So far, I've tended to keep the actions of the archer out of the extended contest. He takes a turn during events and shoots at a target using the simple contest rules, applying any situational modifiers necessary, and injury penalties are applied to any subsequent action by the target (including extended combat). This is the option expressly preferred by my (all ex-RQ) players who, while liking the extended combat system for melee, prefer to keep missile combat seperate. I find it not too complex and it's worked reasonably well so far.
> The approaching enemy scenario is a bit more complicated.
Agreed.
I don't like the
> idea that an extended contest of this type should result in
injuries to the
> archers. The model produces one of two results only: the archers
are caught
> and destroyed, or the approaching troops are destroyed by arrow
fire.
My players wanted a more fluid situation than this.
I again resorted to the simple contest system. The extended combat system didn't give them the feel they wanted for missile combats (as opposed to an archery tournament for instance) and I suppose I agree with them.
The limited range of results was a little strange at first but I managed to persuade them that even in RQ, missile combat tended to result in one of:- no or minor damage, a bit hurt, very hurt, or bought the stead (RQ just added more numbers to these overall effects). Again injury penalties carry over into other situations including extended contests.
I also tend to consider morale a lot when one or other side is under fire. Thus, as in extended combat, defeat may involve a timely withdrawal rather than much bloodletting.
Overall this has worked fairly well for us. I'd say it's an aspect of the rules we are getting used to rather than enthusing over. YGMV (the players say that mine does every session).
Dave Bell
"It is written, oh barbarian prince, that time will come when presence of mind is shown by absence of body!" Emperor Ahmed el Ahmed to Nogbad the Bad.
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