People have frequently complained that there is an inordinate focus on DX in combat and hence the game in general. Perhaps a modifier related to speed that considers character ST relative to the weapon ST is in order. It won't necessarily make it any easier for you to hit your target, but it could affect your speed and placement in the order of combat. It's in this area that DX/adjDX just doesn't do it for me. Just because the DX is higher, should I get to hit first AND hit more often regardless of the type and size of my weapon?
I suppose the argument would be that it is reasonable to have combatants of the same DX hit just as often regardless of the weight of their weapons because, unless the ST of the character falls below the ST of the weapon, the character with the same DX but higher ST represents a more advanced character with a higher overall attributes. Consideration of weapon speed is not necessary because it is effectively addressed by having a minimum ST requirement for a weapon. So there's the balance.
It is an interesting question about bonuses for a character whose ST exceeds the weapon ST. The weapon ST is a requirement for proficient use of the weapon. More damage could come from harder hitting due to higher ST or better technique, which again involves the development of ST along with skill. Swords, while not appearing or feeling heavy at first, quickly get heavy in the hand, as do shields. The ST should play a part in combat effectivenes. In escrima or kenjutsu training, one can have much heavier training weapon to condition the arms and back muscles. Some escrimadors used very heavy sticks, lead or steel pipes as part of their training regimen. Kenjutsu practitioners will use the heavier suburi to train with. After practicing with heavier training weapon and conditioning your muscles, you will find that you are much quicker with your competition or combat weapon. It's just very specific weight training.
So, in addition to the effect of armor, should ST and the weapon size/weight play a factor in when a character gets a swing?
FWIW, Todd----- Original Message ----- From: <dwtulloh61@cox.net>
To: <tft@brainiac.com> Cc: "Todd Roseberry" <paleryder1@verizon.net> Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2007 11:07 PM Subject: Re: Re: (TFT) Scale - Abstraction in Combat - 1- Timing
---- Todd Roseberry <paleryder1@verizon.net> wrote:I don't mind the TFT abstraction at all. I'm not sure I agree with your statement above. If I have a DX of 12, I hit just as often regardless of which weapon I use. The ST determines the amount of damage by given heavier and slow weapons more damage. Unless you're under ST, your DX will not be affected.Note also that swinging a weapon requiring less than your max ST doesn't give any speed bonuses either. Eg, a ST 15 fighter who wielding a cutlass.In theory, the "faster" guy with the "faster" weapon should be able to get more licks in. I recall the battle in the move Rob Roy ...This almost begs the question of whether the reactions to injury should be modeled differently. Perhaps the amount of damage that a figure receives in a given turn should be subtracted from his "to hit" roll?
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