[Basic/MA] Grabbing a fly is easy!

vicky_molokh · 05-13-2008, 09:13 AM

Greetings, all!

I noticed this funny thing: it is easier for a human to grapple a fly than for a frog.

Quote:

Originally Posted by B402

You also get +1 to hit when you grapple
per +1 SM advantage you have over
your target.

Shouldn't the numbers be inverted?

Thanks in advance!

P.S. does this also hold true for the SM of mouth or a single limb (e.g. extending tongue)?

Bruno · 05-13-2008, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Molokh

Greetings, all!

I noticed this funny thing: it is easier for a human to grapple a fly than for a frog. Shouldn't the numbers be inverted?

I'm not sure I'd give a bonus to HIT based on size, but the subsequent grapple checks certainly should be at a bonus for being able to fit the fly entirely IN your hand.

I'd cap the bonus to grapple at +8ish, though, because after a certain point your victim is small enough to squeeze out from between your fingers or hide in the folds of your skin.

tbone · 05-13-2008, 06:18 PM

Huh, odd. I wonder what the thinking is behind that.

There's also the still-optional (but should-be-official-in-the-minds-of-all-gamers) rule that relative SM applies as a mod in melee. So adding that in, the *best* the bigger guy gets is no TH mod: - (SM difference) for relative SM, + (SM difference) for the B402 rule.

But I don't get the reasoning behind the latter, other than some sort of general "hitting little things is hard, grabbing them is not so hard" assumption.

Anthony · 05-13-2008, 06:33 PM

It's generally easier to grapple if (a) you have a reach advantage over your opponent, and (b) your hands are big enough to get a firm grip on the limbs of your opponent. Realistically, I'd probably cap the bonus at +1.

Rocket Man · 05-13-2008, 09:51 PM

Do you get a bonus for using chopsticks? (Sorry, "Karate Kid" flashback.)

vicky_molokh · 06-12-2008, 03:19 AM

I remember some semi-supported rule to cap SM bonuses to hit at +4. Is there anything similar for grabbing smaller things?

05-13-2008, 06:18 PM	#3
tbone Join Date: Aug 2004	Re: [Basic/MA] Grabbing a fly is easy! Huh, odd. I wonder what the thinking is behind that. There's also the still-optional (but should-be-official-in-the-minds-of-all-gamers) rule that relative SM applies as a mod in melee. So adding that in, the best the bigger guy gets is no TH mod: - (SM difference) for relative SM, + (SM difference) for the B402 rule. But I don't get the reasoning behind the latter, other than some sort of general "hitting little things is hard, grabbing them is not so hard" assumption. __________________ T Bone GURPS stuff and more at the Games Diner: http://www.gamesdiner.com Twitter: @Gamesdiner \| RSS: here ⬅︎ Updated RSS link \| This forum: Site updates thread (occasionally updated) (Latest goods on site: GLAIVE Mini levels up to v2.4. Update to melee weapon design tool, with more example weapons and commentary.)

05-13-2008, 06:33 PM	#4
Anthony Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Berkeley, CA	Re: [Basic/MA] Grabbing a fly is easy! It's generally easier to grapple if (a) you have a reach advantage over your opponent, and (b) your hands are big enough to get a firm grip on the limbs of your opponent. Realistically, I'd probably cap the bonus at +1.

05-13-2008, 09:51 PM	#5
Rocket Man Petitioner: Word of IN Filk Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Longmont, CO	Re: [Basic/MA] Grabbing a fly is easy! Do you get a bonus for using chopsticks? (Sorry, "Karate Kid" flashback.) __________________ “It's not railroading if you offer the PCs tickets and they stampede to the box office, waving their money. Metaphorically speaking” --Elizabeth McCoy, In Nomine Line Editor Author: "What Doesn't Kill Me Makes Me Stronger"

06-12-2008, 03:19 AM	#6
vicky_molokh GURPS FAQ Keeper Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kyïv, Ukraine	Re: [Basic/MA] Grabbing a fly is easy! I remember some semi-supported rule to cap SM bonuses to hit at +4. Is there anything similar for grabbing smaller things? __________________ Vicky 'Molokh', GURPS FAQ and uFAQ Keeper