How balanced is GURPS?

[Kromm]

Originally Posted by Rupert

So, is there to be an option to make sweeps or area attacks with them, like RuneQuest let its giants?

I'm not sure about area attacks, but I'll take it under advisement. I was thinking more about other options we have in mind.

[Ze'Manel Cunha]

Originally Posted by Kromm

I'm not sure about area attacks, but I'll take it under advisement. I was thinking more about other options we have in mind.

Not related to using the wait maneuver against a 2 reach impaling attack, right?
;p

[Kromm]

Originally Posted by Ze'Manel Cunha

Not related to using the wait maneuver against a 2 reach impaling attack, right?
;p

Nope. That's not even on the list. We do have some extra detail on Wait, though.

[Ze'Manel Cunha]

Originally Posted by Kromm

Nope. That's not even on the list. We do have some extra detail on Wait, though.

I never did quite understand how you clarified Wait working against a reach 2 impaling attack on the other thread.

Extra detail for Wait will be good, probably be able to clarify how to do Stop Hits as well, I'm sure.

[Kuroshima]

Originally Posted by Kromm

It depends on relative mobility. I've seen high-Move, high-Dodge GURPS warriors with two- and three-yard greatswords and pole weapons prevail over hordes of foes armed only with one-yard shortswords simply by backpedalling every few turns, always stepping back after an attack, and always retreating when attacked. We plan to give long, two-handed weapons a further boost in Martial Arts, too, to represent the fact that they can deny a huge swath of space to attackers unwilling to step into nine feet of whirring log or crowbar.

Does that mean that MA is in production? COOL!

I can't wait for the playtest...

[copeab]

Originally Posted by Kromm

It depends on relative mobility. I've seen high-Move, high-Dodge GURPS warriors with two- and three-yard greatswords and pole weapons prevail over hordes of foes armed only with one-yard shortswords simply by backpedalling every few turns, always stepping back after an attack, and always retreating when attacked.

Of course, this really doesn't apply to groups that don't run combat on a map (and yes, we are out there).

Brandon

[DouglasCole]

Originally Posted by Kromm

Nope. That's not even on the list. We do have some extra detail on Wait, though.

I don't remember exactly how Wait works right now, but...

(a) if a Wait allows you to make a contest of skills to see if you interrupt the other guy, I'd give the character with the longer weapon a bonus. +2 per extra hex of reach sounds 'bout right.

(b) If a Wait is an automatic interrupt, I'd maybe give the person being interrupted effectively a Parry vs the incoming Waiter, at +1 per extra hex of reach.

[Pursuivant]

Originally Posted by Kromm

It depends on relative mobility. I've seen high-Move, high-Dodge GURPS warriors with two- and three-yard greatswords and pole weapons prevail over hordes of foes armed only with one-yard shortswords simply by backpedalling every few turns, always stepping back after an attack, and always retreating when attacked.

That squares with my observations of SCA sport combat - assuming that the fighter with the longer weapon is tactically astute, faster than his foes, and very skilled.

The main problem with backpedaling is that a man running backward is slower than a man running forward. Eventually, he gets flanked, unless he's fighting in a narrow corridor.

[Hyrneson]

Originally Posted by Pursuivant

The main problem with backpedaling is that a man running backward is slower than a man running forward. Eventually, he gets flanked, unless he's fighting in a narrow corridor.

That is a matter of training. If pushed, unless its overwhelming numbers, I was taught how to work backward in a spiral and to use my weapon or shield as a pivot point. The outcome being that I am backing in a small tight spiraling circle (spiraling in and out) while my opponent(s) are in a track meet running in large circles.
And for fun, every now and then I stop backing up and side step in and am (effectively in GURPS terms) in C range combat where I try a wrap shot or a passing feint and go for a leg on the way out. It doesn't work often but it keeps them honest as I retrograde some more, wearing them out.

RH

[Rupert]

Originally Posted by Pursuivant

The main problem with backpedaling is that a man running backward is slower than a man running forward. Eventually, he gets flanked, unless he's fighting in a narrow corridor.

IME against two opponents the single guy ends up going in circles as he tries to use one of the opponents to block off the other, and as he tries to get some 'quality time' with one opponent on his own.