Post by captaincrumbcake on Jan 29, 2016 15:00:30 GMT -5
Example of the former: a pack of 20-40 giant rats attacking 5 characters.
This is no one-on-one thing. Usually each character is defending against multiple attacks. It's because the pack animal is usually smaller/weaker than its target, and the more of it/them that attack the target the more likely the pack will win. That's why it works the way it does. Even lions and wolves attack in packs against larger creatures.
But pack-attacking is not without risk. I am unaware of any documentary/documentation affirming this, but i suspect that, in the frenzy of such encounters, the pack inflicts wounds upon its own members without meaning to--if they miss their target, there are still plenty of others about that might take the stray bite!
Example of the latter: two swordsmen, face to face, a duel. Even in mass combat, such is possible; though likely to be interfered with by other combatants.
So what is my point?
I am working on a mass/mob/pack single combat mechanic that will allow the Referee to conduct melees involving large numbers of monsters surrounding individual characters...without having to go through the rolling again and again of a hit die. Just one roll, for the pack. Hit or miss.
I know there is CM and other mini war game systems out there but, what fun is doing everything their way, when one (I) can do it your(my)self?
My first thought on the subject came out like this:
1. Creatures in a pack must be smaller than the intended target for multiple pack members to gain an attack-opportunity. Five hill giants trying to crowd around a dwarf just ain't-a gonna work!
2. One attack roll is made for the group as if made by 1 single creature = to the sum of the pack's hit dice; 5 wolves (1 HD ea.) would attack the barbarian-fighter as a 5 Hit Dice creature and, if successful, would inflict the maximum damage possible (6 hp, by original rules standards). Should the pack miss, then, one of the pack will automatically suffer 1-6 hp from the stray bite.
3. No more than 8 S-sized creatures can pack-attack vs. a M-sized opponent. No more than 4 M-sized vs. a M-sized. No more than 2 L-sized vs. a S-sized/3 vs. a M-sized.
I'm wondering if such a mechanic should be restricted to normal animal type creatures.
Still working the kinks out of this thing.
Your comments will be appreciated.
Then I'll comment; and I might even buy you an electronic drink.