Yeah, I'd normally want the hero who's being targetted to find something more appropriate to defend against the missile attacks. Something like "Arrow Cutting Feat", "Dodge Missiles", "Duck" or "Has a VERY Large Shield". You could even use some of the Storm/Wind related feats to blow missiles off target. If someone insisted on using Close Combat, I'd levy a big penalty for inappropriate use, like -20 or something, unless he or she was very close to the archer, in which case stepping in close and thumping him would be a valid defensive tactic.
> ON the same end an archer who is
> closed on, and meleed, would be at a penalty until they change
> weapons?
As you say, I'd penalise someone who thinks they can try using a missile weapon in hand-to-hand combat. Unless they can come up with some good justification, like a "Fire on the Run"/Parthian shot ability, so they can claim they're running away and shooting. In which case, it probably becomes a contest between that ability and the opponent's "Run Fast" or suchlike to catch the archer in order to inflict punishment.
> Or do people just run it as a big brawl and I can use my bow if I
> like, its all subsumed within the AP system.
The archer can use his bow if he likes but, depending on the situation, I won't make it easy for him. I'd take into account factors like: range, cover, visibility, weather, etc. to determine who gets penalties to what skill.
Regards,
Bruce
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