Combat Example
Location – The boiling pools of the Temple of Chardron.
Heinrich’s men (about 11 of them) stand on pathways amidst boiling pools of superheated, sulphurous water that are spread around the temple floor leading to a vine covered stone bridge over a chasm upon which stands Heinrich himself (the Nazi servant of the Outer gods). Behind Heinrich, sitting upon the dais in the temple sanctuary, is a huge, sanity shattering monster of twisted flesh – the current avatar of Heinrich’s masters. The ceiling, up to the bridge, is covered in hanging gibbets (swinging on chains) containing the bones of the long dead. Many of them hang so low that they swing at approximately knee height. The bridge is covered in vines, many of which hang down into the chasm that it spans. Huge stone spears and swords ring the dais on which the monster pulses and undulates.
Our heroes include Jake Stead, Malefice (Mistress of the mystic arts), Dr Herbivore, and The Blue Wren (Masked Woman of Mystery).
Villains
Heinrich’s men (11 wound points pool – hence about 11 of them) (novice -2 to rolls)
Heinrich (22 wound points) (Skilled +2 to rolls)
The avatar of the outer Gods (17 wound points) – Its wound points are only this low because it gets four attacks per phase. (Elite + 5 to rolls)
Protagonists
Jake (10 wound points)
Malefice (8 wound points)
Dr Herbivore (8 wound points)
The Blue Wren (8 wound points)
Round 1
1. Roll initiative
The Blue Wren 1
Heinrich’s Men 3
Malefice 3
Dr Herbivore 4
Jake 5
The tie between Heinrich’s men and Malefice is resolved in Malefice’s favour.
Phase 1 combat (Heinrich’s henchman come into play).
Jake’s action
Three of Heinrich’s men are charging down a narrow path between boiling pools in order to attack Jake.
Jake elects a standard attack.
He is using a gun (this gives him 3 damage and allows him to target 3 or less henchmen if he wishes).
Jake describes his action; “I try to gun down one of the henchmen in order to crash him into two more taking them all into the boiling water where they die screaming.”
Jake rolls 9 (+3) (+1 for using the environment in his description) = 13 a hit.
Jake rolls 4 on 1d6 indicating non critical damage.
Jake earns 2 action tokens (for description in standard combat).
Henchmen pool is reduced from 11 to 8.
Dr Herbivore’s Action
Three other thugs take up a defensive position among the gibbets.
Dr Herbivore elects a targeted attack and holds his action for a phase.
Malefice’s Action
Three more thugs rush towards Malefice, quickly covering the unveven ground and will soon be in melee range.
Malefice has chosen a frenzied attack.
She is using a revolver (which does 3 damage)
She describes her action; “leaping up onto one of the gibbets to get a clearer shot I open fire on the nearest of Heinrich’s men”.
Malefice rolls 18 (-2 frenzied) (+4) (+1 for using the environment in her description) = 21 a hit.
Malefice rolls 5 on id6 indicating non-critical damage.
Malefice earns 1 action token (for description in frenzied combat).
Henchmen pool is reduced from 8 to 5
Henchmens’ action
The henchmen regroup so that two are facing each Player character.
Heinrich’s men attack (pool 8) in standard fashion
Two will attack each character with pistols (doing damage 3).
Against Jake
The henchmen take cover behind the gibbets and fire at Jake.
Henchman #1 rolls 11 (-2 novice) = 9 a miss.
Henchman #2 rolls 13 (-2 novice) = 11 a miss.
Against Dr Herbivore
From their places behind the gibbets they open fire on Dr Herbivore.
Henchman #3 rolls 16 (-2 novice) = 14 a hit.
Dr Herbivore takes 3 damage.
Henchman #4 rolls 6 (-2 novice) = 4 a miss.
Against Malefice
The henchman charge in firing at Malefice.
Henchman #5 rolls 19 (-2 novice) = 17 a hit.
Malefice takes 3 points of piercing damage.
Henchman #6 rolls 7 (-2 novice) = 5 a miss.
Against the Blue Wren
Firing from behind the gibbets the henchmen attempt to circle around behind the Blue Wren.
Henchman #7 rolls 15 (-2 novice) = 13 a hit.
The Blue Wren rolls 11 (+1) for dodge = 12 a success (and takes only 1 point of piercing damage).
Henchman #8 rolls 8 (-2 novice) = 6 a miss.
The Blue Wren’s Action
Phase 1 is complete.
At the end of phase 1
Jake has 10 wound points and 2 action tokens
Dr Herbivore has 5 wound points
Malefice has 5 wound points and 1 action token
The Blue Wren has 5 wound points
Heinrch’s men have a pool of 8 wound points
Phase 2 begins.
Jake’s action
Jake is not acting this phase.
Dr Herbivore’s action
The attackers are difficult to see behind their cover but Dr Herbivore’s attack is targeted and he has been lining them up.
He brings his elephant gun to bear (which can do 3 damage).
Dr Herbivore describes his action; “I aim up into the ceiling at a chain holding a gibbet over a cluster of our enemies and fire in order to bring it down and crush them beneath it”.
Dr Herbivore rolls 10 (+3 ranged) (+2 targeted) (+ 1 for using the environment in the description) = 16 a hit.
Dr Herbivore rolls 6 on 1d6 (critical).
GM’s description – “The gibbet crashes down causeing a cascade that crushes three of Heinrich’s men but also collapses a path that tumbles three more into the boiling pools.”
Dr Herbivore earns 2 action tokens (for description in targeted combat).
The henchmen pool is reduced to 2.
Malefice’s action
Malefice has chosen a frenzied attack.
She is using her revolver (which does 3 damage).
Malefice describes her action; “Leaping to another gibbet I fire off another shot on the move trying to keep the chains between me and my opponents”.
Malefice rolls 3 (+4 gun) (-2 frenzied) (+1 for description) = 6 a miss.
Malefice earns 1 action token (for description in frenzied combat).
Henchmens’ action
Heinrich’s remaining men are not acting this phase. They remain partially obscured by cover as they continue to circle the Blue Wren.
The Blue Wren’s action
The Blue Wren’s attack is targeted.
She brings her Lee Enfield to bear (which does 3 damage).
The Blue Wren describes her action; “I line up the last 2 of the soldiers and fire, aiming to hit them consecutively in the throat”.
The Blue Wren rolls 15 (+3 rifle) (+2 targeted) no environment bonus = 20 a hit.
The Blue Wren rolls 4 on 1d6 normal damage.
The Blue Wren earns 2 action tokens (for description in targeted combat).
The henchmen pool is reduced to -1 (henchman are destroyed at 0).
Phase 2 is complete
At the end of phase 2
Jake has 10 wound points and 2 action tokens
Dr Herbivore has 5 wound points and 2 action tokens
Malefice has 5 wound points and 2 action tokens
The Blue Wren has 5 wound points and 2 action tokens
Heinrich’s men have been destroyed.
Phase 3 begins
(Heinrich comes into play maintaining the villain’s initiative and completing the existing villain’s combat action)
The GM sets the scene. “His men all too easily despatched, Heinrich, wearing the robes of a priest of the outer gods, stands at the entrance to the bridge barring the way with his sword at his belt and a pistol in his right hand. He is preparing his first shot.
Jake’s action
Jake elects a standard attack.
He is using a pistol (that does 3 damage).
Jake describes his action; “Now the henchmen are out of the way I join Malefice atop the gibbets and run forward firing upon Heinrich himself”.
Nick rolls 15 (+3 guns) (+1 for using the environment in his description) = 19 a hit.
Nick rolls 2 on 1d6 indicating non critical damage.
Nick earns 2 action tokens (for description in standard combat).
Heinrich is reduced from 22 to 19 wound points.
Dr Herbivore’s action
Dr Herbivore elects a targeted attack and holds his action for a phase.
Malefice’s action
Malefice has chosen a frenzied attack.
She is using her revolver (which does 3 damage).
Malefice describes her action; “running along the gibbets with Nick I fire away at Heinrich”.
Malefice rolls 13 (-2 frenzied) (+4 gun) (+1 for using the environment in his description) = 16 a hit.
Malefice rolls 1 on id6 indicating non-critical damage
Malefice earns 1 action token (for description in frenzied combat).
Heinrich is reduced from 19 to 15 wound points.
Heinrich’s action
Heinrich enters the combat.
The GM describes his action; “Seeing the two heroes coming towards him over the gibbets he fires up at one of the chains hoping to drop Jake into a pool of boiling water”.
He is using his gun but the damage will be distributed by clubbing damage from the fall (2) and scalding damage (4) from the pool (total 6 points).
Heinrich rolls 3 (+2 as a skilled opponent) (+1 for using the environment in the description) = 6 a miss.
Heinrich earns 2 action tokens (for description in standard combat).
The Blue Wren’s action
The Blue Wren does not act this phase.
Phase 3 is complete
At the end of phase 3
Jake has 10 wound points and 4 action tokens
Dr Herbivore has 5 wound points and 2 action tokens
Malefice has 5 wound points and 3 action tokens
The Blue Wren has 5 wound points and 2 action tokens
Heinrich has 16 wound points and 2 action tokens
Phase 4 begins
Jake’s action
Jake takes no action this phase
Dr Herbivore’s action
Heinrich’s attempt to bring down the gibbets and dump his friends in the boiling pools galvanizes Dr Herbivore into action.
Dr Herbivore’s attack is targeted.
He brings his elephant gun to bear (3 damage).
Dr Herbivore describes his action; “Racing through the forest of chains and gibbets I place myself where I can take careful aim and disarm Heinrich”.
Dr Herbivore rolls 11 (+3 elephant gun) (+2 targeted) (+ 1 for using the environment in the description) = 17 a hit.
Dr Herbivore rolls 4 on 1d6 non critical.
Heinrich attempts to dodge but his right hand is now useless (the gun dangling limply in his hand).
Dr Herbivore earns 2 action tokens (for description in targeted combat).
Heinrich is reduced from 16 to 12 wound points and draws his saber with his left hand.
Malefice’s action
Malefice’s attack is frenzied.
Now that Heinrich has been disarmed she will attempt to use her pistol as a club (2 damage).
Malefice describes her action; “I leap from the gibbets to the bridge and grabbing onto a vine to anchor myself I swing my gun, pistol-whip style, at Heinrich.
Malefice rolls 9 (+1 melee) (-2 frenzied) (+1 using environment in the description) = 9 miss.
Malefice spends a hero point to re-roll.
Malefice rolls 14 (+1 melee) (-2 frenzied) (+1 using environment in description) = 14 hit.
Malefice rolls 6 on 1d6 = critical damage (4).
Malefice earns 1 action token (for description in frenzied combat).
Heinrich is reduced from 12 to 8 wound points.
Heinrich’s action
Heinrich takes no action this phase but staggers from the punishment he has received thus far.
The Blue Wren’s action
The Blue Wren’s attack is targeted.
The Blue Wren switches to her bayonet (3 damage).
The Blue Wren describes her action; “Seeing that Heinrich is armed only with a sabre I fix a bayonet to my Enfield and leap up onto the bridge thrusting the blade forward to attack his right leg”.
The Blue Wren rolls 11 (+2 melee) (+2 targeted) (no environment bonus since it is not being used) = 15 a hit.
The Blue Wren rolls 2 on 1d6 for standard damage.
A successful consequence roll preserves his leg for use..
The Blue Wren earns 2 action tokens (for description in targeted action).
Heinrich is reduced from 8 to 6 wound points.
Phase 4 is complete
At the end of phase 4
Jake has 10 wound points and 4 action tokens
Dr Herbivore has 5 wound points and 4 action tokens
Malefice has 5 wound points and 4 action tokens
The Blue Wren has 5 wound points and 4 action tokens
Heinrich is reduced to 6 wound points, has two action tokens, and has lost the use of his right hand.
With phase 4 complete the current round is brought to an end.
Round 2
Initiative
Heinrich 6
Dr Herbivore 5 (roll off 4)
The Blue Wren 5 (roll off 2)
Jake 4 (roll off 4)
Malefice 4 (roll off 3)
Dr Herbivore and the Blue Wren rolled the same number (5) and rolled again to see which of them would go first.
Jake and Malefice both rolled a 4 and did likewise.
Phase 1 begins
Heinrich’s action
Heinrich appears seriously injured and holds his sabre clumsily.
Heinrich makes a targeted attack using his sabre (3 damage) against the Blue Wren.
The GM describes his action;. “Heinrich grasps one of the vines and swinging off the side of the bridge uses the momentum to bring himself back around in a sweeping attack at the Blue Wren’s forward arm.”
Heinrich rolls 11 (+2 skilled) (+2 targeted) (+1 description bonus) = 16 a hit.
Heinrich rolls 5 on 1d6 (normal damage) and 6 on a 1d6 consequence roll = a critical hit on the targeted weapon..
The Blue Wren takes 1 point of damage and her rifle spins away into the abyss (landing precariously on a ledge some thirty feet away on the far wall) but her hand, while injured, can still be used. (NB. When a character aims to disable and gets a critical hit the targeted character loses any weapon they are holding while retaining the use of the targeted limb etc.)
Doctor Herbivore’s action
Doctor Herbivore elects to use a targeted attack and does not act this phase.
The Blue Wren’s action
The Blue Wren also elects to use a targeted attack and does not act this phase.
Jake’s action
Jake chooses to attack in a standard manner.
Jake is fighting hand to hand (and can do 1 point of damage).
Jake describes his action; “Running along the bridge’s guard rail I swing my boot at Heinrich.
Jake rolls 13 (+1 melee) (+1 for description) = 15 hit.
Jake rolls 4 on 1d6 = normal damage.
Jake earns 2 action tokens.
Heinrich is reduced from 7 to 6 wound points.
Malefice’s action
Malefice chooses to attack in a frenzied manner.
Malefice wants to change his attack to allow her to employ bashing damage from a rock (2 points).
Malefice describes her action; “I grab a large (Fist-sized) rock from the rubble nearby and, tying a length of vine to it, swing it like a flail at Heinrich”.
Malefice rolls 13 (+1) (-2 frenzied) (+1 environment description) = 13 a hit. She rolls 5 on 1d6 = normal damage.
Heinrich takes 2 points of damage and is reduced from 5 to 3 wound points.
. Malefice earns 1 action token (for description in frenzy).
Phase 1 is complete
At the end of phase 1
Jake has 10 wound points and 6 action tokens
Dr Herbivore has 5 wound points and 4 action tokens
Malefice has 5 wound points and 5 action tokens
The Blue Wren has 5 wound points and 4 action tokens
Heinrich has 3 wound points and 2 action tokens.
Phase 2 begins
Heinrich’s action
No action this phase.
Doctor Herbivore’s action
Doctor Herbivore attacks.
He wishes to use the water in the boiling pool to attack (4 points scalding damage).
Doctor Herbivore describes his action; “Grabbing a helmet from one of the defeated henchmen I fill it with boiling water from a pool and run to the bridge hurling it at the face of Heinrich”.
Doctor Herbivore rolls 6 (+2 ranged) (+2 targeted) (+1 environment bonus) = 11 a miss.
Doctor Herbivore earns 2 action tokens (for description in targeted).
Heinrich remains at 3 wound points.
The Blue Wren’s action
The Blue Wren attacks.
She draws her own sabre (3 damage).
The Blue Wren describes her action; “Taking up a traditional fighters stance I lunge forward along the bridge trying to disarm my opponent”.
The Blue Wren rolls 4 (+2 fencing) (+2 targeted) (no environment bonus) = 6 a hit.
The Blue Wren earns 2 action tokens.
Heinrich remains at 3 wound points.
Jake’s action
Jake has no attack this phase.
Malefice’s action
Malefice attacks using her improvised flail (2 damage)
Malefice cashes in 5 tokens to do extra damage.
Malefice describes her action; “Swinging my improvised flail in a figure of eight I move in and try to entangle Heinrich’s legs.”
Malefice rolls 6 (+1) (-2 frenzied) (+1 environment bonus) = 5 miss.
Malefice chooses to spend a hero point to reroll.
Malefice rolls 14 (+1 melee) (-2 frenzied) (+1 environment bonus) = 14 a hit.
Heinrich is entangled.
Malefice earns 1 action token for description.
Double damage is applied for cashing in tokens.
Heinrich is reduced to -1 wound points from the extra damage and tumbles off the edge of the bridge into the abyss, his final wail – “I must protect my Master….”.
Phase 2 is complete
At the end of phase 2
Jake has 10 wound points and 6 action tokens
Dr Herbivore has 5 wound points and 6 action tokens
Malefice has 5 wound points and 1 action token
The Blue Wren has 4 wound points and 6 action tokens
Heinrich is dead.
Phase 3 begins (The avatar of the outer gods comes into play)
Avatar’s action
The monster goes first (it has four attacks with tentacles and huge stone swords (3 damage)).
The GM describes the Avatar’s action; “From high on the dais there is activity. Seeing its high priest relegated to the abyss, the huge avatar of the outer gods rolls forward extruding a multitude of tentacles, gripping and drawing forth four huge stone swords from the dozens that are surrounding the dais. It wields them by passing them from tentacle to tentacle in a spinning vortex of death. It rises up hugely above you, hesitating at the edge of the bridge, and strikes.”
Against Dr Herbivore
Tentacle #1 rolls 8 (+5 elite) (+1 environment bonus) = hit.
Tentacle #1 rolls 3 on 1 d6 normal damage.
Dr Herbivore 3 points damage reducing him to 2 points.
Against the Blue Wren
Tentacle #2 rolls 16 (+5 elite) (+1 environment bonus) = hit.
Tentacle #2 rolls 5 on 1d6 normal damage.
The Blue Wren takes 3 points of damage leaving her with 1 point.
Against Jake
Tentacle #3 rolls 13 (+5) (+1) = hit.
Tentacle #3 rolls 3 on 1d6 normal damage.
Jake takes 3 points of damage leaving him with 7.
Against Malefice
Tentacle #4 rolls 17 (+5) (=22) = hit.
Tentacle #4 rolls 3 on 1d6 normal damage.
Malefice takes 3 points of damage leaving her with 2 points.
The Avatar earns 2 action tokens.
Doctor Herbivore’s action
Doctor Herbivore has no action this phase
The Blue Wren’s action
The Blue Wren has no action this phase
Jake’s action
Jake withdraws from the bridge calling out “its too heavy to cross after us – we can pick it off at a distance”.
He attacks with his pistols (which do 3 damage).
Jake cashes in 5 action tokens to do extra damage.
Jake describes his action; “I pull back amongst the hanging gibbets and, using them for cover, open fire on the thing.”
Jake rolls 10 (+3 guns) (+1 environment) = 14 hit.
Jake rolls 1 on 1d6 normal damage.
Damage is doubled by the action tokens spent.
The Avatar is reduced from 17 to 11 wound points.
Jake earns 2 action tokens.
Malefice’s action
Malefice withdraws across the bridge firing up at the beast (to do 3 damage).
Malefice describes her action; “I leap backwards, sliding down the bridge on my back and firing up at the beast as I roll away to reach a safe distance”.
Malefice rolls 10 (+4 guns) (-2 frenzied) (+1 environment bonus) = a hit.
Malefice rolls 4 on 1d6 normal damage.
The Avatar is reduced from 11 to 8 wound points.
Malefice earns 1 action token.
Phase 3 is complete
At the end of phase 3
Jake has 7 wound points and 3 action tokens.
Dr Herbivore has 2 wound points and 6 action tokens.
The Blue Wren has 1 wound points and 6 action tokens.
Malefice has 2 wound points and 1 action token.
The Avatar has 8 wound points and 2 action tokens. (NB- action tokens are not transferable between monsters).
Phase 4 begins
Avatar’s action
The monster strikes again.
GM describes this action; “The creature, sensing the attempt to get out of range, drops two of the swords with a crash and starts ripping up the masonry of the dais to launch at the intruders”.
Against Dr Herbivore
Tentacle #1 (with sword 3 damage) rolls 3 (+5 elite) (+1 environment bonus) = 9 a miss.
Against the Blue Wren
Tentacle #2 (with sword 3 damage) rolls 9 (+5 elite) (+1 environment bonus) = 15 a hit.
Tentacle #2 rolls 6 on 1d6 and applies double damage.
The blow is lethal and gives the Blue Wren the chance for one final heroic action.
Against Jake
Tentacle #3 (with rock 2 damage) rolls 13 (+5 elite) (+1 environment bonus) = 19 hit.
Jake takes 2 damage reducing him to 5 points.
Against Malefice
Tentacle #3 (with rock 2 damage) rolls 5 (+5 elite) (+1 environment bonus) = 11 miss.
Doctor Herbivore’s action
Doctor Herbivore, using the elephant gun, attacks (3 damage).
Dr Herbivore cashes in 5 action tokens to do extra damage.
Dr Herbivore describes his action; (“I aim carefully at one of the creature’s tentacles that are holding a sword. I use the curve of the bridge for cover and fire”.
Dr Periodical rolls 10 (+3 gun) (+2 targeted) (+1 environment bonus) = 16 a hit.
Dr Periodical rolls 1 on d6 – normal damage.
The creature drops its sword and takes double (6 pts) damage.
The Avatar is reduced from 8 to 2 wound points and Dr Periodical earns 2 action tokens.
The Blue Wren’s action
The Blue Wren (suffering from a lethal wound) undertakes her final heroic action.
GM description “The stone sword effectively pins you to the bridge and, knowing you are about to die, you have time for one last action”.
The Blue Wren describes her final heroic action; : “I reach for Dr Herbivore’s Elephant Gun. “My mother’s rifle is in the ravine… see (cough) that it’s returned to her (cough cough).” I aim up into the ceiling of the temple and fire, hoping to strike a weak point and bring the temple down on the creature’s head.”
The Blue Wren rolls 11 (+2 gun) (+2 targeted) (+1 description bonus) = 16 a hit.
GM Description (addressed to the Blue Wren) : “The roof comes crashing in on the creature burying it. With satisfaction you note its last twitches before it lies still, green fluid bubbling from its ruined remains. Then, the last of your own life’s blood spent, you breathe once, and pass beyond this world.”
Phase 4 ends and so does combat
At the end of the combat
The Avatar, Heinrich, and his henchmen are dead.
Jake has 5 wound points and 3 action tokens
Dr Herbivore has 2 wound points and 3 action tokens.
The Blue Wren is dead, having brought an end to the threat within the Temple of Chadron.
Malefice has 2 wound points and 1 action token.
NEXT TIME: An example of magical combat involving special powers and abilities.
This chapter of the Host Your Own Old Time Radio Drama RPG and all associated content (except where acknowledged) is © copyright weirdworldstudios.com and Philip Craig Robotham 1997 and may not be reproduced or distributed without the written permission of the author.
HYOOTRD Roleplaying Game – Players’ Guide
- Chapter 1 – What is Roleplaying?
- Chapter 2 – Preparation for Play (What you’ll need and an introduction to the World of Radio Adventure)
- Chapter 3 – Creating a Character – Part 1 – Introduction and Character sheet
- Chapter 3 – Creating a Character – Part 2 – Specialities, Archetypes, Base Attributes and Derived Attributes
- Chapter 3 – Creating a Character – Part 3 – Character background and history
- Chapter 3 – Creating a Character – Part 4 – Character skills and equipment (including weapons, vehicles, and specialist gear)
- Chapter 3 – Creating a Character – Part 5 – Special items and abilities (including gadgeteering, weird science, and magic)
- Chapter 3 – Creating a Character – Part 6 – Special conditions effecting characters (including illness and injury, insanity, mutation, mechanization, undeath, disembodiment, reanimation, , vampirism, lycanthropy, and necrophagy)
- Chapter 4 – Getting Things Done – Part 1 – Skill types and skill ranks
- Chapter 4 – Getting Things Done – Part 2 – Consequence tests, perception, contests, special skills and abilities, hero points and skill advancement
- Chapter 5 – Combat – Part 1 – Melee and ranged combat, combat actions, the combat board, and a combat cheat sheet
- Chapter 5 – Combat – Part 2 – Print and play components
- Chapter 5 – Combat – Part 3 – Physical combat (melee and ranged combat) example
- Chapter 5 – Combat – Part 4 – Magical combat example
- Chapter 5 – Combat – Part 5 – Vehicular combat example, injury, and recovery
- Chapter 6 – Chases – Part 1 – Chases and chase actions
- Chapter 6 – Chases – Part 2 – Chase example
- Chapter 7 – Death-traps, hazards, and puzzles
- Chapter 8 – Victory and death – Heroic deaths, cheating the odds, plot devices, experience and advancement
