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One of the patterns in Tolkien's work is individual dramas resolving into small parties on quests resolving into large skirmishes resolving into a Great War.

I would hope that, sometime down the line, C7 could release a book to cover skirmish level rules. Admittedly, some adventures have addressed this in specific instances, but it would be nice to have a generic set of rules to help LMs "roll their own." Plus some adventure seeds... er battle seeds.

Likewise, a later section to address participating in a Great War. And some war seeds.

Plus any other material for wrapping up a grand campaign. Not many RPGs address wrapping up an Epic, but TOR isn't just any RPG.

I'll second this. I have appreciated the fan-made attempts to handle larger battles, but whereas I love fan-made adventures when it comes to "rule" I have a thing for them being official.

Plus it would just be another great excuse to give C7 my money.

I've been wondering if we might get some rules like this in a Gondor/Minas Tirith sourcebook.

Our RPG group in the youth centre I work in (TAG = Tabletop Adventurer's Guild) has been running through the Darkening of Mirkwood since last year and I've had to play around with battle rules.

The first one I did was using poker chips to represent different factions on a paper map and they could tactically decide where they were going to be etc. but it was awful, messy, collection of dribbles and rantings that suited no one. The next one moved away from that was a bit better. Over time we moved towards the waves system the last combat uses and its been a lot better. They still get to decide what they're doing in the battle (attacking with the calvary, on foot or with archers) But can make mass attacks by using inspire or awe rolls to get those around them to attack to give others various bonuses. Its worked a lot better but by no means perfect so I'd love a structure for dealing with wars!

Games like KA Pendragon have tackled mass battles excellently!


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NIÑO wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 11, 2018 6:40 pm

Games like KA Pendragon have tackled mass battles excellently!


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Yeah, although I think something like the systems used in L5R or Flashing Blades might work a bit better for TOR, since it lets heroic characters have a bit more of impact on the outcome of the battle.

I just have experience with KAP. And mentioning it because the OR developers tried to emulate parts of this masterpiece.

If you need any further ideas about massed battles and large skirmishes focussed exclusively on LotR or the Silmarilion themes then there is the 'Wargaming in Middle Earth' Facebook page.

Recently someone has posted unit specific stats for the SAGA skirmish battles.

and for more epic, large scale battles there also several suitable rule sets (and Games Workshop)

For the latter I can recommend 'De Belis Multitudinis' (DBM) for Middle Earth or 'De Belis Middle earth'. Thane Maxwell made army lists for all good and evil races through the three ages.

Or for simpler game mechanics with a DBM influence... Command and Colors Ancients. Quick uncomplicated massed battle where cards drive the strategic options for units of troops.

I've actually used a modified version of the Pendragon rules. They work really well in conjunction with TOR for epic battles.

Artaxastra wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 12, 2018 1:09 pm

I've actually used a modified version of the Pendragon rules. They work really well in conjunction with TOR for epic battles.

I would love to see what you modified.