(TFT) Re: TFT Digest V3 #838

[Mark Tapley <mtapley@swri.edu>]

Eric wrote:

At 12:01 -0500 11/4/06, TFT Digest wrote:
> ...Most of my more (played as) combat savvy NPCs
> tend to use the "Charge and Defend" option when closing against
> polearms wielders.


I used to do this as well, as a rules tweak. I can't find 
justification for it in the rules, though. It looks to me as though 
"Defend" is only available to characters who stand still or move one 
hex. (See Ad. Melee, Page 3, Option I.b to *allow* defend for stand 
still/move one hex; Options in the II group (move up to 1/2 MA) do 
*not* include defend).

I do think you can "charge" *one* hex up to a pole-weapon user and 
then defend. So if the pole-weapon user is unwilling to move, the 
sequence would be:

Turn 1) move up to one hex away from him. You don't attack (unless 
you are willing to throw your weapon), he may "jab" (normal damage, 
normal DX). You may defend if you moved only one hex during this turn.

Turn 2) move one hex up to him, defend. He attacks at +2 DX against 
the defend, double damage if he hits.

Turn 3) no movement or shift, both attack normally (do DX bonus, no 
double damage).

The pole-weapon user still gets some advantages in this sequence, of 
course. On turn 1, if he has initiative, he might back away rather 
than jabbing, forcing you to repeat. Also on turn 1 (and previous, as 
you approach), if you moved 2 or more hexes *and* he has initiative, 
he might charge you. He'd lose the +2adjDX for set vs. charge, but 
you would be unable to defend, and he'd get the double damage and 
first attack. So this sequence works a lot better if you have 
initiative on turn 1, or can afford to take a few turns cautiously 
working your way up to him one hex at a time (so that you can defend 
if he elects to charge).

--
                           Mark Tapley, Dwarf Engineer
                       (I haven't cleared my neighborhood)
                 210-379-4635 Dwarf Phone, 210-522-6025 Office Phone
=====
Post to the entire list by writing to tft@brainiac.com.
Unsubscribe by mailing to majordomo@brainiac.com with the message body
"unsubscribe tft"