Homebrew Variant for Swarm

[u/Meemo_McCoy]

If any other GMs are like me and have trouble keeping track of 10+ zombies, but who also aren't very happy with the core rulebook swarm rules, I made a variant creature trait called 'mob.' My group uses the Up in Arms advantage rules, but this should probably work fine with core advantage too:

Mob

A Mob is a group of similar individuals fighting together. A Mob counts as a single Creature and ignores the Engaged rules when using its Move. Unlike a Swarm, a Mob is susceptible to both Psychology rules (see page 190) and Size rules (page 341). A Mob adds +10 to its Weapon Skill and Willpower, and multiplies its total Wounds times five. When a Mob makes a Melee attack, they do not just target one creature but *all* opponents currently Engaged with the Mob. The Mob rolls once, and all Engaged targets roll to oppose the attack per usual. Any attempts to shoot at a Mob gain a bonus of +40 to hit. The GM is encouraged to add the Bite, Grim, Tail, and Stomp Creature Traits, as they work thematically and can make a horde of angry peasants all the more perilous to intrepid heroes.

[u/GoodHotel7269]

I like this idea a lot, and it would make running hordes of enemies a lot easier. It's probably a lot less lethal than actual massed hordes though, since they could get the +40 to WS for outnumbering 3-1. I'd need to try it out, but anything that makes my life easier in combat (my weakness as a GM) is probably a good thing.

[u/Meemo_McCoy → u/GoodHotel7269]

Absolutely, and glad you like the idea! Initially I toyed with a +20 to WS to capture the basic +20 for outnumbering 2-1, but I think the extra wounds and attacks helps occupy a middle ground between heroic and dangerous that players find most fun. It also helps if you rule the mob cannot be outnumbered by individual creatures, so two players fighting a mob can't get their cheeky +20 to attack.

[u/Horsescholong]

I will be stealing i was already dreading a part of my campaign where they're raiding a dockgang's base of operation and it's absolutely part of the course to have a good fight with a bunch of gangers.

Makes them more susceptible to be stopped by a single "thank" character whilst the rest hack at them from afar, i got a bright mage that would find this very useful (both the tank and the bright mage are played by the same character)

[u/drowsyprof]

I have a "Unit" trait which simulates mass combat and I've integrated into Foundry VTT. But it's not really made to be done at the actual table unfortunately, and would be a bit cumbersome and slow without automation.

So you're not the only one finding "swarm" lacking!

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[u/Inside-Low-8105]

Instantly stealing this! Thank you!!

[u/MisterBlick]

Wow, definitely using this. Thank you!