Re: monster encounters, ambushes, and ramblings

In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "Mylon"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
  [between encounter-mode switching and a single unified tactical mode]
> A compromise might be to turn the game into encounter mode whenever a
> monster is sighted, but not change screens.  Instead, the party is changed
> from one controlled symbol to many (the party being changed from one easily
> managable character to marching order) and placing them as best as possible
> on the terrain and starting from there.  This takes care of terrain problems
> from changing to a different field and allows ranged weapons to be used as
> in any other roguelike.

This sounds like an interesting solution, but if I understand you
correctly, I think you'll run into problems expanding the party under
certain circumstances.  As I understand you, out of encounter mode
the player would control a single symbol:

  ###########
  [EMAIL PROTECTED]
  #.#######.#

Then, when a monster steps into view, that symbol is expanded to a full
party:

  ###########
  #.@@@@....#
  #.#######g#

Unfortunately, there are places where there isn't enough room to expand:

  #####      #####
  #...#  =>  #.g.#
  [EMAIL PROTECTED]        [EMAIL PROTECTED]  
  ###        ###  

I think you'll do much better to keep the PCs separate at all times, but
allow them to go into follow-the-leader mode (or break up again) at the
player's request.  Besides avoiding the problems you'll have expanding
the party in tight spaces, this allows more continuity when regrouping
after breaking the party apart, as well as the possibility of dividing
up at any time for tactical reasons.

-Jesse