In history, a small, organized group could often beat a larger, better trained group. They did this through Battle formations. The phalanx, the Nerge, etc. While offensive battle techniques like the Mongolian Nerge would be impossible (or near enough) to script, defensive formations like the Phalanx might be scriptable?

So i was thinking perhaps through the crafting menu, a line equipped with tower shields could form a phalanx, paralyzinglies the person, but giving a bonus to AC and AB for each person in the phalanx? Perhaps add such possibility's to other tactical formations also? It would add alot of RP, making Battle an RP and not a Mechanical expiriance, and making wars more interesting.

Also, anyone know why spear/shield is impossible when it was so commonly used in history? Thanks.

Spear shield is impossible because the spear is classed as a two handed weapon in NWN.

As for the thingy with the formations, sounds good, but incredibly complicated and a lot to go wrong.

Well, true. I dont know Nwscript, so im not sure whats easy or hard.

Just apply for a dwarven defender and a good concept and then use defensive stance all you want.

I'm pretty sure a phalanx of dwarves would still require more than one dwarf =P

Defensive stance and a formation are kinda differant... But anyway.

Get a few fighters that turn on expertise when they *emote locking shields* This is easily Rp-able, but I personally would be against seeing a scripted option from a menu.

Perhaps find one that is balances and note worth enough to turn into a feat? I dont know. Thats really up to the Dms- More combat feats could be interesting to switch up the old favorites, otherwise - *shrug*

Agreed with Ebok. That would work quite well, IMO. As for the dwarven defender thing, that would be indestructable! So cool.

The sheer amount of scripting this would take makes my head hurt. I reckon it would also be extremely suscteptible to lag issues.

Not going to happen.

While there may be no bonuses you can still rp formations and to some degree use them in advantageous situations. Sometimes a line works better, sometimes it is better to guard your flank, etc etc.