RE: (TFT) Re: Wizard Warriors & Military Units

["Pasha and Rick Smith" <pnrsmith@istar.ca>]

Hi Everyone,
	Wizards in my campaign are very important
militarily.  However there are so few wizards to
heroes (and many wizards are adept types who support
the war effort from behind the lines) that a wizard
on the battle field is rare and valuable.

	War is so important, it is hard to see how
wizards could be kept out of it.


	Rick



-----Original Message-----
From: tft-owner@brainiac.com [mailto:tft-owner@brainiac.com]On Behalf Of
John Paul Bakshoian
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2001 10:14 PM
To: tft@brainiac.com
Subject: (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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