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The “Mass Combat” rules were part of the Dungeons & Dragons Companion Set, which was released as part of the Basic D&D product line. These rules were designed to handle large-scale battles and were introduced to allow players to engage in wars and command armies, something that wasn’t thoroughly covered in the basic rule sets.
Here’s a brief overview of the Mass Combat system:
Scale: In Mass Combat, individual figures or tokens represent larger units (like a platoon, company, or even larger group), not individual soldiers. The scale might be set so that 1 figure represents 10, 20, 50, or even more soldiers.
Turn Structure: The turns in Mass Combat are typically divided into phases like movement, missile fire, melee combat, and morale checks. This structure helps organize the flow of battle.
Movement: Units have a defined movement rate that tells how far they can move in a turn. Different types of terrain can affect movement, such as slowing down troops moving through forests or mountains.
Combat: Combat in Mass Combat is resolved in a more abstract manner than individual combat. It considers factors like the type of troops, their weapons, formation, leadership, and terrain. Melee and ranged combat are resolved using tables and modifiers, factoring in these variables.
Morale: Morale checks determine how units react under certain conditions like heavy casualties or facing fearsome enemies. Failing a morale check could cause a unit to break and flee.
Magic: Spellcasters still have a role in Mass Combat, and certain spells can have effects on a larger scale.
Victory Conditions: The conditions for winning a mass battle can be more complex than merely defeating all enemies. Objectives and strategic goals play a role in determining victory.
Integration with Role-Playing: The rules are designed to allow integration with the regular role-playing aspects of D&D. The heroes can be involved in the battle, leading troops, completing quests, or engaging in individual combat with enemy leaders.
Siege Warfare: Some iterations of these rules also include mechanics for siege warfare, including the construction of siege engines, fortifications, and specific tactics for both attackers and defenders.
Modularity: The system is often designed to be modular, meaning it can be as simple or as complex as the Dungeon Master and players desire.
The Mass Combat rules can be a fun way to expand the scope of a D&D campaign, introducing new strategic elements and challenges. However, mastering these rules can take time, as they add complexity to the game. They might not be suitable for every group or campaign, particularly if the focus is more on individual heroics or personal storytelling.
The Mass Combat system in the D&D Companion Set represents a departure from traditional, individual-focused gameplay. It introduces rules to manage large-scale battles, leading armies, and waging war, providing a way for Dungeon Masters and players to explore the grander aspects of conflict within their campaign world.
D&D Companion Box Set can be found here with many other AD&D book.
Scale and Representation
One of the critical decisions in Mass Combat is determining the scale. Figures or tokens on the battlefield represent entire units of soldiers rather than individual characters. The scale can vary, with one figure symbolizing anywhere from a few soldiers to hundreds. This abstraction allows for manageable play without losing the sense of grand, epic battles.
Turn Structure
Mass Combat turns are organized into phases:
Initiative: Determining which side acts first.
Movement Phase: All units may move according to their movement rate and terrain restrictions.
Missile Phase: Units equipped with ranged weapons can attack.
Melee Phase: Units engage in hand-to-hand combat.
Morale Phase: Units may need to check morale under certain conditions.
Magic Phase: Magic can be employed on the battlefield.
Movement
Units move across the battlefield according to their defined movement rate. Various terrains can affect movement, allowing for tactical considerations. Cavalry might move faster on open plains, while infantry could be slowed by forests or swamps.
Combat
Combat resolution in Mass Combat is more abstract, involving several factors:
Type of Troops: Different types of soldiers (infantry, cavalry, archers) have varying abilities and characteristics.
Weapons and Armor: The weapons and armor of a unit can affect their attack and defense capabilities.
Formation and Tactics: Units can be arranged in specific formations, like a shield wall or skirmish line, affecting their combat effectiveness.
Leadership: Commanders and heroes can influence the battle through their leadership, potentially providing bonuses to their troops.
Terrain: The battlefield’s physical features can provide advantages or disadvantages.
Morale
Morale is a vital aspect of Mass Combat. Units must make morale checks under certain circumstances, such as suffering heavy losses or facing terrifying opponents. Units that fail their morale checks might break and flee, becoming disorganized or even routed.
Magic
Magic plays a unique role in Mass Combat. Spells can affect entire units or even the entire battlefield. Spellcasters must carefully consider how their abilities translate to the larger scale of mass warfare.
Siege Warfare
The rules also cover siege warfare, including the construction and use of siege engines, fortifications, and specific tactics for besieging or defending strongholds. This adds another layer of complexity and strategy to the game.
Integration with Role-playing
Heroes and individual characters still have a place in Mass Combat. They might lead units, undertake special missions, or engage in individual duels with enemy commanders.
The Mass Combat rules from the D&D Companion Set offer a rich and complex system for engaging in large-scale warfare within the context of a D&D campaign. The rules provide for tactical depth and strategic planning while maintaining connections to traditional role-playing. They can bring an epic scale to a campaign but require a commitment to mastering a more complex set of mechanics. Whether for a single great battle or an ongoing war, Mass Combat can be an exhilarating addition to the D&D experience.
