In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 760):
Ok, we will do that.
I can help with the Mass combat rules...the rules are summarized in my other game, the real question becomes one of the groups and the TS strengths, as well as the situation. Each unit is 10 men... and while this exclusively calls for Strategy rolls, given the sizes of the forces, tactics could substitute, since I do not have Strategy? Or can I get a point in it through training for this? Similarly for Intelligence Analysis...do I have someone skilled in that?
GURPS: Mass Combat:
Light Infantry (TL1): Swift-footed soldiers who would rather skirmish by throwing missiles, striking from ambush, or making hit-and-raid raids than stand and fight. They wear little to no armor, but may carry bucklers or small shields. Usual arms include clubs, darts, javelins, long knives, short spears, shortswords, shuriken, slings, and similar light “skirmish” weapons. This troop type also includes all bowmen and TL4 musketeers who don’t fire in massed formations, and most low-tech special-operations forces such as spies, assassins, and – in fantasy backgrounds – stealthy “little people” (halflings, gnomes, etc.).
Medium Infantry (TL1): Lightly armored or unarmored foot soldiers who fight in looser order than Heavy Infantry (below), but prefer melee fighting to skirmishing. Weapons are similar to those of Heavy Infantry, but shields and armor are lighter. This can also represent individualistic adventurers or assassins who prefer a stand-up fight and thus wouldn’t be classed as Light Infantry.
Bowmen (TL2): Soldiers trained to stand fast in formation and fire volleys with bows or crossbows. They usually carry swords or other sidearms, and will fight in melee if needed. On
the defensive, they sometimes make use of large shields, wooden stakes, or other cover.
Since there has been no mention of Horses or Cavalry, and this makes sense as these high value units, along with heavy infantry, would be the first taken by any liege heading off to war. Typically, in this situation, many draft horses and mules would also have been takes by the army and farmers would be left with the older animals and oxen. I would assume that in order to have more men, we would be bringing only Light and Medium Infantry, end even the sergeants may not have the heavy armour that would be needed for them to classify as heavy infantry.
So the units have the basic following stats:
Unit TS Class Move Weight Raise Main
Light Infantry 2 Rec Foot 1 $40k $8k
Medium Infantry 3 - Foot 1 $30k $6k
Bowmen 2 F Foot 1 $40k $8k
Troop Quality Table
Quality TS Modifier Raise Maintain
Elite +100% +200%* +40%
Good +50% +100%* +20%
Average +0% +0% +0%
Inferior -50% -50% -50%
Equipment Quality Table
Quality TS Modifier Raise Maintain
Very Fine +150% +200% +150%
Fine +100% +100% +100%
Good +50% +50% +50%
Basic +0% +0% +0%
Poor -25% -25% -25%
Hence the economic generals will quickly realise that Good or Fine equipment is cheaper than extra men, as they have the same strength but can be moved more easily. Similarly, Well trained troops, though more expensive initially, will be cheaper in a longer war...
GURPS: Mass Combat:
Elite: Picked troops, seasoned by a high proportion of combat veterans. Examples are special operators, elite guard units, and troops raised from childhood as full-time soldiers. This category can also include especially heroic or fierce creatures.
• Good: Long-service professional soldiers, or troops from warrior backgrounds that emphasis early and realistic combat training.
• Average: The mass of ordinary soldiers. This can include decently trained and led conscripts; long-service soldiers in a force with indifferent leadership, training, or morale; and enthusiastic and skilled part-time militia.
• Inferior: Soldiers in a military force that does little realistic training and has limited combat experience. The troops might on average be good, courageous fighters as individuals, but as a group they function at below-average levels, and their technical standards (e.g., for maintenance of gear) are often bad. This encompasses “police” or “parade ground” armies mostly designed for prestige and oppressing the populace; units of well-trained but unenthusiastic conscripts; and enthusiastic but very inexperienced troops. It also includes otherwise good forces that are badly led due to a shortage of professional NCOs, or that are hampered by endemic corruption, bullying, or political or religious interference, or by mixtures of troops that lack a common language.
Gear quality is self explanatory.
Combat starts with the Preparations, which we have role-played, followed by the recon contest, which I understand was the last one rolled.
