This could be modelled by simultaneous bids with the crossreferencing of the ability rolls expanded to include AP changes according to the result (err...no, I haven't worked out how).
This was used in FGU games Odysseus - a cracking if simple little game from years gone by. Similarly in a set of gladiatorial* rules from Tabletop games (can't remember the name) and in Flashing Blades, another FGU title. Yes I've been pursuing this one for some time.
Problems however.
Most RW combats tend to involve a swift and complex series of
attack/response by both sides - this is hard to model unless the
defender is allowed to attempt to respond to the attack; essentially
the usual rpg action round anyway (Lace and Steel goes down this
route - very well as it happens).
If the actions are absolutely simultaneous, then the combatants have no idea what their opponent is going to do, and they end up either simply trying to out-guess their opponent (hardly an advance in modelling reality) or worse going with the best mathematical chance of an overall victory within the rule mechanics (rules-playing, the result when I tried the otherwise good Castle Falkenstein. Of course this could well have been the fault of mine or my players styles).
Another problem lies in the complexity of simultaneous bidding systems for the narrator who is trying to deal with four or five players and multiple narrator-characters at the same time.
You may be right. It may be that the defensive options need tweaking but I've yet to see a simultaneous bid/action system that BOTH models the RW well AND doesn't overburden the narrator.
All IMVHO of course.
Dave Bell
*Speaking of which, what an excellent film!
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