[RQ-Rules] Ambushes

[Andrew Mellinger]

I think you could mitigate the effects of everyone having to make hide 
rolls if the were hiding behind/in something.  I remember reading that a 
normal tactic is to have two watchers, and have the rest of the squad 
behind a wall, or whatever.  Having a solid barrier helps block sounds as 
well.  Once either of the watchers gives the signal, the entire squad 
opens up.

In game terms this would mean two separate hide/conceal rolls.  If they 
have time, one of the completely concealed people could go out and try to 
'detect' the watchers.

I don't have military experience with ambushes, except for what happened 
as a kid.  But my limited experience tells me that if the ambushers have 
time, they certainly have the advantage.  I'd probably give a bonus to the 
ambushers.

Also, in game terms, are the ambushees really prepared?  I can't think of 
how many times I've hiked throught he woods trying to pretend I was 
watching for amushes.  Travel is really slow and after a short time, you 
get complacent.  I can imaginge an adventuring party wouldn't do a very 
good job of watching day after day.  I'd probably give them a penalty to 
their scan.

-Andrew

On Thu, 12 Aug 2004 Michael.Christian at corbis.com wrote:

> Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2004 22:46:29 -0700
> From: Michael.Christian at corbis.com
> Reply-To: RuneQuest rules discussion. <rq-rules at crashbox.com>
> To: rq-rules at crashbox.com
> Subject: RE: [RQ-Rules] Ambushes
> 
>> From a realism standpoint (ex-army infantry, so ambushes are something I
> know from personal experience) it seems that setting an ambush in game terms
> would depend on the worst skill of the ambushing party and the best skill of
> the people who could possibly detect the ambush. All it takes is one screw
> up (snapped twig, cough, etc.) to completely blow an ambush. Your system
> seems perfectly viable and what I would use with the above caveats.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: rq-rules-bounces at crashbox.com
> [mailto:rq-rules-bounces at crashbox.com]On Behalf Of The Blacklocks
> Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2004 11:34 PM
> To: Runequest List
> Subject: [RQ-Rules] Ambushes
>
>
> I have a question for everyone out there about ambushes.  My question is
> around detecting an ambush.  What I have used is that one member of the
> ambushing group makes a Hide roll for the group.  Then when the ambushee
> group comes wondering along, the point guy gets to make a Scan roll and
> tries to beat the Hide roll.  If successful, the point guy sees the ambush
> and is able to raise the alarm.  If not, hope you have some decent armour!!!
>
> What do other people use for ambushes?
>
> Thanks,
>
> The Northern DM
>
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