Steve Jackson Games Forums - View Single Post - Clarification on Surprise Attacks and Initiative

Leynok · 02-26-2016, 08:51 PM

Pretty sure they all get a chance to defend, though at -4 because they're stunned. I usually only rob an Active Defence from someone when they either can't defend due to some incapacitating condition or if they were unaware of the attack in time. In your example, they have plenty of time to witness the attack, from the guy kicking the door in, then they see the guy pointing the gun at them, that's plenty to justify an Active Defence. When in doubt, I imagine how a player would feel when put in that situation, would they feel cheated out of their defence? Or would they understand "yeah, there was no way I could have dodged that?".

Though this does bring up something else I never noticed. You roll for initiative!? I assumed it was a static number based on your Basic Speed? I went to check the Base Books but I can't see anything going into any detail of Initiative.

[Edit] Ah nevermind, I understand Initiative now. I'm used to Initiative being Turn Order from many other systems.

02-26-2016, 08:51 PM	#2
Leynok Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Australia WA	Re: Clarification on Surprise Attacks and Initiative Pretty sure they all get a chance to defend, though at -4 because they're stunned. I usually only rob an Active Defence from someone when they either can't defend due to some incapacitating condition or if they were unaware of the attack in time. In your example, they have plenty of time to witness the attack, from the guy kicking the door in, then they see the guy pointing the gun at them, that's plenty to justify an Active Defence. When in doubt, I imagine how a player would feel when put in that situation, would they feel cheated out of their defence? Or would they understand "yeah, there was no way I could have dodged that?". Though this does bring up something else I never noticed. You roll for initiative!? I assumed it was a static number based on your Basic Speed? I went to check the Base Books but I can't see anything going into any detail of Initiative. [Edit] Ah nevermind, I understand Initiative now. I'm used to Initiative being Turn Order from many other systems. Last edited by Leynok; 02-26-2016 at 08:57 PM.