02-01-2013, 01:24 PM | #1 |
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2013
|
Why doesn't Brawling have a Default?
It seems like a pretty straight forward skill that anyone would have some chance of performing.
|
02-01-2013, 01:38 PM | #2 |
GURPS Line Editor
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Montréal, Québec
|
Re: Why doesn't Brawling have a Default?
Anybody can punch or bite at DX for thrust-1 crushing, kick at DX-2 for thrust crushing, or wield brass knuckles, a blackjack, or a stun gun at full DX; see p. B271. Likewise, anyone can parry barehanded at (DX/2)+3; see pp. B376-377. These things don't require any special skill.
Brawling is specifically the ability to do that well, allowing you to replace "DX" with "Brawling" in those formulas, if higher, and possibly gain a small damage bonus if you know it at DX+2 or better. It also encompasses a few dirty-fighting tricks that require actual training; many techniques that default to Brawling at some penalty don't default to DX. In effect, everyone has default Brawling equal to DX, but it isn't written that way in an effort to differentiate training that gives access to techniques from untrained unarmed ability that doesn't allow those moves.
__________________
Sean "Dr. Kromm" Punch <kromm@sjgames.com> GURPS Line Editor, Steve Jackson Games My DreamWidth [Just GURPS News] |
02-01-2013, 01:58 PM | #3 |
GURPS FAQ Keeper
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Kyïv, Ukraine
|
Re: Why doesn't Brawling have a Default?
I know what you mean Kromm, but I'm afraid your wording is misleading. I remember you listing several relevant benefits of having Brawling at DX compared to just using your DX with no Brawling. IIRC they were more relevant in an actual tavern brawl than in a formal duel on an infinite flat hexagon. E.g. a parry with each hand does not seem to be covered by techniques - it's just the way Brawling Parries.
|
02-01-2013, 02:03 PM | #4 |
Join Date: Sep 2007
|
Re: Why doesn't Brawling have a Default?
This 2006 thread has some more details.
http://forums.sjgames.com/showthread.php?t=20754 |
02-01-2013, 03:06 PM | #5 |
GURPS Line Editor
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Montréal, Québec
|
Re: Why doesn't Brawling have a Default?
For the most part, and especially the way most people play the game, that's close enough. The details of parries, unusual combat moves, etc. are mostly relevant to gamers who've switched on large parts of GURPS Martial Arts. In a typical just-the-Basic Set campaign, it's safe enough to treat Brawling as "improvable DX for barehanded combat."
__________________
Sean "Dr. Kromm" Punch <kromm@sjgames.com> GURPS Line Editor, Steve Jackson Games My DreamWidth [Just GURPS News] |
02-01-2013, 03:18 PM | #6 |
☣
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Southeast NC
|
Re: Why doesn't Brawling have a Default?
*tries to rationalize this*
*head asplodes*
__________________
RyanW - Actually one normal sized guy in three tiny trenchcoats. |
02-01-2013, 03:20 PM | #7 |
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Oregon
|
Re: Why doesn't Brawling have a Default?
Just to present a dissenting view point (and probably get shot down in minutes) I'm actually in favor of making Brawling default to DX-4, like any other Easy skill. Wrestling would default to DX-5, while the more "advanced" unarmed skills have no default. This makes untrained hand-to-hand skills parallel untrained melee weapon skills; it actually becomes beneficial for average Joe to pick up that stick to defend himself with. Yes, they'll have to use All-Out and/or Telegraphic attacks to have a chance of hitting, but that's already strongly suggested by Martial Arts (Untrained Fighters, p113). This just changes it from a compulsion to a tactical necessity.
|
02-01-2013, 03:22 PM | #8 | |
GURPS FAQ Keeper
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Kyïv, Ukraine
|
Re: Why doesn't Brawling have a Default?
Quote:
|
|
02-01-2013, 03:23 PM | #9 | |
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Lawrence, KS
|
Re: Why doesn't Brawling have a Default?
Quote:
Bill Stoddard |
|
02-01-2013, 03:32 PM | #10 |
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Oregon
|
Re: Why doesn't Brawling have a Default?
Yes, exactly. Most attacks he makes will be All-Out (as already laid out in Martial Arts) and may be Telegraphic as well. Many people with slight self-defense training or a penchant for getting into fights will have the Dabbler perk for a higher Default. Someone with just 1 point in Karate will be at DX-2, meaning he'll still need to make a lot of Telegraphic attacks - just like someone with 1 point in Flail. There will be a meaningful difference between Brawling DX [1] and Karate DX-2 [1].
|
Tags |
evaluate telegraphic, kromm explanation, telegraphic evaluate |
|
|