Dungeons & Delvers: Ganging Up

Quick game design idea for combat: attackers get a +1 bonus to hit a creature, for every attack beyond the first. Doesn't count for multiple attacks, only from different creatures. So if you attack a gnoll, and then someone else does, they get +1 to hit.

The reasoning is that if you gang up on someone there should be some sort of advantage, because the defender has to keep tabs on more than one opponent. This would effectively replace any flanking rules, so there wouldn't be yet another bonus to track.

The bonus would reset at the start of the round, and wouldn't apply for attacks that can't hurt the defender, so you can't have a wizard wuss-slap an ogre to give the fighter a bonus. Attackers would also have to stick around: you can't hit and run, because then you aren't around to potentially distract them.

I'd say it would also apply for ranged attacks, so rangers and rogues can provide ranged support.

As always curious what others think. I know this will make mobs of monsters (like goblins and dire rats) more dangerous, but I think they should be. With this small tweak you can better get the feel of goblins just swarming over you and wildly stabbing. Even if you're clad in plate some are going to grab on and find chinks in the armor while you're trying to beat back and tear the rest off.

It'll also make "theater of the mind" play easier, as you don't have to think about whether you're flanking, where everyone is, just how many attacks were made. I figure some players will play more strategically, waiting for other characters to go so they can better ensure the odds that their attack will work. I think that's also fine, as it has an element of teamwork.

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