A couple other Game Masters have recognized the system and offered some improvements. So here is the current version and a place to discuss it so all groups can contribute instead of one at a time.
REVISED VERSION
Savage Quick Combat
Useful for when the players are wading through masses of enemies before getting to the Big Bad Guy or just when you want to let the players shine.
Steps: the following is the Order of Operations for a Quick Combat.
- Scene Modifier
- Player Character Options (Resources Spent)
- Quick Combat Roll
- Describe outcome (Narrative)
2. Player Character Options: this will allow you the Player Character to have more control over the results of Quick Combat, Mass Combat or Quick Battle without having to use Bennies. You may use Bennies as normal.
Resources Spent: As a default your character spends 4 Power Points or 8 rounds. Before rolling declare if you would like to have your character risk more or expend more resources for a better chance of success. Note: you must have the resources to spend them.
- -2: Conserve your energy - Believing it may be an easy battle you accept -2 to your roll in exchange for spending 1/2 (rounded down) the resources. However, your character receives a free soak roll versus any wounds taken from failure.
- +0: In The Fight - Wanting to stay on top of things you fight like a professional. You roll without an additional modifier for the default resource cost.
- +2: Serious Business - You do not play around and do what you have to in order to ensure victory, even when it requires risking yourself. You may double the resources spent, or accept 1 Fatigue or 1 Wound to gain a bonus of +2 to this roll.
- +4: No Matter The Cost - When Battle comes you go all in, winning no matter the personal cost. You may triple the resources spent, or accept 2 Fatigue or 2 Wounds to gain a bonus of +4 to this roll.
- Critical Failure (-1): The hero is stopped by overwhelming numbers, an unfortunate tactical development, or bad fortune. He suffers 2 wounds. In addition he accidentally inhibits another players efforts reducing the number of successes for the group by 1. (The Hero may spend a Bennie as usual to make a Soak roll if desired.)
- Failure (+0): The hero is stopped by overwhelming numbers, an unfortunate tactical development, or bad fortune. He suffers 1 Wound (The Hero may spend a Bennie as usual to make a Soak roll if desired.)
- Success (+1): The hero fights well and adds +1 to success to his team’s efforts. He adds 1 success to his side’s battle. Though the dangers of the battle put him at risk of receiving a serious wound. Your hero must make a Vigor roll (no penalties), Failure he suffers a wound, on success he suffers no wound.
- Raise (+2): The hero wreaks havoc, slaying enemy leaders and destroying important assets. He adds 2 successes to his side’s battle. Escaping the dangers of battle he finds himself uninjured. In addition you gain a Benny
- Two or More Raises (+3): The warrior covers himself in glory! Many foes fall before him and his success inspires his allies to fight like demons. His efforts add +3 (or more) to his side’s successes and he emerges from the fight unscathed. The character may also reduce another player's Critical Failure result to a normal failure if he narrates how he interfered. In addition you gain a Benny, or things lined up well for you, your character was able to conserve resources more than expected, as a result regain half of the resources spent for this roll, if you don't take the bennie.
For reference Savage Worlds Quick Combat in available on the Pinnacle Entertainment Web Site.