referring too. But 1e Battlesystem has terrain rules and accounts for flanking and morale. GURPS Mass Combat is meant to be more abstract a more sophisticated version of the old Avalon Hill and SPI CRTs. The meat of the action in the GURPS rules is using a strategy or operational level map to maneuver units. As for ACKS it been a while I read the rules but like 1e Battlesystem I remember it having moral, terrain, and other traditional miniature wargame mechanics.

estar · July 11, 2017, 03:36:05 PM

Quote from: Telarus;974630That was the inspiration for my Ship-to-Ship and Mass Combat Rules for Earthdawn 4e, being able to use all the statblocks from the base-game. Also, the ability to run a scenario either abstractly (on paper or narratively) OR on a map w/ tokens as a tactical scenario with the same system is really nice. I have a preview up of my rules in the Design forum: http://www.therpgsite.com/showthread.php?37161-Earthdawn-4E-Ship-and-Mass-Combat

Excellent! When it comes to RPGs I think mass combat system work best if they can be easily extrapolated from the game's stat blocks. However I dislike treating units as a huge monster with a big bag of hit points. I am a fan 1e Battlesystem because their CRT mash together the binomial distribution of the odds of X number of guys hitting a target with a standard to hit roll with various damage dice.

I tried to figure out the math behind the Battlesystem CRT but the closest I got is this blog post.

War System or Battle Machine? Along with a Chart

David Johansen · July 11, 2017, 07:44:24 PM

huh, I forgot War Law for Rolemaster. It uses a hex grid and counters but makes the map small for most encounters so it works as a sideboard for the rpg rather than dominating a table. And yes, there are lots of charts and tables but it takes into account a lot of fun things like fatigue, and the general level of injury among the troops rather than just full on casualties. Really it's pretty good and integrates with Sea Law so you can sail your galleys up the river and torch the orcs with your fire siphons.

Baulderstone · July 11, 2017, 11:57:51 PM

Quote from: estar;974631As for ACKS it been a while I read the rules but like 1e Battlesystem I remember it having moral, terrain, and other traditional miniature wargame mechanics.

Yes. Here is it in action:

And you don't only need worry about terrain, maneuver and morale. You better make sure you keep your army adequately supplied as well.

Pat · July 12, 2017, 05:29:16 AM

Another option is Delta's Book of War. It's an attempt to mechanically replicate OD&D combat at 1:10 scale, inspired by Chainmail, and fits in a 24 page digest sized book. Many playtesting examples on his blog.

RPGPundit · July 14, 2017, 06:00:02 AM

Quote from: ligedog;974493So I'm looking for a system that is roughly as simple as War Machine from the D&D companion rules but is a little more intersting and dynamic in play. Maybe a little troop movement but nothing as indepth as a real miniatures war game. Any good candidates?

Dark Albion has a mass-combat system, but it is significantly more simplistic than War Machine. It might be too far on the other side of the spectrum from what you're looking for.

Simple and Entertaining Mass Combat Systems for Fantasy RPGs

Telarus

estar

estar

David Johansen

Baulderstone

Pat

RPGPundit