Slayn82
2018-09-09, 05:47 PM
Since I'm planning to DM a military campaign, I've been looking for some time for some creative obstacles to challenge them on the battlefield. Thus, the Cheval de Frise.
In essence, its a large object, consisting on a log and several spears. It was used as anti - cavalry, in a role similar to what barbed wire plays in modern battlefields. It's built on sections of 10 ft, that can be chained to each other, and anchored into the ground. It weight's about 400 lbs. It acts as a battlefield trap.
The first parameter should be that when it's affixated, the terrain under it is considered occupied by it, and no one is considered it's ally. It doesn't offer cover against ranged attacks, and due to it's size, it prevents most melee fighting across it. In order to pass through it, without taking damage, while it's still intact, you need to suceed in an appropriate check: athletics, acrobatics or ride (if you are on a mount). Failure deals damage, and makes the party who made the attempt restrained until they use an standard action to pull themselves out.
Since it's mostly made from wood, and it's a large object, the Cheval de Frise gets AC 15 and 27 pvs. Vulnerability to fire and resistance to piercing damage I think are apropriate. Once broken down, the movement through the terrain it occupies becomes difficult.
The difficulty of the jump and damage it deals - since it's intended as an anti cavalry tool, it should pose a threat to a warhorse's 19 hp. I'd say 4d10 on failure sounds about right, and that makes it a Deadly trap for characthers 1-4. That would make the DC for the check to jump over is (16 - 20).
On the other hand, the stakes from an spiked pit trap deal only 2d10 damage. So, it could be argued that against medium creatures trying to jump over it, it deal's only 2d10 damage and the DC is (12-15).
Feedback is apreciated. Anyone willing to discuss?
In essence, its a large object, consisting on a log and several spears. It was used as anti - cavalry, in a role similar to what barbed wire plays in modern battlefields. It's built on sections of 10 ft, that can be chained to each other, and anchored into the ground. It weight's about 400 lbs. It acts as a battlefield trap.
The first parameter should be that when it's affixated, the terrain under it is considered occupied by it, and no one is considered it's ally. It doesn't offer cover against ranged attacks, and due to it's size, it prevents most melee fighting across it. In order to pass through it, without taking damage, while it's still intact, you need to suceed in an appropriate check: athletics, acrobatics or ride (if you are on a mount). Failure deals damage, and makes the party who made the attempt restrained until they use an standard action to pull themselves out.
Since it's mostly made from wood, and it's a large object, the Cheval de Frise gets AC 15 and 27 pvs. Vulnerability to fire and resistance to piercing damage I think are apropriate. Once broken down, the movement through the terrain it occupies becomes difficult.
The difficulty of the jump and damage it deals - since it's intended as an anti cavalry tool, it should pose a threat to a warhorse's 19 hp. I'd say 4d10 on failure sounds about right, and that makes it a Deadly trap for characthers 1-4. That would make the DC for the check to jump over is (16 - 20).
On the other hand, the stakes from an spiked pit trap deal only 2d10 damage. So, it could be argued that against medium creatures trying to jump over it, it deal's only 2d10 damage and the DC is (12-15).
Feedback is apreciated. Anyone willing to discuss?