Mythic Battles Revised

[jamesrbrown]

For those who like to tell the story of a battle or siege in narrative time mode, Scott (Eluadin) and I created a document called Mythic Battles. One of the biggest complaints about our rules was that the player-heroes could do nothing to affect the outcome of an Assault roll. Well, that has all changed with one small adjustment...

Mythic Battles Revised (download here or from my blog, see my signature below)

• No more choosing between a Piercing blow and battle hazard on the roll of an Eye during Endurance tests; it is always a Piercing blow.
• Instead, if a player-hero rolls a Gandalf on an Endurance test, he can command a Counterstrike: an episode of high importance that can turn the tide of battle and move the Strength of Numbers one step in favour of the Free Peoples if successful. The decision to enter a Counterstrike is not that easy, however, because failure can lead to setback for the Free Peoples, or even player-hero death.
• Counterstrikes are generated and resolved in much the same way that hazards are, but as a prolonged action, rather than as a singular test of skill.
• All companions in the same Area of engagement may participate in a Counterstrike together.

Hope you enjoy this revised version. I am looking forward to my next night of gaming, where there will be a siege on the Easterly Inn. These rules will come in handy!

[jamesrbrown]

Well, it's been a few days since I posted these revised rules for battles and sieges and I'm very anxious to hear some opinions on Counterstrikes, or maybe even some questions about how they work exactly. Not many have read these rules yet, at least not on this forum, but I very much appreciate and covet the opinions of the members here especially. Everyone here truly loves the game, which makes it a wonderful place to hang out.

I'm not looking for accolades; just honest feedback.

[Falenthal]

I still have to read your revised rules, but from what you tell and what I've seen in comparison to the older version, these are very much in line with what I think (and that's just my opinion) should be a set of Battle Rules for TOR.

You might be aware that I made some house-rules, too, for Mass Combats. The main reason why I didn't use your older ones was exactly because of the points you address here: allow PCs to have some impact in the ongoing battle, although they still should brave the tides of war and happenings beyond their control.

The Counterstike mechanic (I think I called it "Scenes") fit very well in the narrative mood of TOR.

Once I have a chance to read the whole document, to see how the different parts fit together (Endurance tests, chances for Counterstrikes, difficulties of Counterstrikes based on the state of the battle, etc.), I'll come back with an opinion.

Would it be very difficult for you to try to write an extended example of a battle, detailing how the rules come into play? Maybe just two assaults and then go for the end of the battle. Reading those often gives us a much more complete view of how the rules are intended to work together.

[Dunkelbrink]

Thanks James. It looks very good at first glance. Some real play testing seems rather far off unfortunately, but when I get the chance (maybe around Siege at Black Tarn adventure a few years of game time away) I'll post it here.

I have to say it's a joy reading your posts here - whether it's a wild adventure, house rules or something else. Always good, well thought out stuff that adds to the game. Thx!

[jamesrbrown]

In last night's game, I used the Battle & Siege Resolution rules to test the use of Counterstrikes. Over the course of five assault waves that required 2 Endurance rolls each, a total of three Gandalf's were rolled triggering Counterstrikes. All three Counterstrikes were failed due to poor rolling, but the scenes that were described by the players were fantastic. I think this is what made it the most fun.

My initial reaction is that for the most part Counterstrikes worked. However, I am thinking of changing them from being a prolonged action to just one roll either at increased difficulty or requiring a great or extraordinary success, much like a Called shot.

The battle began with both sides evenly matched. The tide quickly moved in favour of the Free Peoples and it looked as if a victory would be swift. But, due to a failed counterstrike and then unfavorable assault wave rolls, the tide began shifting back to the Shadow. Even after a warband of Beornings showed up, the rolls indicated they were decimated. The Free Peoples ended up surrendering an object to the Shadow and they took it and ran back to the Misty Mountains.

None of the player-heroes were killed, but they were close. One was knocked out, one was Weary, one was Weary and Wounded, and the last went unscathed. If it wasn't for the Dwarf having a bottle of special liquor, he would have been knocked out too.

[Rich H]

Not run/tested this, James, but reading through it appears to have a far tighter focus than the first set of rules with it centred around the player-heroes. I like the changes made and the stripping back of the rules - makes them clearer to understand.

[shipwreck]

It's 2961 and I'm skipping the boring trolls and letting the heroes participate in the battle of Viglundings against Beornings. Finally going to try these. They look just perfect!

[jamesrbrown]

Awesome! Let us know how things turn out. I am running a game tomorrow night, but there are no large battles projected. The last time I played with these revised rules my players really enjoyed narrating scenes of battle.