1. How do you address posting order and initiative in freeform mass combat? Who goes first, and how often can they attack?
Generally in mass combat situations, either we agree on a post order, or do a round robin based on who replies first and keep that post order. Common sense dictates everyone should get a post chance, then resolve it as best they can. Communication is key in this kind of situation generally.
2. In situations where one group is outnumbered, does the other group allow them to have an edge in terms of how often they can attack and defend themselves for fairness' sake, or does the larger group press the weight of numbers?
In the fights I've been in, the larger group generally presses numbers. However, larger numbers can be as much a disadvantage as an advantage. Especially depending on what the numbers consist of. There's really no 'go to' answer for this kind of situation, but myself and my peers generally go with it as is. The only time any exceptions are made is if a story absolutely needs an advantage given to move on.
3. How do you handle disparities in character strength? The Powerlevel thread shows that some characters consider themselves strong enough to take on much larger groups. Do you take these disparities into account when trying to resolve a mass combat?
I always take people's power into account. It's actually rather important. If we take that thread as our example, if two power level type 3s are against one type 2, there's a very good chance if the 3s are cagey and know their stuff, that the 2 can very likely lose. Hell, even a type 5 can defeat a type 2 if they get the drop on them. Nothing says a power level 2 can't be holding off a couple 3's, then a 5 gets the drop on him from behind or from below with a lucky strike to the kneecaps or the back of the head. No barrier is foolproof after all, and every defense, magical or mundane, will break. It comes down to smart fighting, not power.
4. Do you assign individuals to specific targets to the best of your ability, or do you prefer a more chaotic melee in which it's possible for everyone to strike everyone else?
I like the 'pro wrestling approach'. That is, generally people stick to their chosen targets, but if someone's about to tap out or be pinned, be a bro and go help if your own target is currently incapacitated or distracted. It's what you'd do in a real fight if you had the ability. Protect your bros, because the longer they're up, the more chance they have of supporting you if you get in a crossface.
5. Friendly fire: It happens, and it's unfortunate, but how do you involve accidental strikes on someone friendly when there are very few accidents in freeform?
It depends on the situation. If you're firing a bow into a melee, especially a large one, realistically you have a chance to hit your buddy. If you're casting wide area spells, expect to nuke some friends. Hell, even single target spells have a mildly explosive backwash when it comes to fire especially; and be careful your Egi doesn't accidentally swipe a friend in that long slash of flaming claws or wisp of cutting air. Err on the side of realism to a point.
6. Do you feel some of the difficulties in addressing the above have a cooling effect on this kind of combat RP? If so, how can they be corrected?
It's genuinely hard to say. In the end, communicating is important. If someone things something doesn't make sense, address that. A good thing to do is invite everyone involved into a party or raid if possible, or a temporary linkshell so discussion can happen during the fight itself. If it's not your turn to respond, raise your questions then, so the fight's pace isn't slowed but you can still make your disputes known. And try to remain calm and not be butthurt; everyone's style and method differs, so having a common ground is good too. And it's important that everyone is having fun and not worried too much about who comes out on top over everything else. Flowing is key to a lot of things. Just my two gil.
Generally in mass combat situations, either we agree on a post order, or do a round robin based on who replies first and keep that post order. Common sense dictates everyone should get a post chance, then resolve it as best they can. Communication is key in this kind of situation generally.
2. In situations where one group is outnumbered, does the other group allow them to have an edge in terms of how often they can attack and defend themselves for fairness' sake, or does the larger group press the weight of numbers?
In the fights I've been in, the larger group generally presses numbers. However, larger numbers can be as much a disadvantage as an advantage. Especially depending on what the numbers consist of. There's really no 'go to' answer for this kind of situation, but myself and my peers generally go with it as is. The only time any exceptions are made is if a story absolutely needs an advantage given to move on.
3. How do you handle disparities in character strength? The Powerlevel thread shows that some characters consider themselves strong enough to take on much larger groups. Do you take these disparities into account when trying to resolve a mass combat?
I always take people's power into account. It's actually rather important. If we take that thread as our example, if two power level type 3s are against one type 2, there's a very good chance if the 3s are cagey and know their stuff, that the 2 can very likely lose. Hell, even a type 5 can defeat a type 2 if they get the drop on them. Nothing says a power level 2 can't be holding off a couple 3's, then a 5 gets the drop on him from behind or from below with a lucky strike to the kneecaps or the back of the head. No barrier is foolproof after all, and every defense, magical or mundane, will break. It comes down to smart fighting, not power.
4. Do you assign individuals to specific targets to the best of your ability, or do you prefer a more chaotic melee in which it's possible for everyone to strike everyone else?
I like the 'pro wrestling approach'. That is, generally people stick to their chosen targets, but if someone's about to tap out or be pinned, be a bro and go help if your own target is currently incapacitated or distracted. It's what you'd do in a real fight if you had the ability. Protect your bros, because the longer they're up, the more chance they have of supporting you if you get in a crossface.
5. Friendly fire: It happens, and it's unfortunate, but how do you involve accidental strikes on someone friendly when there are very few accidents in freeform?
It depends on the situation. If you're firing a bow into a melee, especially a large one, realistically you have a chance to hit your buddy. If you're casting wide area spells, expect to nuke some friends. Hell, even single target spells have a mildly explosive backwash when it comes to fire especially; and be careful your Egi doesn't accidentally swipe a friend in that long slash of flaming claws or wisp of cutting air. Err on the side of realism to a point.
6. Do you feel some of the difficulties in addressing the above have a cooling effect on this kind of combat RP? If so, how can they be corrected?
It's genuinely hard to say. In the end, communicating is important. If someone things something doesn't make sense, address that. A good thing to do is invite everyone involved into a party or raid if possible, or a temporary linkshell so discussion can happen during the fight itself. If it's not your turn to respond, raise your questions then, so the fight's pace isn't slowed but you can still make your disputes known. And try to remain calm and not be butthurt; everyone's style and method differs, so having a common ground is good too. And it's important that everyone is having fun and not worried too much about who comes out on top over everything else. Flowing is key to a lot of things. Just my two gil.
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