House Rules/Combat Rules

From Westaven

     This FAQ page answers questions that have come up during play or in general discussions about various combat situations. Questions are grouped by areas with references listed under each heading. The reader is referred to those sections or descriptions for familiarization.

[edit] Attacks

References:
A. Extra Attack {B53}
B. All-Out Attack maneuver {B365, MA97}
C. Dual-Weapon use rule {B417}
D. Rapid Strike option {B370}
E. Dual-Weapon Attack Skill {B230}
F. Two Weapon Training Skill {B232}
G. Unarmed Combat Rules (Slam) {B372}
H. Knockback {B378}
I. Special Melee Weapon Rules (Shields) {B407}
J. "Extreme" Aiming Limitation for Multiple Attacks
K. "Shoves with Weapons" {MA112}
L. "Slams with Long Weapons" {MA112}

Q: Can the Rapid Strike option be applied to the AoA (Double) maneuver?
A: A: Yes. {MA97}.

Q: The description for AOA (Double) specifically states that if a character already has an Extra Attack for whatever reason, only one of the two can be converted using that maneuver. However, if a character that already has an Extra Attack (or is using Dual-Weapon rules) and converts one of those attacks to AOA (Double) that gives a third attack. Because the description of Extra Attack lends itself to the belief that a character gets the attack with a different hand than the normal first attack, this means one of the two attacks has to be used twice. Because of this, does this mean that the -6 penalty for the Rapid Strike option applies to the attack used twice?
A: No. A player chooses either AOA (Double) or the Rapid Strike option with all attendant benefits and consequences. If a character has the ability and wants three attacks instead of two, a player has the choice between taking the AOA (Double) allowing two attacks at no penalties (other than for off-handedness) or the Rapid Strike option giving the -6 penalties and allowing a defense; but not both.

Q: Does Extra Attack eliminate the -4 penalty per attack applied for Dual-Weapon use?
A: Yes. The description for Extra Attack mentions only the off-hand penalty (which Ambidexterity eliminates), besides which there would not be a benefit for having Extra Attack when normal rules already cover Dual-Weapon attacks with the same penalties.

Q: Normally, an action such as a shoulder block would qualify as a Slam. When using the shield, this would probably be covered by the Shield Rush. However, what happens if you want to do the equivalent of a Shove while using a shield? Say where you step into your foe with your shoulder behind the shield with the only intent being to cause knockback, not to cause damage. Does this still qualify as a Shield Rush? Or can it be used as say the equivalent of a two-handed shove (due to size of shield)?
A: A: This question is answered under Shoves with Weapons and Slams with Long Weapons {MA112}.

Q: If dual-weapon attacks are both aimed at one target, they are defended against at -1 [B417]; likewise, should both attacks from an All-Out Attack: Double also be defended at -1 if aimed at a single target?
A: Yes & No. The -1 for dual weapons is because someone is being attacked by two separate weapons from the same attacker at the same time, and so his attention is divided. AOA:Double is an additional attack by a single weapon; hence the first is like a "normal" attack, and would get no modifier; the second attack, though, because it's unexpected, will receive the modifier of -1 to defender's skill.

Q: What if the second attack by someone doing an All-Out Attack: Double (or someone who has two attacks) is unnecessary or needs to be switched? For example, what if I decide to attack the leg with both my attacks, but the first is enough to drop my opponent; can I then aim the second attack to the body instead?
A: Yes, you can switch, but at a -1 penalty. Because multiple strikes in combat take place extremely quickly, there must be some penalty for switching attacks mid-stream. Realistically, one second is simply not enough time to realize a second attack should be switched! Therefore, before rolling for any of an attacker's multiple attacks, the attacker must state what maneuver each attack will utilize (ex: Feint, deceptive attack, etc.) and where each will be aimed (if anywhere other than the torso). If the attacker then switches from this plan, they may, but at a -1 to skill.

Q: Can a character with two attacks make both as special aimed shots (ex: such as two aimed strikes to the eye(s) ).
A: Yes, but for both realism's sake and for game-balancing purposes alike, there is an additional penalty--reason being these targets are extremely specialized (and usually, small/difficult) to target in one second. Thus, if a fighter chooses to target specific locations using both (or all) their attacks from All-Out-Attack:Double, Extra Attack, or Dual Weapon Attack, they must double the "aiming" penalty for every attack after the first. So, for example:

• If a two-fisted fighter attempts two aim-shots to an opponent's right arm, the first skill roll is at the standard -2, while the second is at -4.
• Likewise, if an attacker chooses to hit an opponent's eye with their first attack, the penalty is the standard -8; if they choose to hit the right leg with their second attack, the penalty is doubled to -4.

[edit] Active Defenses

References
A. All-Out Defense {B366}
B. Step {B368}
C. Retreat Option {B377, MA123}
D. Step Definition in Tactical Combat {B386}
E. Retreat Option in Tactical Combat {B391}

Q: AoD allows either one-half move for the dodge option, or a Step for all others. If a player has already taken a Step since the start of their turn, are they then allowed to also take a Step or more for an AoD?
A: No. A character is considered to have already moved or taken a Step during the turn.

Q: When using a maneuver that allows a Step, can a character move backwards or sideways without paying the normal movement point cost in Tactical Combat?
A: Yes. If it is part of a Retreat option {MA123}, however, you are limited to a single facing change and one hex of movement regardless of normal Step distance.

Q: Can a player choose the Retreat option with AoD (Dodge) during Tactical Combat and gain the normal movement benefits?
A: A: No. While AoD (Dodge) allows for movement greater then a Step, adding a Retreat option limits you to a single facing change and one hex of movement regardless of normal Step distance.

[edit] Miscellaneous

References
A. Extra Effort in Combat [B357]

Q: Are the optional rules for Extra Effort in Combat allowed in the campaign?
A: Yes. This is on a temporary trial basis to determine the effects on the campaign in general and on combat in particular, considering the extra delay on game mechanics.