Re: (TFT) Spear vs. Shortsword maneuvers

[Peter von Kleinsmid <pvk@oz.net>]

Yeah, there are several different rule variations in Interplay and 
house rules, which I think mainly are about avoiding the 4d or 4d+4 
damage of halberds and pike axes.

Oh and by the way, Rick's version of the 3-hex charge rule is I think 
the only one I know of that prevents MA 10-12 people using retreats 
or disengagement to get another pole charge effect.

Personally I'm with David in that I don't think the point is about 
running to build up momentum that way. The Advanced Melee section 
makes it clear that SJ originally meant it could be done with a 
one-hex move, even by a non-pole-weapon user advancing to engage a 
pole-weapon user.

I think the double damage (and the pole weapons go first on charge, 
and +2DX rules) is about the situation of having a long pole weapon 
being interposed between separated foes. For shortsword guy to be 
able to hit spear guy, shortsword guy doesn't just risk being poked 
by a spear on his way in, but risks advancing up a braced spear, 
which may mean getting run through, or poked and repulsed several 
times before being able to close. If a real polearm user holds it 
strongly pointed and aligned with someone trying to get to them with 
a shorter weapon, that's a more formidable obstacle and risk than 
just stabbing using a spear. Similar for advancing on someone and 
keeping the polearm firmly between you two - it has the potential for 
bringing a lot of the mass of the two bodies together along the pole 
because the geometry is of two masses with the pole between them. Two 
bodies moving to shorten their distance with a polearm between 
presents both the risk of a very sturdy impact, skewering, or 
preventing the movement.

Now, I think double damage only a so-so mechanic for that situation, 
but I think that the situation is a significant advantage and 
deserves some sort of modelling. I think it's important to show that 
getting past polearms is an important and dangerous situation.

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