Combat Strategems by Intelligence - Revision history

Tao alexis: /* Horse */

2026-10-20T17:47:32Z

Horse

Tao alexis at 17:45, 20 October 2026

2026-10-20T17:45:16Z

Tao alexis: /* Magic */

2026-10-20T17:41:40Z

Magic

Tao alexis: /* Intelligence: 9 */

2026-10-20T17:36:31Z

Intelligence: 9

Tao alexis: /* Notes */

2026-10-20T16:54:28Z

Notes

Tao alexis: /* Intelligence: 8 */

2026-10-20T16:54:22Z

Intelligence: 8

Tao alexis: /* Intelligence 8 */

2026-10-20T15:18:17Z

Intelligence 8

Tao alexis: /* Intelligence 8 */

2026-10-20T14:28:04Z

Intelligence 8

Tao alexis: /* Intelligence: 7 */

2026-10-20T14:25:38Z

Intelligence: 7

Tao alexis: /* Intelligence: 6 */

2026-10-20T14:22:40Z

Intelligence: 6

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 === Horse ===
-'''Lancers''' can make their attack and then remain mounted in melee, attacking from horse for one round; thereafter, they must retreat or dismount to continue fighting. If a retreat is made, the pattern of lance, attack for a round and retreat can be repeated time after time.
+'''Lancers''' can make their attack and then remain mounted in melee, attacking from horse for one round; thereafter, they must retreat or dismount to continue fighting. If a retreat is made, the pattern of lance, attack for a round and retreat can be repeated time after time. The limitation on attacking exists in part because the mounted rider does not possess a weapon that can be used from horseback without potentially injuring the horse's head.
 '''Horse archers''' can bring about their horses to a position, where they are able to stop and shoot; they cannot engage in fire while moving, but can change their positions upon the field of battle otherwise.

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 [[File:Field Lessons in Goblin Tactics.jpg|right|525px|thumb]]
 '''Combat Stragegems by Intelligence''' is a list of combat design parameters that determine which weapons, formations, coordinated actions, fortifications, siege engines and forms of magical support a group of combatants can employ. These parameters establish the sophistication of the group's preparations and fighting methods, giving the dungeon master a repertoire appropriate to the minds directing the fight. This page discusses only battle tactics involving employed weapons, excluding tactics that relate to a creature's natural bodily weapons.
-__TOC__
+<div class="toc-two-columns"> __TOC__ </div>
 It is presumed that tactical methods and the availability of weapons are limited by a creature's [[Intelligence (ability stat)|intelligence]]. Making a weapon requires an understanding of its construction, while employing it effectively requires an understanding of its use. Coordinating groups with different weapons demands an understanding of how their actions support one another. More demanding stratagems require combatants to anticipate an enemy's response and organise their own actions accordingly. Intelligence also limits the construction of defences, devices and vehicles, each of which makes further strategies and tactics possible. Higher intelligence creatures possessed of skill in [[Instruction (sage study)|Instruction]] can enable creatures of less intelligence to use a better weapon, as will be explained; but it would still require sufficient knowledge, skill and ability to make that weapon at all.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:41, 20 October 2026
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	Levels above 1st are determined by a d6; on a 6, increase their level by one and roll again. Continue adding one level for each consecutive 6, stopping when a roll produces 1–5.		Levels above 1st are determined by a d6; on a 6, increase their level by one and roll again. Continue adding one level for each consecutive 6, stopping when a roll produces 1–5.
		+
		+	=== Waterborne Tactics ===
		+	Simple sailing ships employing one sail may be used as raiding vessels by coastal pirates. The tactic is to land at one chosen point, keeping the boat afloat while wading in shore or exploiting a quay; taking accessible goods, livestock or captives, with the withdrawal beginning once they had secured their goods aboard, even under fire; should melee occur, goods will be abandoned and a withdrawal immediately made. All raiders will be able to [[Swimming (sage ability)\|swim]].

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==

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 == Intelligence: 9 ==
 '''Weapons''' include those that introduce a more demanding blade construction, adding the [[Battle Axe (weapon)|battle axe]], [[Short Sword (weapon)|short sword]] and [[Broadsword (weapon)|broadsword]]; the heavier mass of a [[Morning Star (weapon)|morning star]] over the lesser mace; and the [[Trident (weapon)|trident]], with its short reach and superior attack over the spear. The long bow presents itself as a better, stronger alternative to the short bow.
 == Notes ==

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 == Notes ==
 === weapons ===
-Intelligence 9: battle axe, longbow, bola, staff sling, morning star, glaive, short sword, broad sword and trident. These introduce more demanding blade construction, multiple striking or catching features and greater control over a missile's release.
+Intelligence 10: ankus, flail, horse flail, glaive, guisarme, halberd, pike, lance, scimitar, long sword, warhammer and whip. Here the demands include specialised hooks and striking surfaces, flexible weapons, extended reach and mounted employment. The pike's placement reflects its employment as a military weapon, including the coordination that makes its length useful.
 Intelligence 11: light crossbow, heavy crossbow, corseque, bastard sword and two-handed sword. Crossbows introduce a constructed mechanism for holding and releasing the shot; the swords require the manufacture and handling of substantial blades. The corseque belongs here provisionally as a specialised, multi-bladed polearm.

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 == Intelligence: 8 ==
-'''Weapons''' include those with an iron head or short blade, including the [[Short Axe (tool)|short]] or [[Hand Axe (weapon)|hand axe]], the [[Short Hammer (tool)|short hammer]], the [[Mace (weapon)|mace]] and the [[Dagger (weapon)|dagger]]. The [[Bow (weapon)|short bow]] improves upon the primitive bow. The [[Maul (weapon)|maul]], using a heavy wooden mass as the head, is also available.
+'''Weapons''' include those with an iron head or short blade, adding the [[Short Axe (tool)|short]] or [[Hand Axe (weapon)|hand axe]], the [[Short Hammer (tool)|short hammer]], the [[Mace (weapon)|mace]] and the [[Dagger (weapon)|dagger]]. The [[Bow (weapon)|short bow]] improves upon the primitive bow. The [[Maul (weapon)|maul]], using a heavy wooden mass as the head, is also available.
 '''Order of battle''' permits separate bodies of combatants into distinct roles, such as "archers," "foot soldiers" or "skirmishers." The horse becomes a battle unit, permitting the presence of "lancers" who employ straightforward mounted spear attacks and then withdraw — but not horse archers or "cavaliers." Missile combatants are arranged upon positions to fire upon an enemy engaged by foot, in a continuous manner, with openings exploited by lancers.
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 '''War Dogs''' can be [[Canine Handling II (sage ability)|handled by advanced keepers]], guarding missile troops, attacking enemies that approach or pursuing fleeing opponents while the main force holds its position. Reliable recall is part of the sage ability.
 == Notes ==

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 :'''Sage abilities''': [[Construct Bivouac (sage ability)|construct bivouac]], [[Make Fire (sage ability)|make fire]], [[Set Snares (sage ability)|set snares]], [[Stealth (sage ability)|stealth]], [[Tracking (sage ability)|tracking]]
-== Intelligence 8 ==
+== Intelligence: 8 ==
 '''Weapons''' include those with an iron head or short blade, including the [[Short Axe (tool)|short]] or [[Hand Axe (weapon)|hand axe]], the [[Short Hammer (tool)|short hammer]], the [[Mace (weapon)|mace]] and the [[Dagger (weapon)|dagger]]. The [[Bow (weapon)|short bow]] improves upon the primitive bow. The [[Maul (weapon)|maul]], using a heavy wooden mass as the head, is also available.

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	'''Discipline''' permits melee combatants to focus rigorously upon holding "a line of battle," foregoing opportunities to attack if that would mean breaking the line; additionally, those at the ends will strive to break around an enemy in order to flank and encircle them, especially in wide open spaces. This discipline contributes to the tactic of '''withdrawal''', where each unit holds the enemy while others withdraw, following in their turn. The group preserves its separate roles while disengaging, while those left at the end may willingly sacrifice themselves to aid in their companions escaping.		'''Discipline''' permits melee combatants to focus rigorously upon holding "a line of battle," foregoing opportunities to attack if that would mean breaking the line; additionally, those at the ends will strive to break around an enemy in order to flank and encircle them, especially in wide open spaces. This discipline contributes to the tactic of '''withdrawal''', where each unit holds the enemy while others withdraw, following in their turn. The group preserves its separate roles while disengaging, while those left at the end may willingly sacrifice themselves to aid in their companions escaping.
		+
		+	'''War Dogs''' can be [[Canine Handling II (sage ability)\|handled by advanced keepers]], guarding missile troops, attacking enemies that approach or pursuing fleeing opponents while the main force holds its position. Reliable recall is part of the sage ability.

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:25, 20 October 2026
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	The '''ambush''' incorporates the group concealing itself beside an expected approach, waiting until the enemy is close enough before attacking. Then the missile screen above is employed, with the group then rushing into melee together.		The '''ambush''' incorporates the group concealing itself beside an expected approach, waiting until the enemy is close enough before attacking. Then the missile screen above is employed, with the group then rushing into melee together.
		+
		+	'''Dogs''' can be [[Canine Handling I (sage ability)\|handled]] according to what is permitted by the link, particularly managed before attacks; they may also be muzzled to permit use in an ambush.

	:'''Sage abilities''': [[Construct Bivouac (sage ability)\|construct bivouac]], [[Make Fire (sage ability)\|make fire]], [[Set Snares (sage ability)\|set snares]], [[Stealth (sage ability)\|stealth]], [[Tracking (sage ability)\|tracking]]		:'''Sage abilities''': [[Construct Bivouac (sage ability)\|construct bivouac]], [[Make Fire (sage ability)\|make fire]], [[Set Snares (sage ability)\|set snares]], [[Stealth (sage ability)\|stealth]], [[Tracking (sage ability)\|tracking]]

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 '''Hurling''' the javelin, club, spear or stone permits the introduction of a "missile-led assault," in which each member of the group throws ready weapons (a stone at the bare minimum) before closing into according the practice of mob tactics. This added sequence permits attacks at a greater range before closing, permitting the group to give ground, reacquire weapons to throw from a cache and re-engaging, rather than strict melee fighting until fleeing for survival.
-:'''Sage abilities''': [[On Guard (sage ability)|on guard]], [[Scrambling (sage ability)|scrambling]].
+Advancement into combat by '''boat''', in keeping with primitive [[Boatbuilding (sage ability)|boatbuilding]], permits landings upon shores and then retreat again by boat as a means of raiding. '''Dogs''' figure into defense as camp animals whose barking warns of an enemy approach.
 == Intelligence: 7 ==