Official ICE Forums
Systems & Settings => HARP => Topic started by: WoeRie on January 29, 2008, 07:18:17 AM
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This revised version of Two Weapon Combo replaces the Combat Styles: Two Weapon Combo, Shielding Weapon (ML) and Active Shield Style (HB#1).
The idea is to reduce the number of different Combat Styles and create only one single style which is not as powerful as (some of) the initial styles but has a much wider variety.
As a prerequisite, TWC needs the same number of ranks for the weapon skill of the primary weapon as for the style. In addition it needs either one additional weapon skill for the offhand or one of the combat styles Weapon & Shield (ML) or Paired Weapon (ML) with the same number of ranks.
The allowed weapon for the offhand depends on the skill:
If the main and secondary weapon skill group is different two separate weapon skills have to be learned (identical to the original TWC style). So, the skills are:
- Weapon Skill: Primary Weapon
- Weapon Skill: Secondary Weapon
- CS: Two Weapon Combo: Primary & Secondary Weapon
If the main and secondary weapon skill group is identical, the Paired Weapon (ML) combat style has to be learned for the group and if two different weapons should be used the Multiple Weapon Proficiency (ML) talent is also required.
- Weapon Skill: Primary Weapon
- CS: Paired Weapon: Primary Weapon (and sometimes Multiple Weapon Proficiency)
- CS: Two Weapon Combo: 2x Primary Weapon
If the secondary ?weapon? is a buckler, target or normal shield then the Weapon & Shield (ML) combat style and the Shield Training talent is required. Bucklers do tiny, target small and normal shields medium Crush Criticals. It is not possible to use Full or Wall shields with this combat style. The normal -5 to initiative for shields still apply.
- Weapon Skill: Primary Weapon
- CS: Weapon & Shield: Primary Weapon & Shield (and Shield Training)
- CS: Two Weapon Combo: Primary Weapon & Shield
The OB of the primary weapon is either the bonus of the TWC style bonus, the bonus of the weapon skill or the bonus of the possible secondary combat style, whatever is lowest. Possible DB bonuses of some weapons (like the Main Gauche) or shields are directly added to the DB. The offhand can be used in two different ways:
Offensive style: The OB of the secondary weapon is the TWC style bonus minus any fix DB bonuses of the weapon or shield minus 20 for the offhand (at least without the talent Ambidexterity). Both attacks are done separately and have to be evenly decreased for parrying. So it is more or less identical to the Active Shield Style and Two Weapon Combo.
Defensive style: It is possible to use the offhand weapon for full parrying and do a normal attack with the main weapon. If this is the case, half of the bonus of the offhand will be used as DB (but only up to +50) but it can?t be used for attacking this round. This is like Shielding Weapon, but with an additional -20 for the offhand usage.
Main differences to the existing styles
- No +5 to initiative gained.
- The -20 for offhand applies also to the DB.
- No restriction to small weapons for the shielding effect.
- Can be used with two identical weapons and with shields.
Ok, a lot of text, I know. But maybe you have a look and tell me what you think about it. The rule is not play tested, just an idea for a new house rule in my next campaign.
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Seems cool. Perhaps such combat maneuvers & styles compilations will be covered by the upcoming Combat Companion for RMC. BTW, is there a chance that the new system to create combat styles be transcribed for Harp ?
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Seems cool. Perhaps such combat maneuvers & styles compilations will be covered by the upcoming Combat Companion for RMC. BTW, is there a chance that the new system to create combat styles be transcribed for Harp ?
There is always a chance. However, one major difficulty in doing so is that the points in the style determine its DP cost (and this DP cost can actually change as you add new maneuvers), and HARP simplistic 2/4 costing would have to be something to be overcome.
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There is always a chance. However, one major difficulty in doing so is that the points in the style determine its DP cost (and this DP cost can actually change as you add new maneuvers), and HARP simplistic 2/4 costing would have to be something to be overcome.
different costs can be simulated forcing the character to learn more skills..
one way can be forcing to put some ranks in a combat style lore..
dragon style, costs 2 - requires 2 ranks in mundane lore:combat styles
thundering sword style, cost 2 - requires 8 ranks in mundane lore:combat styles
right now styles have the rules:
you cannot have more ranks in the style that in the weapon..
is possible to add also a:
you cannot have in this style more ranks that : mlCombat Styles x3 ;)
a good way to rise the cost without adding to much skills or mess with skill costs.. just add a line in the description of the styles and one skill!!
ps: you can also decide to divide stiles in several branches and so have more lore skills:
divided by weapon
ML combat style(sword), ML combat style(two weapons), ML combat style(lance),
divided by culture
ML combat style(dervish sword), ML combat style(italian fencing), ML combat style(german school),
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Good thinking Lorenen, I agree with you. A couple more requirements and the skill cost is easily doubled or tripled.
So far, I havent't meet a problem resisting more than some minutes to Harp flexibility. I guess this one will be solved easily. Call it faith !