Attacking more than one enemy

[Rich H]

I know what you meant. Was just teasing, that's all.

[Ferretz]

I know you know, you know.

-E.

[Rich H]

I know you know, you know.

-E.

... You've definitely failed your Riddle test here!

[Ferretz]

I know you know, you know.

-E.

... You've definitely failed your Riddle test here!

Argh, and I don't know why I failed it. My brain hurts...

-E.

[Dankers]

After last nights session, where we played the last bit of Kinstrife & Dark Tidings and the first half of Those Who Tarry No Longer, one player suggested that attacking multiple enemies could easily be covered by Great and Extraordinary Successes. When such successes are rolled, instead of adding the Damage bonus to the same enemy, he suggested that it could be spread out among other enemies within reach.

For instance, a bowman rolling an Extraordinary Success, could hit one goblin for the bow's base damage, and up to two others with his Damage bonus.

Any thoughts? I'm not usually one for house rules, liking things to be "official", but the players keep asking me about this.

-E.

My only question to the player in this instance would be: if there's an additional benefit to the roll for a success, what's the additional consequence of a failed attempt? With that in mind, I'd probably treat it like a called shot (AB p.161); it must be declared beforehand, the attempt only hits if the roll beats the target number and gets a 6, failing to meet the target number and rolling an eye results in a fumble. Or perhaps create a new Virtue that would allow the character to distribute their extra damage as they see fit.

[aramis]

Weeell, I've written stuff for rpgs before (some actually got published) and I've playtested a whole lot of other rpgs. I like to add, not change. See? There's a difference.

E.

An addition is a change. Subset, not alternate set.

Note that the rules already have provisions for multiple attacks - the "Many Tentacles" special ability allows 3 attacks. (Or, spend 1 hate and attack everyone in close combat with the possessing monster.)

Or the Lake-men's shield bash. Or any of several follow-on second strike abilities, player and monster.

All of which are either a talent or a monster ability, all of which require a hit with the primary to generate the secondary attack.

As a house rule I'd allow a general talent of "Two Weapon Fighting" - it allows making the secondary attack if the main weapon hits. When first learned, it applies only to daggers. Adding each additional weapon costs 5XP per broad skill.