Help resolving combat encounters for newb GM

[davidi]

Hello all, I have been playing RPG games since the early 90's, and am very good at the roleplaying end of it, but have always been not so great with the rules, which is why bfrpg is so appealing. The only game I have ever successfully GM'd, for instance, is the table top game, Hero Quest (milton bradley, basic US version), which is childishly simple and should give you an idea of where I'm at. I want to get into GM'ing because I am a creative person / writer, and believe I have much to offer in the department of "transporting" players into another world.

I have the core rules and "Morgan'sfort" (I figured a well tested module is a good starting place), and several downloads including "Beginner's Essentials", which is really helpful for creating PC's. But I have a couple requests: 1) Can anyone put together a 1 page quick reference for GM's that has all the essentials for resolving encounters / combat? And 2), how about some combat scenarios for me to practice "solving" on my own before I try running a session for my extremely experienced friends?

Thanks for your help.

By the way, those same friends (life long Advanced D&D junkies) have enjoyed the bfrpg core rules and character creation process so much so far that they ordered their own personal copies... off to a good start!

[Hywaywolf]

I haven't completely read this Example of Combat, but it looks like a rewriting of the 1981 Moldvay Basic D&D Example of Combat section. BFRPG combat rules are basically based on those rules. Read it and keep in mind that lower AC was better back in those days.


http://fictivefantasies.files.wordpress ... -basic.pdf

[davidi]

Thank you, that's a useful resource too. But I am hoping to hear from someone who knows the BFRPG rules very well from experience, too... cross referencing another system, no matter how similar, is not really what I'm looking to do. Just want to understand this system better! Thanks again though.

[Togo Galthus]

From one newbie to another, here's the guide I wrote for myself. I hope this is what you are asking for. English is not my first language, but hopefully I got all the terminology right. Also, these are the mechanics, as you know the GM is encouraged to use his/her own imagination when it comes to surprise, morale and experience points, for instance.

The refences are to my printed edition of the basic rules. The index in my edition is one page off to the actual page numbers. Perhaps these references are not the same as your edition, but I think they will help you find the right page nonetheless.

If I got something wrong, please correct me, members.

ENCOUNTER & COMBAT

1. THE ENCOUNTER
i. Proceed to 10 second rounds. (p. 44.)
ii. Roll for surprise. (p. 44.)
a. d6 - Surprised at 1-2 (elves at 1).
iii. Roll for NPC Reaction. (p. 45.)

2. COMBAT
i. Roll for initiative (at the beginning of each round). (p. 45.)
a. d6 +/- DEX modifier. (p. 45.)
ii. Act in order according to initiativ list; highest first and so on. (p. 45.)
a. The character/NPC can strike, shoot, move and strike, cast, etc.
b. Movement: 40'/round (there are modifiers). (p. 37.)
iii. If striking/shooting, roll for hit. (p. 47.)
a. d20 + Attack bonus + STR/DEX bonus (melee or ranged). (1)(2)
b. Compare the result with opponent's Armor Class - if equal or more = hit.
c. Roll for injury: Weapon's damage + STR bonus. (p. 49.) (1)

3. MORALE
i. Roll for morale when encouter occurs, when NPC group is reduced to 50% or when single opponent's HP is reduced to 50%.
a. 2d6 vs. Moral value. (p. 51.)

4. EXPERIENCE POINTS
i. Experience Points (EP) is gained for defeated opponents, the amount is depending on opponents' Hit Dice or Level. (p. 43.)

(1) Plus other bonuses; for instance, if attacker has a magic weapon.
(2) A natural 20 is always a hit; a natural 1 is always a miss.

[davidi]

That was very helpful! I would add to your reference list that the AB (attack bonus) table is on p.47 of the core rules.

I am a little disappointed though that none of you more experienced BFRPG'ers have spoken up. I thought that was the benefit of this forum- to get to interact with people who have played this a lot and even helped design the rules. Otherwise it can be a bit of the blind leading the blind... though as a teacher I can say you learn things the best when going through the process of teaching someone else. Still though, it would be nice to hear from some veterans.

As I become more experienced and confident I'll try to live up to the expectations I'm setting. Keep you all posted!

[Dimirag]

These days the more experienced players aren't around most of the time. Give it time and I'm sure someone will help you.

If you understand the basic combat procedure then the rest is just imagination and verbal description of what is happening.

Once a combat starts make all initiative rolls. Then ask or say what a character does.

There are so many possible scenarios that giving precise details of everything it's almost impossible.

If you make a list of question of what do yo not understand or put a sample scenario then it will be easier for us (at least me) give you any help.

[MedievalMan]

Sorry for not responding earlier. I usually leave rules explanations to those who know what they are talking about

[JoeCarr28]

For a slightly different perspective on combat, perhaps one that is easier to visualise - with a more board-gamey, tactical feel - you could take a look at my "Combat with Floor Plans" supplement - you'll find it in the Showcase under Rules Supplements - http://www.basicfantasy.org/showcase.cgi. Even if you don't use it, it might help to illustrate/explain some of Basic Fantasy's combat principles.

[seandon4]

Hi davidi!

I am a little disappointed though that none of you more experienced BFRPG'ers have spoken up.

I almost replied a few days ago, but it really depends on what you're looking for exactly. If you want basic mechanics then the first few replies covered that already I think (Togo's and Hyway's posts are good summaries.) But like others have said there are so many possibilities, actions can get really imaginative: there is no specific rule for everything that can happen -- sometimes players will outsmart or trap enemies, trap them in a room with killer bees, get them drunk on spiked wine, etc; the others would have stories.

Good call on the Combat with Floor Plans. I was going to mention Quick Primer for Old School Gaming http://entertainment.lilithezine.com/Qu ... aming.html.

I've also used other systems in the past (such as Tunnels and Trolls, Microlite, etc) and for the most part they boil down to "pass or fail" dice rolls with varying likelihood. A simple attack roll, saving throw mechanic, ability check, or even just a range on a single six-sided die can cover a lot of ground.

I thought that was the benefit of this forum- to get to interact with people who have played this a lot and even helped design the rules.

If you have any specific questions about the situations outlined in the Encounter section of BFRPG core rules, I'm sure we'd be happy to discuss it, but you can always make rulings that differ from the rules as written too. For anything not covered in the core rules there might be a supplement for it. Regards

[dymondy2k]

Yeah plus I think when you've done it so long.. you just know. Then when you are asked to explain..you can't.