Dumb Question on Rapid Fire

[JMD]

If my gun has RoF 3, can I attack 3 different targets? Are there penalties for this? I looked in Basic but both pages about rapid fire weren't much help.

[Diomedes]

Originally Posted by JMD

If my gun has RoF 3, can I attack 3 different targets? Are there penalties for this? I looked in Basic but both pages about rapid fire weren't much help.

If you have RoF 5+, you can use the Spreading Fire rules on B409. If not, the only way to shoot two targets in a turn is to use a Ranged Rapid Strike. You would need Weapon Master, Gunslinger, or similar dispensation from the GM to engage more than two targets, though.

[Edges]

Originally Posted by Diomedes

You would need Weapon Master, Gunslinger, or similar dispensation from the GM to engage more than two targets, though.

Really? I don't see any mention of that in HT.

[Diomedes]

Originally Posted by Edges

Really? I don't see any mention of that in HT.

I was making the assumption that it wasn't any different from melée Rapid Strikes in that regard.

[Edges]

Originally Posted by Diomedes

I was making the assumption that it wasn't any different from melée Rapid Strikes in that regard.

Oh. Wait, are they required for mêlée attacks? I don't see anything about that in MA. MA127 talks about Multiple Targets but doesn't say anything about requiring spacial advantages. Granted, it is in the Cinematic Combat section. But other passages in that section (like Rapid Strike on that same page) refers to TbaM and WM as options than will improve ones chances rather than be required.

Would you direct me to your source? Have I misunderstood you?

Thanks.

[malloyd]

Originally Posted by Edges

Oh. Wait, are they required for mêlée attacks?.

Actually, no. The section on Rapid Strike in the Basic Set explicitly allows you split them between multiple opponents. I wouldn't call it an illogical house rule to toss an extra penalty on that though.

[Diomedes]

Originally Posted by Edges

Oh. Wait, are they required for mêlée attacks? I don't see anything about that in MA. MA127 talks about Multiple Targets but doesn't say anything about requiring spacial advantages. Granted, it is in the Cinematic Combat section. But other passages in that section (like Rapid Strike on that same page) refers to TbaM and WM as options than will improve ones chances rather than be required.

Would you direct me to your source? Have I misunderstood you?

Thanks.

From Martial Arts, Page 127:

Rapid Strike (p. B370): Unless he took Move and Attack, a warrior can split one of his melee attacks into two attacks with the same weapon or two unarmed attacks, at an extra - 6. Those with Trained by a Master or Weapon Master take half the penalty, and may be able to attempt three or more attacks; see Rapid Strike (below).

Emphases in original. This builds on the text in Campaigns, which states that Rapid Strike gets you one extra attack, on page B370.

So the basic rule is only two attacks with Rapid Strike. Martial Arts allows more in cinematic games, and suggests they be limited even there to those with Weapon Master or Trained by a Master.

[Celjabba]

Not on a single attack, you need rof 5 or more. (p374 and p409, spraying fire)

Celjabba

Edit: forgot about the ranged rapid strike from Gurps Gun-fu p10

[JMD]

Thanks guys. I saw those entries but I was looking for something in the book that specifically addressed RoF < 5, so I sort of read right over it.

Thanks!

[Ulzgoroth]

Originally Posted by Celjabba

Not on a single attack, you need rof 5 or more. (p374 and p409, spraying fire)

Celjabba

Edit: forgot about the ranged rapid strike from Gurps Gun-fu p10

Ranged Rapid Strike is not exclusive to Gun-fu. I think it can be found in High Tech?