The art of martial arts can be more complex than you think...

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    • The art of martial arts can be more complex than you think...

      Combat in the world of SHARD is in some ways more complex than other games due to a few factors which include the following : ( in no particular order )

      1.) Strategy, every round it is important to tailor how the character will react based on a plan of execution which often will have to be crafted and changed rather quickly and will need to consider the several things during its formation...

      * The fact that all characters have a somewhat similar number of STAMINA points is something which I personally find to be both a blessing ,as well as a curse in this game, because what that means is that no matter the level of the combatant no out come is guaranteed. A low level character will require the same levels of damage be inflicted in order to defeat as a legendary character which makes the "playing field" much more leveled than other games. This means that even though your skill may be better a few exceptional rolls with a number of exceeding successes could change the tide of the battle/dual. So it is important to pay close attention not only to the amount of damage your opponent is causing your character but also the maneuvers being attempted, in the hopes of countering possible damage in the future as well as any lasting negative effects. Woe unto the player who assumes that greater strength or skill is an automatic path to victory.

      * The number of actions is perhaps the most important aspect of any round of combat. This is important not only in determining strategies for attack but also in considering defense. The player will often be called upon many times to make difficult decisions regarding whether to press an advantage in combat by using actions, or to act more conservatively in the interests of maintaining actions for defense, a miscalculation in this situation can lead to catastrophic consequences. This is one of the most important game elements which adds tension and calls for calculation and risk assessment before deciding on a course of action. The temptation to end a battle in a dramatic and heroic way for the sake of memorable fiction, you will find, is often counter balanced by the dangers which come to those who leave themselves exposed to attacks after expending all of their available actions and thus becoming defenseless. Being defenseless means that any success rolled is an automatically capable of damaging your character (if it is greater than your armor) and may even inflict bonus damage in multiples, if the success is great enough, not to mention, deliver lasting negative effects. It is for these reasons I cannot stress enough the importance of being aware of the number of actions you use and reserving at least some for defense, escape or skills. Skills can be used to complement an attack roll, or in any creative manner your imagination can conceive, while the ability to escape can never be underestimated in the natural world or in the game, and finally, defense in all its possible forms is the very foundation of survival in a fight.

      * Skills are another thing which play a huge part in combat for SHARD because they may (at the approval of the GAME MASTER) be used in combat as creatively as your imagination permits. DO NOT be afraid to think outside the box and try things which would normally only be seen executed by heroes in an adventure film because that is exactly what your characters will be in the game.

      * The MARTIAL ARTS TABLE, is the final component to be considered as it offers a number of special attacks and effects caused by targeting specific locations. Effects which can dramatically alter the outcome of a conflict and may have lasting effects which could be linked with other effects to almost ensure certain victory. Keep in mind, the negative difficulty modifier applied to maneuvers when in conflict otherwise you may simply be wasting actions. The key is to take a risk which you can succeed at while forcing the defender to take the same risk and spend actions defending... The new MAGIC AND MARTIAL ARTS BOOK is almost ready to be published and will offer new martial styles each with its own advantages and disadvantages as well as exciting new attacks, defenses and fiction for your gaming pleasure. All of which I am sure will exceed your wildest expectations! :thumbsup: