Tracking opponents in fights

[Heilemann]

So we have something of a fight ahead of us at Amon Naugrim next time, and I wanted to try and experiment a bit. I found that having a map was a bad idea, as it instantly brought out tactical thinking, rather than narrative thinking. I'm not sure if my new solution solves it, but I need something that can help me track the battle and also give it some flavor, and this is my attempt.

http://cl.ly/image/080R0u2Z2613/Screen% ... 4%20AM.png

[Heilemann]

PS: To speed up combat, I wrote a number of macros and scripts to help us. First of all when tokens are dropped on the stance mat, the system automatically sets the character's stance and the macros use that for setting the TN for attacking and defending. It also sets the turnorder and sorts it by stance and then Wits. In turn another script checks the rolls for how successful they are and write it out in the chat.

[Hermes Serpent]

Nice way of forcing a narrative view on the combat. The players, if they are tactically focussed are still going to try to use tactics even if they have to turn themselves inside-out to do it, so be prepared for that.

I'm not sure if you've maybe gone too far in the automation stakes though. Presumably you are using the Roll20 API scripts extensively which can take some of the PC's choices away or at least appear to do so. If they can't move their own token, set the damage recieved and at least feel that they are rolling dice then I think that their engagement with the game will suffer.

[Heilemann]

They have control over their token, and the damage applied isn't automated. I didn't want us to stumble over the automation.

[trystero]

I like the idea of defining different positions (and attendant effects) on the display: may steal the basics of that for use at my own table. Thanks for posting this!

[lsanczyk]

How do you track who's on who though?

Did you use the Online Combat Calculator? The monsters table has a field to automatically mark the last hero attacked.

[Hermes Serpent]

@ lsanczyk, This thread is mostly about the use of Roll20 in on-line gaming rather than FTF play or over Skype so your on-line calculator doesn't enter into it.