Derek Jensen explores humanoid tactics with a side of fiction. I loved the Uruk Hai battle manual, so this kind of article is right up my alley.
What’s it about?
It opens with fiction—something I don’t like in my RPGs. Derek argues that most DMs treat humanoids as disposable, but since they live in a constant state of war, they should rely on patrols, ambushes, traps, and tricks with a complexity that varies based on intelligence.
Scouts should be stealthy, fast-moving pairs or trios focused on discovering threats and sounding alarms. Smart monsters might lure enemies into ambushes. Patrols, about a dozen strong leading animals with keen senses, engage intruders while sending a runner to sound the alarm. With the runner away they should disperse. Lawful humanoids execute these plans well, while chaotic ones take a sloppier approach.
Lawful creatures set up permanent ambush sites and consider the approach, height, accessibility, cover, concealment and retreat. Lures and clear trails encourage the enemy to the ambush site. Pits, nets and rockslides prevent escape. Attacks from the dark on torch wielding parties are encouraged.
Humanoid traps are simple like pits, nets and deadfalls. Place them away from daily tribe activity. A few clever tricks are included like using smoke from a fire to disrupt invaders vision—use these sparingly.
The article provides a few tactics covering numbers advantage, ganking casters, reach weapons, defensive terrain (tight tunnels), hit and runs, keeping the pressure up, using fodder and dumb monsters, and the role of a strong leader - perhaps an evil wizard. A smart leader will elevate the humanoids tactics. Always plan an escape or surrender.
Is this a keeper?
Yes. The fiction was a turnoff but the patrol and ambush guidance are solid and feel fitting for humanoids. I love monster tactics, so this one’s a ‘best of’.
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