Hi There - new to HQ (any version) new to the list.
Was just skimming the list as I try to work out how things work.
This example stuck out. surely, this is not how it's supposed to play? I mean, one player is interfering with the other's attempt to do something. Beyond that, surely the situation isn't "we throw a bunch of stuff until one of us takes out the guard" - it should be more one(1) character tries and takes out the guard. I don't get this cooperative action.
I could see a character trying to shift the bar on a gate getting assistance from others to lift it (or cut through it.)
I've been puzzling through how combats might be run - I should note that I don't have the rules yet, they are "enroute" - and I think I understand most of the concepts. It seems to me if combats are just one roll for the party and another for the foe (with everyone adding in abilities) then that is not going to be very satisfying.
Please tell me that is not how it works!
Howard
>
> Your example is missing out two fundamental questions:
>
> - What's the character trying to do?
> - How is he or she trying to do it?
>
> First bit of advice, don't paint yourself into a narrative corner, try:
>
> Player 1: "How far away is the guard?"
> GM: "Why, what are you thinking of doing?"
>
> Basically chuck it back at the player. Make the player tell you what they want to do and how. The how (i.e. what ability you use) is as important as the what as it gives you a nice narrative handle to set difficulties from:
>
> Player 1: "Er, I want to hit him with my bow and knock him out in one shot."
> GM: "What ability do you want to use?"
> Player 1: "Not sure what's relevant, 'warrior' I guess."
> GM: "Okay, it looks like a hard shot, it's a bit towards the upper end of your comfortable range, and it's getting dark."
>
> And if another player sticks their oar in:
>
> Player 2: "Can I throw my knife at him?"
> GM: "For what purpose?"
> Player 2: "Help him (nods at player 1)"
> GM: "Well as it's a hard shot for a trained bow user it's going to be nearly impossible for you to augment him."
> Player 2: "How about my spear? I've got a 'Mile throw Javellin' feat, does that help?"
> GM: "Cool, that's an easy augment."
>
>