From: LRPR000 <LRPR@UNB.CA>
Subject: Re: Many-to-one combats (clarification)
Organization: The University of New Brunswick
Date: Fri, 9 Oct 1992 17:46:05 GMT

    I'm posting this as a clarification of my earlier posting, to
illustrate what I know of the rules on many-to-one as they now
stand, explain my problem with some situations, and ask for more
comments:

    I believe second edition limits you to being attacked by 6 man size
creatures, unless they are flying (then 1 more over and possibly under
you, if you're flying too)? Of course, the 3 from in front can be
protected against by a shield, unless that is a buckler (1 ATTACK only)
or a small shield (2 attacks). The 3 from the rear get a +2, unless
they are thieves doing a backstab (then +4), although I always give
thieves the +4 to hit, even if they're not getting a backstab multiplier
just to give them a little boost in combat (I find the class weak
enough in combat as is).  Of course, the 3 rear attacks negate dex and
shield bonus, but a character back-to-back with another character, or
against a wall, shouldn't be rear attacked. I think I've covered
all the standard rules here; be pleased to know about anything I've
missed!! (Oh, yes, the above opponent ignores shield but not dex,
while the one below ignores both).

 My comments were more on the idea of 3 orcs attacking from the
front; wouldn't 1 be able to swing; you have to block it, but that
leaves you open to the another's spear thrust, etc. The explanation of
combat in both first and second edition states that feints, parries,
blocks etc are going on all the time; I'm just not sure that the system
reflects the difficulty of co-operative foes looking to get through your
guard.  Of course, I would limit this to pack hunters and Lawful
warrior-society humanoids (like orcs and hobgoblins) who would
learn such tactics.  It just seems unlikely that once a certain AC is
reached, a character is unhittable, no matter how many blows rain in
on them (except for a 20).  I do apply the rule that those in the second
rank can hit enemies in the front rank with a polearm (if there's room
to use it) - the much despised spear finds new life here.  Note that
a 2 handed spear must be used to attack from the second rank. Another
option is to stand in the front rank and attack enemies in their second
rank - like spellcasters who have incautiously ventured near.

  I don't personally agree with called shots to injure an opponent; it
seems life is tough enough without these kinds of injuries (even my
critical hit system just gives some extra damage).  And if you do it
to the monster, they can do it right back - and so what if called shots
are -4 to hit? They need a 20 anyway!

   One interesting e-mail I recieved on this (from an SCA fighter)
suggests a penalty to AC vs. an attack from a non-attacked target;
this might be orc # 2 and 3 in my example; it also raises the question
of how easy it is to hit that mage who is standing in front of you
casting an LB - HE's not parrying, feinting, etc.!!

High AC can have big ramifications in a game world; the PC's need those
armor classes to fight demons'n'such, but they can also go out and
stand in an orc horde, killing them by the thousands.  Of course, the
orcs can just leave, and go rampage the PC's peasant villages...

                                         JubbaBones

Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd