Examples of 4e Combat

[mook]

Thanks for the corrections folks!

Originally Posted by Smirg

In the new ranged combat example, when Zach gets hit the second time, you wrote that his Dodge goes down to 5 as it is Basic Move + 3. This isn't correct, it's actually Basic Speed (rounded down) +3 (otherwise it would be too cheap to buy up). So Basic Move changes don't affect it. On the other hand, as Zach is below 1/3 HP, his Dodge is halved (to 4) and his Move is halved too (so down to 1).

Fixed.

Originally Posted by Smirg

Edit: When Zach dodges next, his Dodge should therefore be down to 3. 4 for being below 1/3 HP, +2 for Feverish Defense, -3 for prone.
I believe that means that without Feverish Defense, he couldn't dodge at all (effective skill < 3), but there might be exceptions for combat (I think you can always defend on a 3), so better look that up. Should be either under defenses or at the summary of critical successes.

Yep, combat is explicitly excepted on B374, "An active defense roll of 3 or 4 is always successful - even if your effective defense score was only 1 or 2!"

Originally Posted by Mercator

In Ranged Four, Turn Four: When Zach is hit, his HP fall from 10 to 3. This is a Major Wound, so he should roll for Knockdown and Stunning. Also, he drops below 1/3 HP, so his Move and Dodge are halved.

Added the Major Wound and Knockdown and Stunning check.

I'm not sure on the 1/3 HP though - 1/3 of 10 is 3.3, rounded down to 3, so I would think "less than 1/3 HP" would be 2. Or do you check for the 1/3 before rounding, so "less than 1/3 HP" of 3.3 would be 3?

Originally Posted by Hai-Etlik

Not all combat ends in death/incapacitation. Having at least a few examples reflect this is probably a good idea.

Definitely true, but I'm trying to gives examples of how the rules function, not how a GM should run his NPCs - I suppose I could let one or two examples slide where someone runs away. : )

Originally Posted by Amedeo

Hi all,
this is my first post here. I recently bought a few GURPS manuals after I resolved to abandon the d20 system for my RPG sessions. I am still trying to become familiar (sort of...) with the basic rules, so these Combat Examples are most welcome!

I have a question regarding Ranged Example Four (turn 5). Is it correct (according to the RAW) to allow the target of an unspotted sniper to use his/her dodge ability against such an attack?

Welcome Amedeo, glad you're finding the examples helpful.

Regarding the Dodge against an unspotted sniper, I'd say it would be reasonable to require a Perception check to know where the sniper is. But strictly according to RAW, I was just going by B374, "You may dodge any attack except one that you did not know about." I think the interpretation of that could go either way - Zach certainly knows he's under attack, so he "knows about" the attack the way someone who can see a gunman pointing a pistol at him does; but he doesn't actually know from second to second whether or not a shot is incoming (but again, how does someone who sees a gunman pointing a pistol "know" exactly when the trigger will be pulled?).

Though I've updated the online examples, I haven't yet updated the Ranged Four PDF (until I find a more definitive answer on "less than 1/3 HP of 10" being 3 or 2 - I may post this question in a separate thread to see what folks think).