Orcs in the Webbe

The divisions and blinkered thinking which continue to weaken the Elf cause are well illustrated by the Crystal Elves. Claiming primacy over all Elf races (and thereby, over all Valon), the Ancient and Serene Empress Morgana has been cloistered in her capital for almost half a century, most of her generals clinging to the beliefs and tactics of the past. Her troops are lavishly equipped with trimmings of gold and silk hanging from the bridles of her elite lancers. Her tribunes bedeck themselves in the most ostentatious finery and refuse to march on days when rain or wind might spoil the effect of their passing. Were it not for their proven skills at battle magic, the Crystal Elves might have been routed by more modern armoured knights or fast moving light cavalry.

The GM has a very important role in Dresda. Like a GM in a Role-Playing Game, they must design scenarios that are challenging to the players and offer suitable rewards for success (neither too easily gained, nor too hard) for the Unit taking part. To this end scenarios need not be 'balanced' with equal chances of success for both protagonists, instead the dangers and rewards should reflect the tasks required of the players. In fact, not balancing the scenarios may be very important. If the players have created wildly different units it is paramount that the GM reflects this in the players objectives and rewards. The weaker unit should be given an easier task with a consummate reward. All that needs to be ensured is that the players objectives clash in some manner. We would suggest though that players have a couple of different units on the go of differing abilities (thus allowing the GM to have a slightly easier life, and not having to think up a game with Halfling bandits up against an Ogre Warband week in, week out...).

[PLACEHOLDER]

Olrika von Viebriek before the 12th Battle of Dresda.

Note she carries a Kolenz-style halberd, as also favoured by her late husband. Here she eschews heavy armour for extra flexibility and speed (but still wears heavy gloves, a necessity when engaging in hand-to-hand combat). Note also the backslung longsword.
 
Webmaster's Notes

The above rules were first printed in the original Dresda rulebook in 1996 and they are included here with the kind permission of the authors.