Fri 06 Aug 2021, 10:25
Why not model out a few numbers? Use four numbers: Total in Company, Fighters, Archers, Enemies.
Clearly, using RAW exactly as described: 3, 2, 1 mean that the fight can be from 1 enemy to 6 enemy. All are permissible (and that 6 could all be trolls by RAW).
But 3,2,1 and 7 goblins is not sustainable. How does that sit with you?
However: Try setting up a party of 4, with 2 in close combat.
4,2,2 means that 8 Trolls can be held back by the same two fighters with two archers standing back. (But, again, 9 goblins cannot.)
How about a party of 6?
2 in front, 4 archers, and up to 12 adversaries. Because 6 × 2 = 12? Really? Is that how RAW should be interpreted?
You can see where I am going with this, and I could extend the numbers... indefinitely?
So each archer needs protection. As the LM will know the size of the party before combat, it is prudent to clarify what they find acceptable for this way of fighting. e.g. A troll has Might = 2, does that count as TWO adversaries? e.g. how does fighting in a tunnel or hallway amend this rule? Or across a bridge with clear fields of fire?
Rather than me say what I read into this rule, it reveals how preparation and agreement in advance is handy. Since the RAW is not clear (your original question certainly illustrates some ambiguity), it serves as a reminder just how difficult it is to be CONCISE when composing a rule.