Greetings!

In history, with many barbarian tribes in particular, war drums were an essential accessory to engaging in battle. Do you have magical war drums in your campaigns? Have players gained magical war drums as part of some treasure? The primal, driving beat provided by war drums, especially when performed with skill and rhythm, certainly seems to have provided beneficial effects to warriors fighting throughout millennia.

That makes me wonder, how does the rhythmic sounds of drums cause human warriors to fight better?

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Every culture in history, except maybe modern WEIRD ones who reinvented them in things like raves or mosh pits or waves in sport stadiums, had some kind of ritual dance, which typically involves rhythmic drumming to provide a beat. It appears to be one of the most essential components of social cohesion. The dances often start with ritual elements reminding everyone of the past, and in the dance itself the individual people stop thinking of themselves and surrender themselves to something communal.

I imagine it plays the same role in combat.

It also plays a role in basic combat communications. In the days before portable radios, drums, horns and similar instruments capable of producing enough sound to carry over the din of battle were critical to coordinating advances, retreats and other maneuvers in battle. Drums were good for maintaining coordination in marches or similar actions that required moving in time and reinforce the ongoing presence of the army... if the drums are still pounding then the position hasn't been overrun.

There's a reason I often choose to play "war" bards in systems where something like the Warlord isn't available and choose instruments like oratory, horns and drums for their various abilities; because prior to the modern era those are the primary tools of a warlord to coordinate their troops.

Coordinating the troops can make all the difference.
Drums are good for "setting the tone" as well.  If the opponent is nervous, you have almost beat them. 

I'm all about barbarian war drums. But the tactic is used in lots of different places.

Didn't the Scots roll some war-drums before the rumble?

Quote from: Pat on July 03, 2021, 08:44:57 PM
Every culture in history, except maybe modern WEIRD ones who reinvented them in things like raves or mosh pits or waves in sport stadiums, had some kind of ritual dance, which typically involves rhythmic drumming to provide a beat. It appears to be one of the most essential components of social cohesion. The dances often start with ritual elements reminding everyone of the past, and in the dance itself the individual people stop thinking of themselves and surrender themselves to something communal.

I imagine it plays the same role in combat.

Greetings!

Good stuff, Pat! The imagery is very evocative and cool!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Quote from: Chris24601 on July 04, 2021, 12:27:21 PM
It also plays a role in basic combat communications. In the days before portable radios, drums, horns and similar instruments capable of producing enough sound to carry over the din of battle were critical to coordinating advances, retreats and other maneuvers in battle. Drums were good for maintaining coordination in marches or similar actions that required moving in time and reinforce the ongoing presence of the army... if the drums are still pounding then the position hasn't been overrun.

There's a reason I often choose to play "war" bards in systems where something like the Warlord isn't available and choose instruments like oratory, horns and drums for their various abilities; because prior to the modern era those are the primary tools of a warlord to coordinate their troops.

Greetings!

That's a good point, too, Chris! Having effective battlefield communications is very important! Imagine the din of battle, the shouting, the screaming of the dying. Horses going crazy. Having some loud drums going to work would be very helpful!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Quote from: Greentongue on July 04, 2021, 01:47:35 PM
Coordinating the troops can make all the difference.
Drums are good for "setting the tone" as well.  If the opponent is nervous, you have almost beat them.

Greetings!

Quite right, Greentongue!

Tacitus discusses how terrifying the Germanic Barbarians were in battle, and the Roman Legions were often intimidated by them, and took quite some convincing to stand their ground and fight.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Quote from: tenbones on July 04, 2021, 04:32:37 PM
I'm all about barbarian war drums. But the tactic is used in lots of different places.

Didn't the Scots roll some war-drums before the rumble?

Greetings!

Yeah! Man, the crazy war drums are just awesome! I do note, interestingly, while widespread as a custom, there were many tribal societies that were otherwise *Not Known* for a particular war-drumming tradition.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

While not strictly "war drumming" they were definitely used in ancient military operation for communication. it's hard to ignore the power of Taiko drums.

O Daiko

One of the oddest minor things that ever happened to me was playing in a marching band practice in a basement band room that really wasn't the right size or shape for what we were doing.  Playing a Sousa march, the drum beat bounced off of the front wall and created this weird echo that caused my heart to start beating in time with the music.  It was so strong that I could feel it while playing.  We finished and I asked around.  Turned out the whole trombone section, tuba section, and me sitting there with my big sax playing tuba parts were all affected the same way.

We payed attention after that.  Fortunately, the same effect didn't occur on music with much slower or faster beat, and not even on all the moderate ones.  Just certain marches. 

Now you take some tribal people in a cave or in a canyon and do that on purpose and see what happens.