Master Swordsman and the Flank Attack

[vierasmarius]

Originally Posted by Rigil_Kent

Hmm. Guess I probably need to start saving up CPs to buy Danger Sense then...

You can bring down the cost of Danger Sense by making it Unreliable (doesn't always activate) or Uncontrollable (gives "false alarms"). From your initial description, it could also have Sense Based (Sight) - you don't have to see the actual attacker, but you are using visual cues to gain the Danger Sense, so it won't work if you're blind-folded or in complete darkness. These limitations can be bought off gradually as you learn to better utilize the ability.

[zoncxs]

Originally Posted by vierasmarius

You can bring down the cost of Danger Sense by making it Unreliable (doesn't always activate) or Uncontrollable (gives "false alarms"). From your initial description, it could also have Sense Based (Sight) - you don't have to see the actual attacker, but you are using visual cues to gain the Danger Sense, so it won't work if you're blind-folded or in complete darkness. These limitations can be bought off gradually as you learn to better utilize the ability.

yeah, and you can limit it even further by making it require a polished blade and holding it up defensively.

[vierasmarius]

Originally Posted by zoncxs

yeah, and you can limit it even further by making it require a polished blade and holding it up defensively.

Right. That could be anywhere from an Accessibility (if any polished blade will do) to a Gadget (if it's only this blade). If it can only be used while in a Defensive Stance that would reasonably increase the Accessibility discount.

[zoncxs]

Originally Posted by vierasmarius

Right. That could be anywhere from an Accessibility (if any polished blade will do) to a Gadget (if it's only this blade). If it can only be used while in a Defensive Stance that would reasonably increase the Accessibility discount.

hmm, I would do it for any weapon that can be polished to reflect an image to represent his "keen combat awareness"

using a specific weapon could represent a power of the weapon?

[vierasmarius]

Originally Posted by zoncxs

using a specific weapon could represent a power of the weapon?

Yeah. A sword enchanted or otherwise empowered to grant a special power would count as a Gadget. So could a sword that the user is "bonded" with (ie, the magic is in the wielder, but "attuned" to one specific weapon).

[zoncxs]

Originally Posted by vierasmarius

Yeah. A sword enchanted or otherwise empowered to grant a special power would count as a Gadget. So could a sword that the user is "bonded" with (ie, the magic is in the wielder, but "attuned" to one specific weapon).

so if the OP wants he could make use of a specific weapon using the weapon bond perk to grant him that power to see behind him and stuff, also lets him do more with it. but then again being able to use any weapon is more versatile.

[Rigil_Kent]

Well, the character is actually in play. I originally created him as an Ezio Auditore type of character, but as play has progressed, he's becoming more of a Wheel of Time blademaster (Weapon Bond, Signature Gear, Weapon Master.) Enchanting the weapon seems unlikely - normally, the characters are based in Caithness, in the Banestorm setting, which is low mana - but focusing with Danger Sense seems doable. Will need to check with the GM...

[munin]

GURPS Martial Arts has cinematic technique and campaign options which can simulate this:

"Designing Cinematic Techniques ... A classic example is defense against attacks from behind without having Peripheral Vision or 360° Vision. This benefit gives a basic default of -1, plus the usual -2 for the awkward angle. A technique like this might require Danger Sense or Precognition to use at all." (p. MA94). To specifically simulate the shiny sword trick I think you could replace the required prerequisites with an Extra Option (Shiny Sword allows rear defense after Evaluate maneuver) perk -- or whatever you think makes sense.

"Another feature of chambara movies is that attacks from behind don’t surprise veteran warriors! A fighter with Combat Reflexes and Trained by a Master or Weapon Master can sense such an attack. It counts as coming from the side – not the rear – exactly like a “runaround” attack (p. B391), giving the defender -2 to active defenses." (p. MA129).

[vierasmarius]

Originally Posted by zoncxs

so if the OP wants he could make use of a specific weapon using the weapon bond perk to grant him that power to see behind him and stuff, also lets him do more with it. but then again being able to use any weapon is more versatile.

Basically, yes. Though the Weapon Bond perk is a separate issue, and isn't required in the case of Gadgets.

Originally Posted by munin

"Designing Cinematic Techniques ... A classic example is defense against attacks from behind without having Peripheral Vision or 360° Vision. This benefit gives a basic default of -1, plus the usual -2 for the awkward angle. A technique like this might require Danger Sense or Precognition to use at all." (p. MA94). To specifically simulate the shiny sword trick I think you could replace the required prerequisites with an Extra Option (Shiny Sword allows rear defense after Evaluate maneuver) perk -- or whatever you think makes sense.

That actually fits very nicely, and may be easier to justify to the GM than a new exotic advantage.

"Another feature of chambara movies is that attacks from behind don’t surprise veteran warriors! A fighter with Combat Reflexes and Trained by a Master or Weapon Master can sense such an attack. It counts as coming from the side – not the rear – exactly like a “runaround” attack (p. B391), giving the defender -2 to active defenses." (p. MA129).

This, however, is a campaign option, and thus is entirely the GM's choice. You might be able to convince the GM to allow the character an Extra Options perk to cover it, though.

[sir_pudding]

Originally Posted by Rigil_Kent

It's a common trope we've seen a dozen times in sword-slinging movies -

Really? I don't think I've ever seen it. Can you give an example?

Originally Posted by munin

GURPS Martial Arts has cinematic technique and campaign options which can simulate this:

QFT
I was going to say the same thing. This is what the OP wants, not some exotic ability (although Danger Sense doesn't hurt with the concept, either). This is clearly a combat technique that the character is doing. Making it into 360 degree vision is like doing a Cross Parry as Reflexive DR or something.

Originally Posted by vierasmarius

This, however, is a campaign option, and thus is entirely the GM's choice. You might be able to convince the GM to allow the character an Extra Options perk to cover it, though.

It's a campaign option that seems appropriate for the style that they are emulating.