3.6.2.2 Unit combat values

Before the start of combat, the referee calculates the how tough each unit is, and based on this determines its combat values.

Each unit has four combat values:

• Unit size - the number of combatants in the unit;
• Melee value - how much damage the average combatant does in melee;
• Missile value - how much damage the average combatant does in ranged combat; and
• Defence value - how well protected the average combatant is from damage.

The combat values are critical to determining how the combat unit will fare when attacking or coming under attack.

In addition, each unit has a starting morale level (which can be good, normal or poor) and a starting tiredness level. These will depend on the circumstances (the referee should determine).

Unit size.

This is equal to the number of combatants in the unit. The unit size may reduce during combat due to casualties.

Melee value

This shows how much damage the average combatant causes in melee combat. It typically varies between 10 and 40.

The melee value is based on the main melee weapon used by the combatants, and is equal to the average skill score (in the weapon, e.g. Melee or Polearm, depending on the weapon, including relevant specialism bonuses) + the average ST score + the weapon's attack factor + the weapon's damage factor +8.

There are also combat order bonuses to the melee value:

• Close order. Disciplined (i.e. regular army) troops who fight in close order gain a bonus on their melee value, depending on their level of training together, from +1 (green recruits), +3 (regular veterans) to +5 (elite troops). Irregular troops gain a +1 bonus to their melee value for fighting in close order;
• Cavalry. All cavalry gain a bonus of +2 on melee attacks.

Examples of typical melee values are shown in the following table:

Missile value

This shows how effective the average combatant is at missile fire. It typically varies between 0 and 30. If combatants are not armed with missile weapons, their missile score is automatically zero.

The missile value is based on the main missile weapon used by the combatants, and is equal to the average skill score (in the weapon, e.g. Shooting or Throwing, depending on the weapon, including relevant specialism bonuses) + the average ST score + the weapon's attack factor + the weapon's damage factor + the weapon's effective range divided by 25 (rounded down) +5.

There is also a combat order bonus to the missile value of +3 for troops who are fighting in loose skirmish order.

Examples of typical missile values are shown in the following table:

Defence value

This shows how tough the average combatant is at taking damage during the battle. It typically varies between 0 and 30.

The defence value is equal to the average Combat skill score (including toughness specialism) in the unit + the average damage resistance of the unit. If the unit is wearing shields, the average Shield skill score (including relevant specialism scores) may be substituted for the average Combat skill score; in addition, the shield's parry factor is added to the defence value.

Cavalry that are partially barded/armoured gain +3 to their defence value, and cavalry that are fully barded/armoured gain +6 to their defence value.

Examples of typical defence values are shown in the following table:

* indicates that this is based on average Shield score (including specialisms)