Quote:
Originally Posted by Kirk
... If a character can change *at any time* this can lead to circular and potentially never ending changed options. If one can change at *any* time (say right before someone strikes), there really is *no* reason to do anything but move before actions are resolved. Announcing an option is fairly pointless, so this is one reason we determined that the action can only be changed when it is a character's turn to act. This also makes for a better combative experience, IMO, because then DX (when you act) has a better part to play.
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Except (as discussed before in those threads linked), it really does not lead to a circular never-ending options-changing situation, as both Rick and I mentioned from our experiences playing this way.
When a figure's adjDX comes up and they act, they can't change what they're doing in reaction to someone dodging or defending against their actual attack. At no other times (except to make sure you don't move over 1/2 MA) does it matter what option others say they're planning on taking. It's irrelevant if people say they change their declared option except when an action is actually being done. People can react to a committed action, but the acting person can't change.
It's also nice because you don't have to remember what everyone declared. As in (I think) every single published example, people declare what they do when something happens.
Example:
Abe and Bob are friends, facing a 4-hex dragon.
They move first and both move 1/2 MA and engage the dragon.
They could all declare Attack or Defend, or not mention what they're doing, because it doesn't matter until someone actually takes an action.
The dragon has the highest adjDX and acts first. He chooses to attack Abe, and can't change that decision because it's his turn to do something.
Abe can then choose whether to Defend or not. If Abe defends, the dragon does not have the option to change his mind and attack Bob.
There is no reason for anyone to go back and forth.