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(TFT) Re: Wizard Warriors & Military Units



From: Michael Taylor <MichaelTaylor1@compuserve.com>
Subject: Re: Re: (TFT) simple castle defences
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001 13:53:48 -0400

Which brings up a question - how do people feel about 'War wizards'. >Do wizards in your campaigns take place in the clash of armies?"

I've always played that one of the advantages of being a wizard is not
having to go to basic training and that there aren't very many wizards
willing to risk their lives as a typical solider. That's also a great way
to attract rival wizards so generally the most a wizard can does to turn
the tide of battle is supply +1 DX arrowheads....

Michael

Though I never finished The Thomas Covenant series, I was entrigued with their military units (if I recall right). They consisted of about 25 fighters and a wizard or shaman (or some similar help.) The style of the unit would in fact be determined and classed by the support it got. Unfortunately, I can't remember details. If anyone wishes to expand on this, they may.

For my Bryunthian Military (such as it is), I use this set up:
Platoon
20 Troopers* (2 Units of polearms, missile weapons or swordsmen)
2 Sargeants**(1 for each unit)
1 Wizard or Cleric***
1 Quartermaster****
1 Captain

*Often, a few of the Troopers are trained to be scouts. The second of the units tends to be bowmen.
**The Sargeants are trained in Seige Weaponry, mining and fortifications.
***Perhaps for future discussion...
****Quartermaster doubles as Business Agent, Cook, Wagon or pack animal handling, Paymaster, Communications Expert, Investigator, Political Advisor...

4 of these platoons of 25 troopers are grouped into Centuries, which have thier own Major (or whatever rank it should be called) and 4 bodyguard/communication personnel. Centuries would have an attachment of an Army Corp of Engineers and probably a unit (10 cavalrymen, Sargeant & Quartermaster) of cavalry for scouting. The Quartermasters often pool their duties when in a fortified encampment.

Centuries also tend to have slaves, servants and hangers on who round out the camplife.

5 Centuries make up a Legion headed by a general with his own personal Dragon Guard unit. A Legion would have two platoons of Cavalry and two platoons of Army Corp of Engineers and one unit for each Century of Communication Wizards.
======

I would make my wizards be more of supporting the troops than out front warriors. But that only reflects the national military inclination of Bryunthia, which doesn't have a lot of flashy wizards and must rely on standard force. Even the Clerics who can work Miracles (very few are blessed with this ability and who are not already fighting for the Church as Templars), do so as supporting the troops.

There have been several Military Wizard threads previously posted.

And if one thinks that there aren't many wizards who would have the inclination to fight, that's what the military thinks too. That is why they have created the Bryunthian School of Military Magic. Those poor gifted proto-wizards who would never afford apprenticing or schooling can join the military and be schooled for a 30 year hitch. They may not get the best, but they do get recruits.

- Hail Melee






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