Homebrew: Mass Miniature Battle System

Sooner or later, every adventurer will be confronted by the rigors of mass battle, especially when they are in command of a fief. When armies clash, adventurers often take central stage. The outcome of a mass battle can be determined abstractly, as per this post. Alternatively, the engagement can be played out as an epic miniature battle.

These Miniature Battle Rules use a simplified system, in order to streamline play.

 

Glossary

AB: Attack Bonus
AC: Armor Class
HD: Hits
Hero: An individual miniature representing a single, heroic, individual
ML: Morale bonus
MV: Movement
Stand: one miniature, representing 10 individuals of that type
Unit: multiple stands of the same type, grouped together and performing actions collectively

 

Stat Blocks

Stand and Unit stat blocks are written in the following format:

AB (attack bonus); AC (armor); HD (hits); MV (move); ML (morale bonus); Special rules

Goblin
AB +4; AC 15; HD 2; MV 30; ML -1; Nimble Escape: Disengage as bonus action

Guard
AB +3; AC 16; HD 2; MV 30; ML +0

 

Turn Sequence

At the start of each turn, side initiative is determined. Each side rolls a d20, adding the Charisma modifier of the side’s general. The side that rolled the highest can decide the turn order.

On their turn, a side activates all units one by one. Once activated, a unit can move up to their movement and perform one maneuver. A maneuver is similar to an action in standard D&D combat: melee, ranged attack or spellcasting. Once all units of both sides have been activated, a new turn begins.

 

Movement and Distance

Movement is measured in points. Every inch of distance requires 5 movement points. Conversely, for every point of movement a unit can cross 0,2 inches or 0,5 centimeters. Movement can be broken up to take place before and after a unit’s maneuver.

Disengaging from an enemy within melee range requires an action, unless specified otherwise in the unit’s description. Neglecting to disengage while moving away immediately allows the enemy unit a melee maneuver.

Attacks and Hits

Most of the time, melee attacks are performed by the front stands of a unit. Exceptions are made for units with reach, whereby the second rank of stands is also allowed to make attacks. Ranged attacks can be made as long as the enemy unit that is the target of the attack is within range.

Attacks are made by rolling a d20 for every eligible stand in the unit and adding the unit’s AB per rolled die. For every roll that beats the enemy unit’s AC, a Hit is scored. The total number of Hits is divided by the enemy’s HD, the result is the number of enemy stands slain.

Melee maneuvers are made with Advantage whenever the enemy unit is wedged in between two attacking units.

 

Clashes

Whenever Heroes on opposite sides meet, there will be clashes. In this case, a regular D&D combat is initiated between the Heroes that are involved and 10 regular units of an adjacent stand as preferred by the side in question. After the clash is resolved, the Mass Battle will resume.

 

Morale

Once certain conditions are met, a Morale save must be made by the unit. Base DC 10. Failing the save means the unit becomes Frightened. The second time the unit fails the save, the unit becomes Routed and flees the scene. These conditions are:

After losing 25% of the number of stands
After losing 50% of the number of stands
After losing 75% of the number of stands (save made with Disadvantage)
When a unit’s Hero is defeated in a Clash
When confronted with enemies that have a characteristic causing the Frightened condition

Heroes are exempted from making Morale saves.

Rallying Units is possible by Heroes. As a bonus action, Heroes within 10 can make a Charisma (Intimidation) or Charisma (Persuasion) check against DC 10+the number of turns the unit has been frightened and routed. When the check succeeds, the unit may immediately make a new Morale save.