(03-31-2016, 01:37 PM)unclemike Wrote: The Shield spell, brigade special effects (like Northmen in winter), and other protection-oriented items (like Standard of Valor) now consider the defense factor of the troops for their bonus. In other words, the stronger the troop's defense is within the group, the greater the benefit that the protection will provide. So a Red Dragon wizard casting the shield spell would provide more protection than another kingdom at the same wizard level due to the toughness of the RD troops.
Here's an actual example of the shield spell's usefulness in a battle between the HA and TY.
The HA group was a bit smaller, about 80% combat value of the other, with a pwr-3 (cast valor) while the TY group had three pwr-4's (all cast shield). Combined with presence, that's
18 wizard levels of shielding! Normally, that alone would provide solid protection for a group but that benefit is now greater since it's based upon the defense rating of the troops themselves. The TY force comprised mainly of Ogres, Trolls, and Hill Giants (the best companion troop types around).
Halfling Tyrant
Commanders
Warlord Abor the Slinger Grand Marshal Huka Gorebuster
Lord Commander Sam Longknife Grand Marshal One Eyed Drog
Commander Tom Tumbustle Marshal Snorg
Wizards
Power-3 Haze of Shire Power-4 Fire Eye
Power-4 Greensmoke
Power-4 Pale Hunter
Brigades
2 Halflings Veteran 4 Tyrant Veteran
2 Centaurs Veteran 4 Tyrant Regular
3 Zamorans Veteran 3 Hill Giants Regular
2 Centaurs Regular 2 Trolls Veteran
2 Zamorans Regular 1 Trolls Regular
3 Westmen Veteran 3 Ogres Elite
1 Westmen Regular 1 Ogres Veteran
2 Westmen Green 1 Ogres Regular
Combat Factors
Renowned Leaders Excellent Leaders
Tactical Selection
Determined Attack Standard Battle Plan
The 1st Halfling morale was boosted due to the valor of the Zamoran brigades. When the sun
had risen to its highest point, with a unintentional high pitched cry from its officer in
charge, the 1st Halfling army group leapt ahead to engage the advancing lines of the 1st
Tyrant army group under Grand Marshal Huka Gorebuster. Knowing that their liege had
declared the Tyrant to be an enemy of their kingdom's ideals, the Halfling troops were
noticably energized and benefited from increased morale as they prepared to battle their
declared enemy! Aware of the political situation that had declared the Halfling to be an
enemy of their interests, the Tyrant troops were noticably energized and gained a morale
boost as they prepared to engage their declared enemy! Across the field, the Tyrant's
forces saw the banner of the Halfling 1st group, it's chosen. The Tyrant fielded its
pride: its 1st group. As the attackers swept over the rolling plains, the first missiles
sang out.
- Archers -
The long range Halfling skilled slingers and the short bows and mercenary missilers of the
Tyrant force initiated their attack. The large shields of the Westmen troops within the
1st Halfling reduced opposing missile damage. The Halfling forces caused minor losses upon
the Tyrant ranks as the Tyrant claimed light damage to their foes. Short range missilers
from both sides stepped forward and let loose a volley of arrows. The Halfling lines
caused light casualties upon the Tyrant lines and, in return, the Tyrant claimed minor
casualties to their enemy.
- Magic -
Halfling conjurers dismounted barely beyond the range of defending bowmen and began an
incomprehensible incantation. Haze of Shire's presence was evident. Blinding light shot
forth from him. Power-3 wizard Haze of Shire while seemingly detached from all else,
seemed to draw within himself and began to incant. A light sparkling mist seemed to fall
briefly over the troops, and then they grew clearly more intrepid. To the satisfaction of
their foes, the Tyrant forces succumbed to greater than expected losses by the magical
attacks cast against them due to their vulnerability to battle magic. Tyrant wizards
dismounted barely beyond the range of defending bowmen and began an incomprehensible
spell. Fire Eye's presence was noted. Earth tremors shot forth from him. Power-4 wizard
Fire Eye while seemingly detached from all else, seemed to draw within himself and began
to incant. A faintly visible blue shimmering began to surround the troops and noticeably
lessened the effectiveness of the arrows of the defenders. Greensmoke likewise let his
presence be seen in similar manner. Power-4 wizard Greensmoke incanted in a low forceful
tone. A faintly visible blue shimmering began to surround the troops and noticeably
lessened the effectiveness of the arrows of the defenders. Pale Hunter also let his
presence be known in like fashion. Power-4 wizard Pale Hunter muttered a few words in a
foreign tongue. A faintly visible blue shimmering began to surround the troops and
noticeably lessened the effectiveness of the arrows of the defenders. The Halfling ranks
claimed light losses upon the Tyrant ranks in response, the Tyrant claimed minor damage to
their foes.
- Artifact -
By raising the Sword of Alvinitar, Tyrant Grand Marshal Huka Gorebuster infused his troops
with boldness while the Halfling leaders flinched as the magical sword slew enemy forces.
- Cavalry -
The battle seemed to favor the Tyrant kingdom at this early juncture, and their forces
pressed forward. Now Warlord Abor the Slinger led the Halfling few mounted troops down
upon the mix of cavalry and charging heavy infantry of the Tyrant. The Halfling ranks
inflicted minor casualties upon the Tyrant forces in response, the Tyrant inflicted light
damage to their foes.
- Infantry -
The footmen of each force now were prepared to settle the engagement, grim determination
on the face of each soldier, they met in heated, blood-stained battle. The Halfling melee
advanced forward to meet the Tyrant footmen in close quarters. The Halfling forces
inflicted light damage upon the Tyrant forces while the Tyrant dealt out substantial
damage to their enemy.
- Combined -
Hour after hour passed, yet none could tell which side would be the victor since both
forces were evenly matched. Despite all that had preceeded at this moment, the battle
outcome was still in doubt. Now all remaining troops of all types hurled themselves into
the thick of battle to settle matters in decisive fashion. The battle continued long past
all expectations. By now, the full remaining compliment of each force had been hurled into
the fray, feverishly struggling and bleeding these long hours seeking the glory of
victory. The Halfling short sword armed soldiers challenged the Tyrant orcs and assorted
other races to decide the battle. The Halfling lines claimed light casualties upon the
Tyrant lines and, in return, the Tyrant caused substantial damage against the enemy.
- Conclusion -
Losses to the Halfling had risen above expectations: Warlord Abor the Slinger ordered the
retreat. The Halfling showed good composure in their withdrawal, minimizing losses.
Halfling casualties were put at
76.56%. Sadly, the Halfling Lord Commander Sam Longknife
did not survive. Sadly, the Halfling Commander Tom Tumbustle did not survive. All the
Halfling wizards survived the fray. Due to experience, victory and valor, a Veteran
Zamorans brigade has been recognized as Elite! Due to experience, victory and valor, a
Veteran Westmen brigade has been recognized as Elite! Losses suffered in the effort and
depression of defeat have greatly reduced morale. Tyrant casualties were put at
13.59%.
All Tyrant leaders survived the battle. Huka Gorebuster distinguished himself and has been
elevated as a Lord Commander. Snorg demonstrated tactical awareness and has been elevated
as a Grand Marshal. All the Tyrant wizards survived the fray. Due to experience, victory
and valor, a Veteran Tyrant brigade has been recognized as Elite! Due to experience,
victory and valor, a Veteran Tyrant brigade has been recognized as Elite! An Tyrant
brigade of Regular experience battled bravely and have been elevated to Veteran status. An
Tyrant unit was awarded promotion to Veteran status. An Hill Giants brigade of Regular
experience fought bravely and have been elevated to Veteran level. An Hill Giants unit
earned promotion to Veteran status. An Trolls unit earned promotion to Veteran status. Due
to experience, victory and valor, a Veteran Ogres brigade has been recognized as Elite! An
Ogres unit was awarded promotion to Veteran status. The troops are eager for further
glory: morale is up!
So the battle between two decent sized forces (again, the HA was about 80% combat value of the TY) ended up being a lopsided victory for the TY that took only 13% damage while the HA took 75%.
