Fast-Draw Parry

Wraithe · 01-20-2010, 11:30 PM

Blast it, I had a complex post covering how RAW handles Iaido/Iaijutsu technique just fine and then I read the OP again.

It seems like the specific question is actually: "Can I Fast-Draw on my turn if I'm attacked while I'm doing something else (that allows an active defense).

"No". You need to dodge or retreat.

Iai speed draw-cuts require you to be at least somewhat ready. I can't see someone (for example) readying a potion and then being able to respond to an attack with a drawcut.

The examples of someone sitting down opposite you in a restaurant and then drawing and attacking you..that's called a surprise attack. Iai is a technique/teaching/skill, not magic. (Or Cinematic :))

Think of it this way:
Player Turn:
Choose Ready beer. Step back one hex. beer in belt. Gun in holster.

Opponent Turn:
Attack Player readying beer. Step forward. Attack roll success.

Player Active Defense:
Roll Fast-Draw Pistol to allow you to shoot opponent.

Would this be allowed? No.

I draw this comparison because what most people consider an Iai Parry is much more of an "Attack weapon" than it is what GURPS (or most sword forms, including Kenjutsu) considers a Parry. If using Iai as the example, if I can draw - I can cut. If I can cut, WHY would I attack their sword instead of the opponent? (Real-world answer is "showboating", or someone who is a faster Iai than you).

Please note that my answers above apply only to quickdraw of pistols and Iaijutsu, covering my personal experience & applying to rules, YMMV. :)

01-20-2010, 11:30 PM	#11
Wraithe Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: South Shore-ish, MA	Re: Fast-Draw Parry Blast it, I had a complex post covering how RAW handles Iaido/Iaijutsu technique just fine and then I read the OP again. It seems like the specific question is actually: "Can I Fast-Draw on my turn if I'm attacked while I'm doing something else (that allows an active defense). "No". You need to dodge or retreat. Iai speed draw-cuts require you to be at least somewhat ready. I can't see someone (for example) readying a potion and then being able to respond to an attack with a drawcut. The examples of someone sitting down opposite you in a restaurant and then drawing and attacking you..that's called a surprise attack. Iai is a technique/teaching/skill, not magic. (Or Cinematic :)) Think of it this way: Player Turn: Choose Ready beer. Step back one hex. beer in belt. Gun in holster. Opponent Turn: Attack Player readying beer. Step forward. Attack roll success. Player Active Defense: Roll Fast-Draw Pistol to allow you to shoot opponent. Would this be allowed? No. I draw this comparison because what most people consider an Iai Parry is much more of an "Attack weapon" than it is what GURPS (or most sword forms, including Kenjutsu) considers a Parry. If using Iai as the example, if I can draw - I can cut. If I can cut, WHY would I attack their sword instead of the opponent? (Real-world answer is "showboating", or someone who is a faster Iai than you). Please note that my answers above apply only to quickdraw of pistols and Iaijutsu, covering my personal experience & applying to rules, YMMV. :)