[MA] Sideslip and then sidestep to side attack

[Xakaz]

Another interesting question is applicability of Retreat, Sidestep and Slip defense options against close combat attacks. By RAW, you can't actually use Sidestep and Slip against range C attacks since to use Sidestep you have to move on a hex in the same distance to an attacker as your initial hex and with Slip you have to end up on a hex closer to an attacker. But it looks like Retreat can be used to step on any adjacent hex since all of them are further away from an attacker. Does it seems right?

[sir_pudding]

Originally Posted by Xakaz

Another interesting question is applicability of Retreat, Sidestep and Slip defense options against close combat attacks. By RAW, you can't actually use Sidestep and Slip against range C attacks since to use Sidestep you have to move on a hex in the same distance to an attacker as your initial hex and with Slip you have to end up on a hex closer to an attacker. But it looks like Retreat can be used to step on any adjacent hex since all of them are further away from an attacker. Does it seems right?

Recreating through them would seem to require an evade.

[kenclary]

Originally Posted by Xakaz

Another interesting question is applicability of Retreat, Sidestep and Slip defense options against close combat attacks. By RAW, you can't actually use Sidestep and Slip against range C attacks since to use Sidestep you have to move on a hex in the same distance to an attacker as your initial hex and with Slip you have to end up on a hex closer to an attacker. But it looks like Retreat can be used to step on any adjacent hex since all of them are further away from an attacker. Does it seems right?

In reach C, Sideslip just becomes Retreat, and Slip may be impossible, yeah. It's too small for the distance abstraction. (per sir_pudding's suggestion, I think you could use Evading to "retreat" behind them, if there's no grapple.)

In your original example, everything was reach 1, and correct I think, at least.

[Plane]

Originally Posted by kenclary

In reach C, Sideslip just becomes Retreat, and Slip may be impossible, yeah. It's too small for the distance abstraction

I could see maybe a sideslip in close combat might be used to change relative position within the hex by 1 facing while a "front" slip could do it by 3 facings (getting past the other side) so long as you also roll an Evasion contest?

[mburr0003]

Originally Posted by Xakaz

... with Slip you have to end up on a hex closer to an attacker.

I allow Slip to move past an attacker if circumstances would justify it because a) I've had PCs with Steps in the 4+ range, 2) I've had PCs want to use Slip and Evade against Slam attacks hoping the slammer ends up stumbling several yards past them, ∞) I've had close combatants want to end in the hex behind their foe (and they were fine with facing away from them).