Combat Modifiers and AdjDX

[Axly Suregrip]

This is a fun discussion. I have played it both ways regarding thrown weapons and facing bonuses. This has given me pause.

With regards to the OP and regarding if bonuses & penalties (except Missile and Thrown) affect the order of attack, I say definitely. If your target has his back to you not only is it easier, but having no defense to prevent your attack allows you to attack sooner. By the same token, if you have a -2 or -3 DX due to injuries, you are not responding as quickly. And the rules backs this up. I can think of two places off the top of my head: first by the inverse of the statement the OP mentions (that is, the rules specifically states the missile & thrown modifiers do not apply which implies the rest do). Second the Sweeping attack rules states all attacks are made at the lowest of adjusted DX (ITL 126). Clearly this shows the targets affects on the attacker's DX adjusts also affects attack order.

"Roll separately for each target figure, at the time of the lowest adjDX applicable to any of them."