A New Look at Combat (Example 4)

This example will look at another part of the combat set up in Example 3, so be sure to read and be familiar with that, as this will assume familiarity for the sake of brevity (chart of bonuses – remember that they are doubled because this system uses a 20-sided die, and the Disengaged bonus is -4 Off / +4 Def). This example will show how one group fighting another might play out, following Durga’s companions fighting the villain’s henchmen. The companions include Arjuna (archer), Tipu (brash warrior who favors a large two-handed sword), and Shah (more cautious warrior who prefers a shield and short sword). They take on four henchmen armed with scimitars.

A New Look at Combat (Example 3)

For my third example, I’m going to use the more detailed tactics in a heroic fantasy game. The system resolves tests with the roll of a d20 (which means bonuses and penalties in the linked chart will be doubled), and defensive values are static. High roll controls range, with a tie meaning that the range doesn’t change. The combat begins with our heroic swordswoman Durga charging up a set of stairs to fight the villain Bubalis on the balcony above while Durga’s companions are delayed by the villain’s henchmen.

A New Look at Combat (Example 2)

For my second example, I’m going to use the more detailed tactics in a gritty game. The system resolves tests with dice pools, with the result of one roll determining both the offensive and defensive success for the opponent. Ties resolve in favor of offense (both combatants get hit). With ranged weapons, both the distance to the target and cover that the target has subtract from offense. The combat begins with Nick in the hallway of an apartment where he’s making a buy. The dealer suspects Nick of being an undercover cop (which he is), and so has his henchman greet Nick in the hallway. The henchman says he wants to show Nick this beautiful new pistol he got, and pulls it out to test his reaction. Nick senses the henchman’s bad intent, gets nervous, and goes for his own gun.

A New Look at Combat (Example 1)

Now that the explanation of the core ideas and mechanics behind my new look at combat is out there, a few examples of play are in order. Since the ideas themselves can adapt to any system or style of game, I’m going to set each example combat in a different system and style. Additionally, I’ll give examples of both simplified and detailed tactics, along with a variety of combatants so that you can see how their personalities and styles color the fight.