First off, I'd like to say that at a glance, these look like a lot of fun for a quick way to run mass combat at sea. In fact, I may adopt a re-skinned version to replace the mass combat rules of Kingmaker if they play out a bit better as I think they will.
I'm hoping that we could use a thread like this one to compile any questions people had about Fleet Battles and to share their experiences with them (maybe a sticky?). I haven't run any simulations yet, but I have had two things come up while reading the rules:
1. I think on the "Fleet Sheet" the squadron morale line should read as:
(Base) - (Loss Count) = (Total Check)
If I'm reading things correctly, most modifiers to morale affect the base score while the loss count is something that changes during the course of a single battle. I assume a squadron automatically mutinies only if the base score goes to 0 rather than the total check.
2. The boons have thrown me off a bit. Most are worded as "At the start of a battle phase...". Does this mean that each boon can only be used once per combat, or can they be used once per battle phase. If the latter, can you change which squadron is being affected each round?
I like the looks of these rules too - extremely abstracted, but with enough player input (Boons and choice of which squadron to attack with next, and who to attack) that it's more than just endless die rolling.
I'm sure the Fleet Sheet morale "+" is just a typo.... if you read the rule text it's clear that should be a "minus" sign.
Now you've got me wondering about Boons. ;D
At first reading I assumed they could be used every battle phase (where appropriate) rather than once per battle, but a careful rereading of the rules really doesn't specifically say one way or the other. If I had to guess I'd say it's every battle phase - doing it only once per battle would seem to limit their effectiveness pretty severely, and certain Boons (like Vengeance) don't make sense as a "once and done" effect, but I could be wrong.
Perhaps some helpful Paizo person can enlighten us..... :D
For effects that affect a single squadron can always affect a different squadron each battle phase.
That's the line I was looking for. Thanks. I don't believe that particular tidbit of information is spelled out in the rules, but is hinted at based on the wording of the boons.
I have a question about one of the "Flagship Boons" in the Fleet Battles rules:
"Loyalty" reads - Whenever you recruit a new squadron, all squadrons gain a +2 on morale checks (this bonus does not stack if multiple squadrons are recruited).
I'm having trouble understanding the mechanics of this. Does it mean that every time I recruit a new squadron I raise the morale of my other existing squadrons by 2? Or does it mean that every time I recruit a new squadron, the new squadron itself gains 2?
I have a question about one of the "Flagship Boons" in the Fleet Battles rules:
"Loyalty" reads - Whenever you recruit a new squadron, all squadrons gain a +2 on morale checks (this bonus does not stack if multiple squadrons are recruited).
I'm having trouble understanding the mechanics of this. Does it mean that every time I recruit a new squadron I raise the morale of my other existing squadrons by 2? Or does it mean that every time I recruit a new squadron, the new squadron itself gains 2?
We just gave every squadron in the fleet +2 Morale once and moved on.