Pole Weapons Expertise Question

[Bill_in_IN]

Originally Posted by Axly Suregrip

I would allow it.

DX -5 is a big risk to get the extra die from Shrewd Blow. If they are willing to risk missing on a charge it must be important to get that extra high damage. I like rewarding having talents so, unless I see this get abused, I am good with this.

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I concur.

Originally Posted by Axly Suregrip

That said, here is an example beginning character:

ST9 DX12 IQ11 Javelin + Weapon Expert(Pole Weapons).

A charge + shrewd blown has an adjDX 7 in order to score 3d-1.
Standing vs charge + shrewd blow hits on adjDX 9 to score 3d-1.

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I'm having some trouble resolving "Standing vs charge + shrewd blow hits on adjDX 9 to score 3d-1". The adjDX9 doesn't show up in the conditions below. There is also a +1 damage for Weapons Expertise.

Standing (engaged) would be DX12 with 1d damage.
Standing (engaged) + Shrewd Blow would be adjDX7 with 2d damage.
Charge would be DX12 with 2d damage.
Charge + Shrewd Blow would be adjDX7 with 3d damage.

Originally Posted by Axly Suregrip

Compare the above to this standard 2-handed sword fighter:

ST14 DX10 IQ8 2-handed sword

every turn: adjDX 10 to score 3d-1.

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The sword many hits more often to do the same damage. The javelin has some advantages: first strike when charging and may carry a shield. The sword has some advantages: hits more (DX10), can do this damage every turn it attack (not only charges).

There is a balance of advantages and disadvantages.

I concur.

[Axly Suregrip]

Originally Posted by Bill_in_IN

I'm having some trouble resolving "Standing vs charge + shrewd blow hits on adjDX 9 to score 3d-1". The adjDX9 doesn't show up in the conditions below. There is also a +1 damage for Weapons Expertise.

ITL pg 111, "A figure who stands still (or simply changes facing) and uses a pole weapon against a charge attacker gets a +2 DX."

The javelin figure charging + shrewd had adjDX of 7. Thus the javelin figure standing vs charge + shrewd would get adjDX of 9.

[Bill_in_IN]

Originally Posted by Axly Suregrip

ITL pg 111, "A figure who stands still (or simply changes facing) and uses a pole weapon against a charge attacker gets a +2 DX."

The javelin figure charging + shrewd had adjDX of 7. Thus the javelin figure standing vs charge + shrewd would get adjDX of 9.

Thanks
I forgot about that pole weapon scenario.

[Steve Plambeck]

When standing vs a charge, I'm having a little trouble accepting that the stationary defender with a pole weapon should be able to aim a shrewd thrust. It seems cinematically incorrect, especially if you picture the defender has braced their pole arm with the butt grounded. Shouldn't it be viewed more like, the attacker by charging in is aiming their body at the defender's spear-point, not the defender aiming their spear-point at a particular spot on the attacker?

[Shostak]

Originally Posted by Bill_in_IN

So, if they declare a thrust attack during a charge, they could add a thrust at the end of the charge at -5DX.

Yes, the damage bonuses stack. But, the Shrewd Thrust DX penalty might make the Pole Weapon Expert’s attack occur after other polearm attacks, which could well mean that the attack is never made at all.

[Bill_in_IN]

Originally Posted by Shostak

Yes, the damage bonuses stack. But, the Shrewd Thrust DX penalty might make the Pole Weapon Expert’s attack occur after other polearm attacks, which could well mean that the attack is never made at all.

Great catch and Good point.