Master Swordsman and the Flank Attack

[Rigil_Kent]

It's a common trope we've seen a dozen times in sword-slinging movies - the Hero is surrounded by a host of mooks and, in order to avoid being attack from behind by Mook Number 5 who will begin his move behind him (thus no defense as I understand the rules), the Hero holds his or her sword up and watches Mk#5 in the reflection of the blade.

Now ignoring the fact that most swords aren't going to be buffed to such a high-gloss shine, how do you reflect this in game terms? 360° Vision doesn't really seem correct.

Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?

[zoncxs]

its called "the hero gets to defend against the attack because I am GM"

the other way is basing it on a tech to do so, or have them use blind fighting skill. or roll PER.

[Mateus]

Originally Posted by Rigil_Kent

It's a common trope we've seen a dozen times in sword-slinging movies - the Hero is surrounded by a host of mooks and, in order to avoid being attack from behind by Mook Number 5 who will begin his move behind him (thus no defense as I understand the rules), the Hero holds his or her sword up and watches Mk#5 in the reflection of the blade.

Now ignoring the fact that most swords aren't going to be buffed to such a high-gloss shine, how do you reflect this in game terms? 360° Vision doesn't really seem correct.

Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?

Maybe you can do it using 360 Vision plus a gagget and a Nuissace Effect on it. Another option can be a Rules Exception perk.

[ericthered]

If the ability is unique to the hero, I'd say make it a cinematic technique, using the sword skill based on perception and a success allows you to defend.

blind fight also works. maybe its a technique of that.

[vierasmarius]

I'd call it either Blind Fighting or Precognitive Parry. Either of them can let a swordsman defend against attacks he can't "see".

[Gigermann]

I was thinking of Danger Sense

…in any situation involving an ambush, impending disaster, or similar hazard

The wording of the Advantage doesn't specify that the "ambush" must be outside of combat. I'm not aware of anything to the contrary. Could even limit it be requiring a "shiny sword at the ready."

[Rigil_Kent]

Interesting.

I guess when it boils down to it, I'm trying to figure out a GURPS equivalent of the D&D 3e/3.5e "Uncanny Dodge."

[vierasmarius]

Originally Posted by Rigil_Kent

Interesting.

I guess when it boils down to it, I'm trying to figure out a GURPS equivalent of the D&D 3e/3.5e "Uncanny Dodge."

That's the one that lets you keep your Dex bonus against surprise attacks, right? I think the best fit for that is Danger Sense, followed by Precognitive Parry, 360° Vision, and the other options above.

[Refplace]

In the situation you describe he knows the guy is behind hiom so can defend.
Penalty -4 for not seeing him and I think counts as Wild Swing for the back.
I cant find that rule at the moment though and it may only apply to attacks.

EDIT: I could see buying a behind you parry as a technique to offset that penalty for a guy used to being surrounded.

[Rigil_Kent]

I was under the impression that if Mook began his action directly behind the Hero, the Hero couldn't defend, even though he was aware that the Mook was back there?

Originally Posted by vierasmarius

That's the one that lets you keep your Dex bonus against surprise attacks, right?

Yeah. There are varying levels of it, with the low-level version allowing you to retain the Dex bonus against surprise and then the upper-tier version making it so you can't be flanked (unless by someone a certain number of levels higher ... I think.)

I think the best fit for that is Danger Sense, followed by Precognitive Parry, 360° Vision, and the other options above.

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