Forget DF: what about normal melee combat tactics??

Ulzgoroth · 05-01-2012, 09:15 AM

So, you've got two highly-defensive characters here with no offensive tricks. Lets see...

Uh. For starters, how did you calculate those active defenses? By my eye each has block and parry at 14/2+3=10. Did you roll a Retreat into that? With such high defenses, either of them (but especially the knight) could try refusing to give ground and pushing the other into a bad position.

If you use Damage to Shields and realistic shields, they could just batter each others' shields apart. But that wouldn't be the recommended DF way.

Of course, neither are duels. A few extra participants could break things wide open quickly.

AoAs are pretty dumb. Yeah, you can get something like a 37% chance of delivering a hit, but if that hit isn't a fight-ender, or if it doesn't go home, your opponent's All Out (Strong) Telegraphic attack or All Out (Determined) Telegraphic stab to the eye or what not is probably going to end you.

Runarounds have potential, though. The important thing for a runaround isn't the runaround itself. It's getting onto the opponent's weapon side, so their shield DB doesn't apply. Committed Attacks are dangerous, but they do provide the chance to pose a greater threat without outright suiciding.

Either fighter could attempt a Dual Weapon Attack. For the Orc, this isn't all that useful...it's maybe a little more likely to get something through than the regular attack but the Knight has two good defenses. However, for the Knight this is a more potent option. The Orc only has one solid active defense on a turn where it attacked and if the Knight lucks into a double hit it'll do some good while still offering the target the chance to roll badly each turn. Only useful if the shield damage is enough to pierce armor. A Rapid Strike would also be an option but without Weapon Master, not an attractive one at this skill level.

05-01-2012, 09:15 AM	#9
Ulzgoroth Join Date: Jul 2008	Re: Forget DF: what about normal melee combat tactics?? So, you've got two highly-defensive characters here with no offensive tricks. Lets see... Uh. For starters, how did you calculate those active defenses? By my eye each has block and parry at 14/2+3=10. Did you roll a Retreat into that? With such high defenses, either of them (but especially the knight) could try refusing to give ground and pushing the other into a bad position. If you use Damage to Shields and realistic shields, they could just batter each others' shields apart. But that wouldn't be the recommended DF way. Of course, neither are duels. A few extra participants could break things wide open quickly. AoAs are pretty dumb. Yeah, you can get something like a 37% chance of delivering a hit, but if that hit isn't a fight-ender, or if it doesn't go home, your opponent's All Out (Strong) Telegraphic attack or All Out (Determined) Telegraphic stab to the eye or what not is probably going to end you. Runarounds have potential, though. The important thing for a runaround isn't the runaround itself. It's getting onto the opponent's weapon side, so their shield DB doesn't apply. Committed Attacks are dangerous, but they do provide the chance to pose a greater threat without outright suiciding. Either fighter could attempt a Dual Weapon Attack. For the Orc, this isn't all that useful...it's maybe a little more likely to get something through than the regular attack but the Knight has two good defenses. However, for the Knight this is a more potent option. The Orc only has one solid active defense on a turn where it attacked and if the Knight lucks into a double hit it'll do some good while still offering the target the chance to roll badly each turn. Only useful if the shield damage is enough to pierce armor. A Rapid Strike would also be an option but without Weapon Master, not an attractive one at this skill level. __________________ I don't know any 3e, so there is no chance that I am talking about 3e rules by accident.