Author Topic: RMSS/FRP "Must Parry" ..cool...using how much OB?  (Read 908 times)

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Offline NicodemusRa

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RMSS/FRP "Must Parry" ..cool...using how much OB?
« on: October 30, 2021, 10:54:10 PM »
Hey guys,

Back again with another question.

When you get a crit result that says "Must Parry"

What is the assumption for how much OB must be used for Parrying, I would assume it is 100%, but can't find the specifics here

Offline EltonJ

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Re: RMSS/FRP "Must Parry" ..cool...using how much OB?
« Reply #1 on: October 31, 2021, 11:22:09 AM »
Hey guys,

Back again with another question.

When you get a crit result that says "Must Parry"

What is the assumption for how much OB must be used for Parrying, I would assume it is 100%, but can't find the specifics here

"Must parry" means that the target can't attack and therefore must use his OB to boost his defense.

Offline NicodemusRa

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Re: RMSS/FRP "Must Parry" ..cool...using how much OB?
« Reply #2 on: October 31, 2021, 12:14:17 PM »
Thanks, that is what I was guessing, so full OB goes to Parry, I imagine this is sort of a "you got pushed off balance, you must put all your efforts into defense as you gain your composure" sort of situations..

Offline Frabby

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Re: RMSS/FRP "Must Parry" ..cool...using how much OB?
« Reply #3 on: October 31, 2021, 12:34:35 PM »
I'd like to rephrase the answer to how we have understood it for decades:

"Parrying is the only permissible combat action."
…which leaves you with the option to perform any other maneuver or action, unless it is an attack. You just can't attack with more than zero OB. (Remember, full parry still calls for a roll.)

When might that be useful?
Imagine the rogue is trying to pick a lock, his buddies are shielding him from the attackers but more attackers are coming and time is of the essence. An enemy makes a ranged attack against the rogue and causes a crit for "must parry for two rounds".
The rogue isn’t even in melee with anyone. He just wants to concentrate in that lockpicking maneuver.
In our interpretation he'd be free to pick the lock. In a literal interpretation you would force him to take a full-action full ranged attack parrying stance. Big difference.

Offline Hurin

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Re: RMSS/FRP "Must Parry" ..cool...using how much OB?
« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2021, 12:46:55 PM »
I'd like to rephrase the answer to how we have understood it for decades:

"Parrying is the only permissible combat action."

Just so we all know that this is not the Rules As Written, but a houserule. The Rules As Written would be that you have to parry (at least in RM2).
'Last of all, Húrin stood alone. Then he cast aside his shield, and wielded an axe two-handed'. --J.R.R. Tolkien

'Every party needs at least one insane person.'  --Aspen of the Jade Isle

Offline jdale

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Re: RMSS/FRP "Must Parry" ..cool...using how much OB?
« Reply #5 on: October 31, 2021, 02:28:46 PM »
RMFRP says:

"This indicates that the target of the attack must parry for B rounds with a penalty of -A. The only allowable actions are movement and maneuvering (modified by at least -75). When A is not specified, it is assumed to be 0."   RMSS also says "When B is not specified it is assumed to be one." But otherwise the wording is the same.

So, maneuvers are allowed, but with a substantial penalty. In fact, it's notable that the maneuver penalty is higher than the maneuver penalty while stunned.
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Offline Frabby

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Re: RMSS/FRP "Must Parry" ..cool...using how much OB?
« Reply #6 on: October 31, 2021, 02:33:01 PM »
Whoa, thanks for the clarification and the references!
The more you know…

Offline NicodemusRa

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Re: RMSS/FRP "Must Parry" ..cool...using how much OB?
« Reply #7 on: October 31, 2021, 03:37:19 PM »
Aha! That makes sense, thanks for the info guys!