Simple Combat Tweak?

[lordpib]

Sorry if this has been previously discussed, but I didn't find anything using search.

I've noticed there's some dissatisfaction with the way rearward stance and ranged attacks work. I'm playing with only a 2 person fellowship, one of which is focused on bows, and his chance of ever getting to use a bow aside from opening volleys is pretty much nil under the RAW unless I judge there are special circumstances.

The idea I had for a simple tweak that may fix this is to switch the order in which combatants are engaged and heroes choose their stances. So engagement is determined first, then heroes choose stances. As long as you're not engaged by an enemy, you are free to choose rearward stance. No more obscure 2 heroes in close quarters and number of enemies less than or equal to double the heroes rule. This also allows engaged heroes to pick a stance based on their situation. Defensive is probably a good idea if you've been ganged up on.

This looks pretty straight forward to me, but I'd love any feedback or insight on things I may not be considering.

[Arthur Fisher]

I think "Sure. Why not?" is the best GM tweak.
Especially if you're only playing with 2 folks.

[aramis]

I've long used a close combat shot action for open stance - TN to be hit is 9+Parry, TN To Hit 12+Target Parry.

Solved the issue.