[Technical Solutions] Complete Guide to Tanking in GURPS

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Fred Brackin

I'm afraid you and Anthony do not understand the principle of "The Best Defense is a Good Offence".

I understand it just fine, but we're specifically discussing the 'tank' role -- which, in single and small group combat, is largely an artificial construct of MMOs. You can dispute whether it even makes sense to have tanks, but if you have tanks, they are what I described.

Realistically, the closest thing to a 'tank' role is infantry in mass combat -- units that are good at holding ground but unimpressive offensively. Notably, tanks do not fill the 'tank' role (they fill the striker role -- mobile, high offense, poor at holding ground).

[vicky_molokh]

Originally Posted by Fred Brackin

Killing one of your enemies (or even just making him fail a Consciousness roll) is better than Parrying his attacks, Sweeping him, Disarming him, Slamming him, Hooking him or several other diversionary tactics _all rolled into one_..

At this point I wonder, do you think that all the stuff added by GURPS Martial Arts is actually unneeded?

[Fred Brackin]

Originally Posted by vicky_molokh

At this point I wonder, do you think that all the stuff added by GURPS Martial Arts is actually unneeded?

No. Some of it helps even people fighting for their lives. IMHO, Targeted Attacks are core and not optional as just one example.

Of course, some of it just helps you screw around and much of the rest is aimed at sub-lethal combat, specifically the grappling material.

[CraigR]

Originally Posted by Fred Brackin

For people with long memories the name of this character was Nyx the Barbarian and once you got into melee range she was definitely the primnary target even in the presence of a mage like Aldehar the Incendiary. Ignore her to get o him and she'll kill you and your buddies too.

Ah. Good times.