Combat in the Funnel

[CapnHowdy]

How do you handle combat with an army of 0-level peasants?

Do you limit the number of characters that can attack an adversary, or is it one big pile-on?

When monsters attack, how do you determine who gets attacked? Randomly determined among the front flank?

[Rick]

Have each player arrange their character sheets so that they're in a line, w/ one clearly in front, another bringing up the rear, and the other(s) in the middle.

I'd rule a maximum of 8 zeroes could attack a medium sized adversary, if conditions were right. For larger opponents, allow more as you see fit, but I say just let 'em all take a whack at it if they're brave enough.

Target the ones w/ the worst luck, or roll a die, or use logic based on what they just did ("Okay, Dave, your indentured servant just peered over the edge of the pit? Well, something big and slimy erupts up out of it and tries to consume him. Does a... 17 hit his AC?").

[Judge Perky]

#1, each player rolls initiative for 0 levels, not each character.

#2, I limit combat to a 4:1 ratio. Of course, folks can withdraw and let someone else step up, but they have a free attack launched against them if they do.

[CapnHowdy]

Yes, I was thinking of something like that -- unless it's a tight dungeon corridor, etc.

I was just wondering how other judges handled it -- I didn't think there is usually space for 15 peasants to crowd around a humanoid creature and dog-pile it.

[Ravenheart87]

I was just wondering how other judges handled it -- I didn't think there is usually space for 15 peasants to crowd around a humanoid creature and dog-pile it.

If there isn't enough place, the rest can stand back, or join with pole arms and missile weapons. If there is enough place, then lob in an area attack for some hilarious moments.

[finarvyn]

Have each player arrange their character sheets so that they're in a line, w/ one clearly in front, another bringing up the rear, and the other(s) in the middle.

I'd rule a maximum of 8 zeroes could attack a medium sized adversary, if conditions were right. For larger opponents, allow more as you see fit, but I say just let 'em all take a whack at it if they're brave enough.

This is essentially using character sheets as miniatures on a square grid mapboard, whereby the four facing (front, back, left right) and four diagonal can all get in a swipe. Works best for dungeon crawls and inside buildings where everything is square.

If I get into a situation where there is a huge open space, often I'll switch to a hex grid mapboard because it allows for more normal movement (diagonals usually are 1.414 greater distance than non-diagonals) and limits the number of opponents to six rather than eight.