Vision modifier for Defense rolls

[Ludo]

Hi there,

A rapid rule-related question: do you use vision modifiers when rolling for defense? Is there something written about it in core rules or elsewhere? I'd tend to apply vision mods to base skill (hence getting roughly to vision mods/2 applied to defense).

Thanks in advance

[SuedodeuS]

Originally Posted by Ludo

Hi there,

A rapid rule-related question: do you use vision modifiers when rolling for defense? Is there something written about it in core rules or elsewhere? I'd tend to apply vision mods to base skill (hence getting roughly to vision mods/2 applied to defense).

Thanks in advance

Nothing official that I'm aware of, but you suffer a -4 to defense if you can't see the foe (-10 visibility). Using this as a benchmark, -1 to defense per -2 to visibility sounds appropriate. You'd be at -4 to defense at -8 visibility, but -10 visibility is special - you are still at -4 but have to make a Hearing-2 roll to Block or Parry (which is how it works in RAW).

[Ludo]

Thanks SuedodeuS, sounds good to me.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Ludo

Hi there,

A rapid rule-related question: do you use vision modifiers when rolling for defense?

Not officially. Other than the 'half penalty' rule, you can just force people to roll to see their attacker (target is normally in plain view for +10, making this rather unimportant until darkness penalties climb above 5).

[Molokh]

This came up before. If anybody think it's very important and asks Kromm, I'll add it to the uFAQ and maybe even oFAQ.

[cccwebs]

Originally Posted by Ludo

Hi there,

A rapid rule-related question: do you use vision modifiers when rolling for defense? Is there something written about it in core rules or elsewhere? I'd tend to apply vision mods to base skill (hence getting roughly to vision mods/2 applied to defense).

Thanks in advance

Mostly it's the -4 if you can't see the attacker. Remember, to parry or block you'll need to make a Hearing-2 roll. If vision modifiers would make it likely that the character wouldn't see the attacker, then make the vision roll first. If successful, then defend as normal. If unsuccesful, use the -4 modifier (with Hearing-2 roll as needed).

GURPS is very generous when it comes to active defenses.

[Bruno]

Originally Posted by Anthony

Not officially. Other than the 'half penalty' rule, you can just force people to roll to see their attacker (target is normally in plain view for +10, making this rather unimportant until darkness penalties climb above 5).

I like that idea, but extra rolls tend to be annoying in play - how often would you make someone roll? Per defense? Per second? once per combat?

[cccwebs]

Originally Posted by Bruno

I like that idea, but extra rolls tend to be annoying in play - how often would you make someone roll? Per defense? Per second? once per combat?

Typically once per combat, unless the target does something that would cause the character to lose sight of it. Once I see you, even in the dimly lit room, I see you unless something happens to stop me from seeing you.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Bruno

I like that idea, but extra rolls tend to be annoying in play - how often would you make someone roll? Per defense? Per second? once per combat?

I don't really consider this a good fix for exactly that reason -- the key isn't just whether you see the person (which is generally going to be once per combat unless someone specifically evades), it's whether you see the attack you want to block (which will be once per defense).

[Bookman]

The half-the-light-level penalty seems right to me as well. In dim light, every defense roll ought to be a little harder.