GM:Platoons

X Worldbuilders:

GM James R

The Platoon System was invented by DM James for Towson Tabletop but can be used in any 5e campaign that involves large armies. (Hint: Click the image to get a full size preview you can save for yourself)

Platoon Rules:

A player at the table may play either a singular PC or a platoon on their initiative turn, but never both. 

However, PC interaction (conversation, directing, tactical talk) is still a free action and allowed even during platoon combat. 

If a player decides to control their PC for the turn, the DM has the option of playing the platoon for the round.

A player at the table may let their character join a platoon by placing themselves into the group, and by listing their name and HP on the platoon participant list. In these cases, the present player’s sheet works as an entire participant module.

If space allows, two platoons may merge on to one sheet. When this happens, the two players controlling the two platoons may now work together on directing the merged platoon, and can take up to 6 actions and reactions whenever both players control the same merged platoon.

If a player at the table’s character is in a platoon, they may substitute any of the platoon’s actions (or reactions) with any action (or reaction) from their own sheet, this is still considered a part of the platoon’s turn, and the solo character does not take any bonus or movement actions outside of the platoon. 

When casting a healing spell on a platoon that targets a single target, the HP gained cannot be spread among more than 1 participant. However, some healing spells do allow the targeting of more than 1 target.