Called Shot question

[Khamul]

If an Orc leader is fighting a beorning with his orc-axe (beorning is using a 2H spear). The Beorning attacks the orc and gets the Eye-icon, thus trigger the orc to make a Called shot. But the orc is using an axe which has Break Shield as it Called Shot. This is a big disadvantage as it gets harder to hit and the outcome is only the regular damage (if its a hit)

...or could it be that he slices the spear i two?

[MattG]

I would allow that if the spear isn’t tied to any cultural blessing which couldn’t be broken. Otherwise maybe disarming the Beornig would do if Orc spend point of Hate. After all is supposed to reflect the Eye effect on the item in combatant’s hands. I wouldn’t ignore the fact that the Beoring isn’t carrying or fighting with the Shield.

[ali69]

It isn´t a disadvantage, it´s good luck for your player

[Khamul]

Should not be good luck when you rolled an Eye, right?!

I will go with disarming the weapon, destroying it is a to disadvantage outcome.

[Majestic]

My players have found that rolling an Eye during combat isn't so much a bad thing. The increased difficulty of the opponent having to get a tengwar means it actually ends up being a benefit for them (making them harder to hit!)

[Murcushio]

Enemies can have the same bad luck as players have when it comes to Called Shots. A Beorning player who has an axe is completely SOL when it comes to called shots if they're fighting enemies who don't use shields, which, if you're using the published enemies, is nearly all of them. A Barding or Noldor swordsman is equally out of luck if they're fighting a troll who eschews clubs and just uses their fists.

It's the same deal with NPCs. Orc is using an axe? Orc doesn't get to make called shots against folks without shields.

[Robin Smallburrow]

These last two replies are why I have houseruled that each weapon has a Primary Called Shot & a Secondary Called Shot, and the attacker can choose which to use-

Rich H has provided a useful table of these. IMHO a character should be at a disadvantage if they roll an Eye

Robin S

[ThrorII]

I've already decided on a couple house rules when my group tries the game again.

1. Adversary Called shots will have the difficulty of a standard attack (just the TN +parry). As stated, otherwise, Adversary called shots are almost useless. I believe this is balanced against players in that a player-hero will have the opportunity to roll many called shots throughout their career (at the standard called shot TN), but Adversaries called shots are only reactive (an Eye roll) and Adversaries rarely last more than one combat encounter. The result is that Adversary called shots are rare, and rarely effective.

2. Player-heroes will be allowed to CHOOSE their called shot option, within common sense/Loremaster reason. Have an axe, but want to disarm your opponent? No problem. Have a sword, but want to try a Piercing Blow? No problem. Want to try to Sunder that shield with your two handed spear? Explain that, 'cause we now have a problem...