01-25-2017, 12:46 PM | #1 |
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Denver, CO
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Partial parry
I'm curious how to model a cinematic thing I've seen a number of times: using a sword to deflect the brunt of a magical attack or a large projectile, reducing the damage to a manageable level.
This came to mind as I was re-watching Avatar: The Last Airbender. We frequently see someone attacked by a power (earthbending attack throwing a rock, most commonly) and parrying with a sword. The sword deflects the brunt of the damage, but the target is still hurt some. Am I missing a rule that would cover this? Parrying seems to be pretty binary in GURPS. I've considered a houserule based on Power Parries from Supers, but can't come up with anything satisfactory. |
01-25-2017, 01:15 PM | #2 |
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LFK
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Re: Partial parry
Maybe a DR power triggered by a parry roll instead of automatic/skill roll?
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01-25-2017, 02:16 PM | #3 |
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Austin, TX
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Re: Partial parry
My completely unplaytested suggestion would be something like this:
Deflecting Defense: This is an option for any Active Defense. You accept you are going to get hit, but interpose your weapon or maneuver your body to limit the damage. You get a +2 on your Active Defense, but even on success, you are still hit and take 1/2 normal damage. If you fail the Defense, you take the hit normally and if you attempted a Parry or Block, the attacker may choose to hit your weapon or shield hand instead of where they targeted the attack. Shield Brace: This is an option for Blocking with a shield against a slam. You accept you are going to get hit, but set your shield to ensure it takes the slam instead of you. You get a +4 on your Block, but even on a success, your shield is hit by the slam for full damage. You may not combine a Shield Brace with a Deflecting Defense. I think they're reasonably balanced: you get a minor bonus, but you're guaranteed to take the hit for at least some damage. If you're in a bad situation, or are well-armored compared to your foe's attacks, they can be lifesavers.
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01-25-2017, 02:28 PM | #4 | |
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Re: Partial parry
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01-25-2017, 02:37 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: GMT-5
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Re: Partial parry
I've used a "graze" rule before. If someone just barely hits (i.e. has a MoS of 0 on the hit roll) or if a defender just barely defends (i.e. has a MoS of 0 on a defense roll), minimum damage is sustained.
I haven't used the rule in a while because I have wanted to keep things simpler lately. But when I was using it, the rules didn't break (though I had to make some calls on the fly for cases of fixed damage). |
01-25-2017, 05:18 PM | #6 |
Wielder of Smart Pants
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Ventura CA
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Re: Partial parry
You can allow mundane attacks to power parry certain powers as part of mundane countermeasures.
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01-25-2017, 06:56 PM | #7 | |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: 100 hurricane swamp
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Re: Partial parry
Quote:
In this case it's something that requires the user have a Power, in this case Striker or Innate Attack bought as a sword. However, you could also use the cinematic skill Parry Missile Weapons to cover this. |
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01-25-2017, 08:59 PM | #8 | |
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Denver, CO
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Re: Partial parry
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01-25-2017, 09:01 PM | #9 |
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Denver, CO
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Re: Partial parry
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01-25-2017, 09:02 PM | #10 |
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Denver, CO
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Re: Partial parry
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Tags |
active defense, parry |
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