07-09-2020, 04:32 AM | #1 |
Join Date: Jan 2019
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Surprise and sequence
Hi, I am pondering about a situation involving surprise but I have no clear idea how to play it.
Let say we have 3 Pcs A, C, D and an enemy b lurking in the shadows. The normal sequence is A, b, C, D, but b is hiding and it wins the surprise via a stealth vs vision contest. Now the PCs are surprised and they are attacked by b. So in the very First turn we have A- acting normally (walking, looking around etc) b- jumping out of hiding and attacking, forcing surprise on all the PCs C- surprised and in mental stun. Do nothing + IQ roll D- surprised and in mental stun. Do nothing + IQ roll So do you confirm whoever b attacks (A, C or D) is suffering from mental stun with the -4 to defenses? Second turn A- surprised and in mental stun. Do nothing + IQ roll b- second attack C- Can act normally if on first turn succeeded on IQ check, otherwise surprised and in mental stun (Do nothing + IQ roll) D- Can act normally if on first turn succeeded on IQ check, otherwise surprised and in mental stun (Do nothing + IQ roll) if this is the correct way to play the scenario, it seems weird to me that the PC A who has the highest speed is actually acting behind his companions C and D..that is they have the opportunity to snap out of surprise BEFORE him. Can someone explain the canonical interpretation of the rule? Thanks!!! |
07-09-2020, 07:26 AM | #2 |
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Tokyo, Japan
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Re: Surprise and sequence
In my understanding, there is no turn sequence before combat starts. So, there will be no turn where A will spend it "acting normally".
Combat starts by b jumping out of hiding forcing surprise on all the PCs, and the "First Turn" will proceed as follows: A- surprised and in mental stun. Do nothing + IQ roll b- attacking (whether b needs to Move and Attack or starts combat close enough to Attack, would be GM's call, maybe based on a Stealth roll) C- surprised and in mental stun. Do nothing + IQ roll D- surprised and in mental stun. Do nothing + IQ roll So, A will not only have a chance to recover before C and D, but will have a chance to recover before b acts (but will not be able to actually do anything meaningful before b). |
07-13-2020, 03:46 PM | #3 |
Join Date: Jan 2019
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Re: Surprise and sequence
Thank you Finn.
I see that no other joined the discussion..this could be positive, in the meaning that yours is the "canonical" interpretation of the rule. Sounds fine to me! |
07-13-2020, 07:38 PM | #4 |
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Montréal, Québec
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Re: Surprise and sequence
Pretty much, yes.
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Per-based Stealth isn’t remotely as awkward as DX-based Observation. |
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