Thread: Rules Questions for a Neophyte

I'm working my way through the Basic Roleplaying rulebook, and I have some questions. I just finished reading the chapters on "System" and "Combat," and some things struck me as very odd.

First, if I understand the initiative system correctly, it seems that characters can only either move or attack, not both. Furthermore, if they choose to move, they act at a later time in the combat round due to their DEX rank being lowered. This seems like it could really take some effort to track such dynamic DEX ranks, especially if more than one character is taking DEX modified actions. Furthermore, it seems odd they couldn't move and take an action since the combat rounds actually represent a larger amount of time (12 seconds) than in most other RPGs.

Secondly, from what I've read, it seems that the only time a character can take multiple actions in a round is if the GM has either implemented the optional rule that allows skill points to rise above 100%, or if his character is using a firearm with a rate of fire. Moreover, in those special cases, the added action will occur at a later point in the round due to a lowered DEX rank. Again, isn't this kind of dynamic initiative difficult to track during play? I've always found initiative to be somewhat cumbersome even when it's static in games such as Pathfinder and Savage Worlds.

Lastly, I don't understand the function of the "Statement" phase in the combat round. I don't see what benefit this grants, and it seems to me that it would interrupt the flow of the encounter terribly.

Originally Posted by Paul_Va

I'm working my way through the Basic Roleplaying rulebook, and I have some questions. I just finished reading the chapters on "System" and "Combat," and some things struck me as very odd.

First, if I understand the initiative system correctly, it seems that characters can only either move or attack, not both. Furthermore, if they choose to move, they act at a later time in the combat round due to their DEX rank being lowered. This seems like it could really take some effort to track such dynamic DEX ranks, especially if more than one character is taking DEX modified actions. Furthermore, it seems odd they couldn't move and take an action since the combat rounds actually represent a larger amount of time (12 seconds) than in most other RPGs.

No, you may move your full MOV in lieu of any other action such as attack, skill or spell use. This occurs on your DEX rank. You may choose to move a portion of your MOV and perform another action if you have a high enough DEX that allows you to act multiple times in a round, but the action suffers a penalty to the skill used as well as occuring DEX-5 ranks later.

Secondly, from what I've read, it seems that the only time a character can take multiple actions in a round is if the GM has either implemented the optional rule that allows skill points to rise above 100%, or if his character is using a firearm with a rate of fire. Moreover, in those special cases, the added action will occur at a later point in the round due to a lowered DEX rank. Again, isn't this kind of dynamic initiative difficult to track during play? I've always found initiative to be somewhat cumbersome even when it's static in games such as Pathfinder and Savage Worlds.

The number of actions are based on DEX. You can choose to make multiple actions at DEX -5, DEX -10, and so on. Each action gets the DEX rank penalty, and subsequent penalty to the roll. For combat, either you can have two weapons and attack twice (missile weapons and firearms have their own rates of fire/shots per round), or you can use the optional skills over 100 to attack multiple times with the same weapon. Note, parrying and dodging are free actions.

Lastly, I don't understand the function of the "Statement" phase in the combat round. I don't see what benefit this grants, and it seems to me that it would interrupt the flow of the encounter terribly.

The Statement phase is used for tactical decisions. You announce your "action" for the round in reverse DEX rank order, to reflect the characters with better reaction times (higher DEX) ability to read the slower characters and adjust. One can dispense with it and just announce as you go, but this penalizes the quicker characters somewhat, and hands an advantage to slower ones.

Ian

Originally Posted by vagabond

No, you may move your full MOV in lieu of any other action such as attack, skill or spell use. This occurs on your DEX rank. You may choose to move a portion of your MOV and perform another action if you have a high enough DEX that allows you to act multiple times in a round, but the action suffers a penalty to the skill used as well as occuring DEX-5 ranks later.

Where is this rule? I'm asking because it seems to contradict what it says on p. 190 under Combat Actions, where it says the following:

During a combat round your character can perform any one of the following actions on his or her DEX rank: move, attack, non-combat action, disengage from combat.

Originally Posted by Paul_Va

Lastly, I don't understand the function of the "Statement" phase in the combat round. I don't see what benefit this grants, and it seems to me that it would interrupt the flow of the encounter terribly.

On the contrary, if used correctly the Statement of Intent phase speeds up combat because it prevents "tactical thinking". Strange as it may sound, players waste more time thinking before declaring their action if they can do it immediately before doing it. The fact that you are not aware of the exact tactical situation - including the position of opponents - at the DEX rank when you will actually act forces you to choose instinctively, like you would in a real fight. Once it is their turn, players must do what they have stated, and not pick the exact square that will give them the best combination of bonuses or avoid opponent reaction, using up to twenty minutes to think tactically.

If you compare a round of BRP with a round of D&D, where you use initiative but decide everything on the spot, you will see that the BRP round flows more smoothly. You just needs a GM who knows he must enforce the "you do what you declared, no matter what" rule very strictly.

Also, be aware that dropping the statement of intent phase - as BRP has no attack of opportunity rule - will allow quick fighters to walk around slower ones and attack undefended targets - or hit the "self destruct" button - without any opposition.

Originally Posted by RosenMcStern

On the contrary, if used correctly the Statement of Intent phase speeds up combat because it prevents "tactical thinking". Strange as it may sound, players waste more time thinking before declaring their action if they can do it immediately before doing it. The fact that you are not aware of the exact tactical situation - including the position of opponents - at the DEX rank when you will actually act forces you to choose instinctively, like you would in a real fight. Once it is their turn, players must do what they have stated, and not pick the exact square that will give them the best combination of bonuses or avoid opponent reaction, using up to twenty minutes to think tactically.

If you compare a round of BRP with a round of D&D, where you use initiative but decide everything on the spot, you will see that the BRP round flows more smoothly. You just needs a GM who knows he must enforce the "you do what you declared, no matter what" rule very strictly.

OK, well I'll definitely give it a fair try and see how it works for my gaming group.

Originally Posted by RosenMcStern

Also, be aware that dropping the statement of intent phase - as BRP has no attack of opportunity rule - will allow quick fighters to walk around slower ones and attack undefended targets - or hit the "self destruct" button - without any opposition.

I'm still confused about this because in the Basic Roleplaying core rulebook, it says that characters who are engaged in combat cannot move more than 5 meters and take an action. If they want to move their full amount, they have to disengage from combat, and it lists specific rules for how this is accomplished (I'm not at home with my book in hand, so I can't give the page number). Am I misunderstanding something? I fear I'm at somewhat of a disadvantage because I never played Runequest or Call of Cthulhu, so some of these rules are very new to me.

Originally Posted by Paul_Va

Where is this rule? I'm asking because it seems to contradict what it says on p. 190 under Combat Actions, where it says the following:

No, it doesn't. You may do only one thing on your DEX rank. However, if you have a high enough DEX, you may have "multiple" DEX ranks (DEX -5, DEX -10, etc.) However, multiple actions in a round are penalized.

Ian

Originally Posted by vagabond

No, it doesn't. You may do only one thing on your DEX rank. However, if you have a high enough DEX, you may have "multiple" DEX ranks (DEX -5, DEX -10, etc.) However, multiple actions in a round are penalized.

Ian

Strictly speaking, Paul is correct (that is what it says on page 190) - however Paul, re-read that section, paying close attention to the example.

My character of DEX14 with hand axe 75% can attack ONCE in a round (weapon can only attack more than once if skill exceeds 100, which it doesn't), but can take THREE actions (at DEX 14, 9 and 4, subject to the affect of choosing a move as one of those) as they have sufficient DEX. On any of thos DEX ranks they can ONLY perform ONE action (they can either attack OR move on DEX14, not both).

Cheers,

Nick

Originally Posted by NickMiddleton

Strictly speaking, Paul is correct (that is what it says on page 190) - however Paul, re-read that section, paying close attention to the example.

My character of DEX14 with hand axe 75% can attack ONCE in a round (weapon can only attack more than once if skill exceeds 100, which it doesn't), but can take THREE actions (at DEX 14, 9 and 4, subject to the affect of choosing a move as one of those) as they have sufficient DEX. On any of thos DEX ranks they can ONLY perform ONE action (they can either attack OR move on DEX14, not both).

Cheers,

Nick

Sorry - perhaps I should have been more clear. It doesn't contradict what is written on page 190. You may only perform one action on your DEX rank. However, you may have multiple DEX ranks.

Ian

I see. Thank you for explaining this everyone. So, if I understand correctly, you can perform an action for every 5 DEX you have? So, if you have 16 DEX, does that mean you can attack twice and move once?

Originally Posted by Paul_Va

I see. Thank you for explaining this everyone. So, if I understand correctly, you can perform an action for every 5 DEX you have? So, if you have 16 DEX, does that mean you can attack twice and move once?

With a single weapon you can only attack once, unless your skill is over 100% with that weapon. You could punch, kick, etc though.

SDLeary