[Rq-rules] Aiming and attack speed

[Andrew O. Mellinger]

> To aim for a location is more about NOT AIMING at certain other  
> locations. I think the best rule would be to state where you aim,  
> then roll hit-location. If you roll a location you did not want to  
> hit, you missed your attemt to aim ;-)

  NOTE:  These comments are based on standard RQ strikeranks and  
rounds.  If MRQ using something different, discard this.

   My take on RPG combat has always been a little different.  In a  
10-12 second combat round a *lot* can occur.  From my martial arts  
sparring here's what I've experienced.


   The opponents are constantly moving around throwing punches and  
kicks.  They frequently block.  Most attacks are not expected to  
hit.  You are seeing how fast the defender is, how good his coverage  
is, etc.  Periodically during the exchange you try to create an  
opening with a feint, or a combination attack.  Or even you see your  
opponent block poorly and try to follow through with a combo.

   My point is that there is a *lot* going on.  Not every swing is  
parameterized, but the skill level reflects the chance to land a real  
blow during that looooong 12 second period.  A guy with a better  
skill will be more effective at creating that opening (forcing the  
defender to over extend) or seeing weaknesses sooner, etc.

   So in my games a person can 'aim' for any area, and hit.  They are  
choosing during the flurry of blows to try to get the person to  
expose that particular part.  They take a penalty on their to hit,  
because they are forcing a particular exposure not finding the easiest.

  This above combat philosophy doesn't work with strike ranks  
however.  In my experience to say that a person is going to swing  
their sword at a *precise* and repeatable time during a round is  
ridiculous.  If I was sparring someone in 10 second 'rounds' and I  
knew he was going to only be able to swing his fist on the 6th  
second, I could just stand there and not do anything for the first 5,  
then block on the 6th.  I also find it unreasonable because what else  
is the person doing during that time?  Give me a bokken and I can  
swing a lot faster than once in 10 seconds.  Most however,  are just  
going to be 'noise' and I will probably only get a 'real' attack once  
during that time.  But when it occurs is not regular, but varies  
depending on how well I am doing.

   Just my two cents on RQ combat.

-Andrew