07-18-2009, 02:03 AM | #1 |
Join Date: Mar 2006
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[DF] Striking ST (only on surprise attack): what's a surprise attack?
Any attack at an unaware opponent? Or and attack on a surprised enemy (who is stunned and rolling the IQ +1/turn rolls to recover)? If an enemy stunned from surprise counts, how about other stuns?
The limitation value just made me wonder. |
07-18-2009, 10:50 AM | #2 |
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Austin, TX
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Re: [DF] Striking ST (only on surprise attack): what's a surprise attack?
I'd say from the text of DF2 (pp 11-12) it only applies when your opponent is completely unaware (basically sleeping, but I might allow it during a social sequence with a fast-draw knife) or after you make a successful Stealth roll at the start of combat.
I wouldn't allow it for a surprised character unless you also made the Stealth roll, and I certainly wouldn't allow it for a generically stunned character. |
07-18-2009, 11:38 AM | #3 | |
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Europe
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Re: [DF] Striking ST (only on surprise attack): what's a surprise attack?
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That one always struck me as too cheap. It's an obvious atempt to try to simulate the backstabbing of AD&D or the sneak attack of D&D3, but it has to work against conscious enemies during combat in order to be worthwhile, yet on the other hand (which I take is your point) -60% is way too much of a Limitation. -40% or even -30% would probably be more reasonable for a "Backstab" Limitation. Also, it may be a bit odd that the bonus is Striking ST, since that helps to penetrate armour. I'm not sure what else it should be (GURPS isn't very flexible), but something to do with knowing which vulnerable body parts to aim at. Or knowing which vulnerable armour spots to aim at. Usually the armour is specifically made to not have vulnerable points over vulnerable body parts, so it doesn't make perfect sense to me. |
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07-18-2009, 02:12 PM | #4 |
GURPS Line Editor
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Montréal, Québec
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Re: [DF] Striking ST (only on surprise attack): what's a surprise attack?
A surprise attack is one against which the target would get no defense at all. Not a defense at -2 (as if from the side, from above, or during a runaround attack), -4 (as if stunned or defending against an invisible foe), or any other penalty . . . no defense, as against an attack from behind or by an ally who suddenly turns on you.
And Striking ST is an entirely fine way to do it. It represents being able to line up your attack perfectly – a bit like a Telegraphic Attack, but with focus on perfect form and muscle use, not aim.
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Sean "Dr. Kromm" Punch <kromm@sjgames.com> GURPS Line Editor, Steve Jackson Games My DreamWidth [Just GURPS News] |
07-18-2009, 02:33 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Mar 2006
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Re: [DF] Striking ST (only on surprise attack): what's a surprise attack?
Edit: Already had a clear answer from Kromm himself! Thanks!
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01-28-2014, 06:29 AM | #6 |
Join Date: Mar 2013
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Re: [DF] Striking ST (only on surprise attack): what's a surprise attack?
I'm sorry about refreshing old thread (I don't wanted create a new one for one simple question, while I found existing), but I have question about "Only for surprise attack" limitation.
If this "represents being able to line up your attack perfectly" - does this apply also to ranged attacks, when thief/assassin is able to perfecly line up his attack before shot, and victim is not aware his position? |
01-28-2014, 07:28 AM | #7 | |
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Ellicott City, MD
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Re: [DF] Striking ST (only on surprise attack): what's a surprise attack?
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01-28-2014, 08:24 AM | #8 |
Join Date: Mar 2013
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Re: [DF] Striking ST (only on surprise attack): what's a surprise attack?
I know that standard Striking ST apply only for melee and thrown weapon damage. For "realistic man" with Striking ST, this can be effect of something like plyometric training which give his muscles more strength for dynamic moves eg., boxer or other martial artist--striker, or blacksmithin medieval setting.
But if this limitation apply for weak thief, and is only for attacks from surpsise, this mean this is something different. If this is not real muscle-power, I think it should apply either to every ranged attack, or to none ranged attack. |
01-28-2014, 08:27 AM | #9 | |
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Ellicott City, MD
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Re: [DF] Striking ST (only on surprise attack): what's a surprise attack?
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And the Thief in DF isn't exactly "weak." |
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01-28-2014, 08:46 AM | #10 | ||||
GURPS FAQ Keeper
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Kyïv, Ukraine
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Re: [DF] Striking ST (only on surprise attack): what's a surprise attack?
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Last edited by vicky_molokh; 01-28-2014 at 08:50 AM. |
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