Just got MA...Martial Arts questions...

AmesJainchill · 02-02-2008, 04:35 PM

1) What the hell is up with the Two-Handed Combinations description? I can't make out what it means.

Do I get the reduced price of -4 if I use two different hands for the Combination or what? I think that's the way it works?

2) Could I make a Combination using Wrench Spine or Neck Snap that lets me perform the grapple (plus hoist for Wrench Spine) and then make the Quick Contest all in one second?
Is this a balance issue or a realism issue?

Besides these questions, I don't have any problems with the book at all.

PK · 02-02-2008, 08:35 PM

A normal Combination is based on a Rapid Strike, so the penalty is -6 per attack. Essentially, if you could make the attack as a Dual Weapon Attack (instead of a Rapid Strike), the penalty is only -4, because a DWA is easier than a RS.

Peter V. Dell'Orto · 02-02-2008, 10:28 PM

I'm very happy you like it!

1) Yes, if you use two different hands (base it on Dual-Weapon Attack) you get a combo starting at -4/-4 instead of -6/-6. So it's cheaper, but you need must have both hands free to fight, if it's a weapon combo you need the weapons specified (if your combo is for a pair of rapiers, it's not useful when you have a rapier and a main gauche).

2) I'm not sure. I wouldn't allow it, personally, because I think the part about it taking an extra turn is a good control for these high-damage attacks. But Kromm can rule officially either way.

AmesJainchill · 02-03-2008, 02:04 AM

Okay! So, it's like Dual Weapon Attack. Cool.

I see your point...I shouldn't be too hasty on the Neck Snap Combo issue. But I can always have one rule for a more cinematic campaign and one for a more evenhanded campaign where the rules are the rules, and whoever gets hurt, gets hurt.

The campaign I'm running now, this is really only practical for NPCs to do because of the expense of time and training and whatnot, but I don't want to rush into things.

PK · 02-04-2008, 09:53 AM

Actually, the new GURPS Fairbairn PDF on e23 allows Combination (Judo Grapple/Torso + ST/Backbreaker) in a cinematic game (or with a GM who's willing to allow the Unusual Training for it).

AmesJainchill · 02-04-2008, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rev. Pee Kitty

Actually, the new GURPS Fairbairn PDF on e23 allows Combination (Judo Grapple/Torso + ST/Backbreaker) in a cinematic game (or with a GM who's willing to allow the Unusual Training for it).

Ah! I bought Fairbarn before I bought Martial Arts, I'll have to look it over again.

Kromm · 02-04-2008, 11:53 AM

Grab + hurt combos are probably okay as long as you remember that the victim gets two defenses/resistance rolls/whatever. I wouldn't make a habit out of allowing them sight unseen, though.

02-02-2008, 04:35 PM	#1
AmesJainchill Join Date: Jun 2005	Just got MA...Martial Arts questions... 1) What the hell is up with the Two-Handed Combinations description? I can't make out what it means. Do I get the reduced price of -4 if I use two different hands for the Combination or what? I think that's the way it works? 2) Could I make a Combination using Wrench Spine or Neck Snap that lets me perform the grapple (plus hoist for Wrench Spine) and then make the Quick Contest all in one second? Is this a balance issue or a realism issue? Besides these questions, I don't have any problems with the book at all. __________________ My gaming groups Wiki: GURPS Star Wars house rules, example spaceships, etc.

02-02-2008, 08:35 PM	#2
PK Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Dobbstown Sane Asylum	Re: Just got MA...Martial Arts questions... A normal Combination is based on a Rapid Strike, so the penalty is -6 per attack. Essentially, if you could make the attack as a Dual Weapon Attack (instead of a Rapid Strike), the penalty is only -4, because a DWA is easier than a RS. __________________ Reverend Pee Kitty of the Order Malkavian-Dobbsian (Twitter) (LJ) MyGURPS: My house rules and *GURPS* resources. #SJGamesLive: I answered questions about *GURPS After the End* and more! {Watch Video} - {Read Transcript}

02-02-2008, 10:28 PM	#3
Peter V. Dell'Orto Fightin' Round the World Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: New Jersey	Re: Just got MA...Martial Arts questions... I'm very happy you like it! 1) Yes, if you use two different hands (base it on Dual-Weapon Attack) you get a combo starting at -4/-4 instead of -6/-6. So it's cheaper, but you need must have both hands free to fight, if it's a weapon combo you need the weapons specified (if your combo is for a pair of rapiers, it's not useful when you have a rapier and a main gauche). 2) I'm not sure. I wouldn't allow it, personally, because I think the part about it taking an extra turn is a good control for these high-damage attacks. But Kromm can rule officially either way. __________________ Peter V. Dell'Orto aka Toadkiller_Dog or TKD My Author Page My S&C Blog My Dungeon Fantasy Game Blog "You fall onto five death checks." - Andy Dokachev

02-03-2008, 02:04 AM	#4
AmesJainchill Join Date: Jun 2005	Re: Just got MA...Martial Arts questions... Okay! So, it's like Dual Weapon Attack. Cool. I see your point...I shouldn't be too hasty on the Neck Snap Combo issue. But I can always have one rule for a more cinematic campaign and one for a more evenhanded campaign where the rules are the rules, and whoever gets hurt, gets hurt. The campaign I'm running now, this is really only practical for NPCs to do because of the expense of time and training and whatnot, but I don't want to rush into things. __________________ My gaming groups Wiki: GURPS Star Wars house rules, example spaceships, etc.

02-04-2008, 09:53 AM	#5
PK Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Dobbstown Sane Asylum	Re: Just got MA...Martial Arts questions... Actually, the new GURPS Fairbairn PDF on e23 allows Combination (Judo Grapple/Torso + ST/Backbreaker) in a cinematic game (or with a GM who's willing to allow the Unusual Training for it). __________________ Reverend Pee Kitty of the Order Malkavian-Dobbsian (Twitter) (LJ) MyGURPS: My house rules and *GURPS* resources. #SJGamesLive: I answered questions about *GURPS After the End* and more! {Watch Video} - {Read Transcript}

02-04-2008, 11:53 AM	#7
Kromm *GURPS* Line Editor Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Montréal, Québec	Re: Just got MA...Martial Arts questions... Grab + hurt combos are probably okay as long as you remember that the victim gets two defenses/resistance rolls/whatever. I wouldn't make a habit out of allowing them sight unseen, though. __________________ Sean "Dr. Kromm" Punch <kromm@sjgames.com> *GURPS* Line Editor, Steve Jackson Games My DreamWidth [Just *GURPS* News]