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Charging? « Thread Started on Apr 23, 2012, 1:04pm »
Not sure where to put this question specifically, and I know this topic has been broached briefly in the past, but what are your rules (if any) for charging in OD&D? I know that Chainmail implies that figures normally engage at a charge, but OD&D doesn't really expect that (I don't think). If it did, I'd expect the spear (and no other weapon) would be the weapon of choice for fighting men everywhere...
There are rules for spears being set against a charge, however.
"Spears like Axes and Hammers can be hurled and receive a damage bonus of from 1 to 3 points. Additionally, if something impales itself upon the spear damage will be double or even treble if the force is sufficient" (p 31, Monsters and Treasure)
I guess what it really means is initiative does not determine who strikes first with a melee weapon in a non-surprise opening round...
Well there is no initiative roll in the 3lbb's. Probably, the section is a reference to CHAINMAIL's Man to Man on pg 26:
"Pikes, spears or lances of the attacker do get the first blow over lower class weapons if there is a charge. Here the length of the weapon prevents the defender, even with his lighter weapon, the ability to get the first blow."
So the D&D reference is hinting at the MtM weapon striking order system, but what it is really saying is that whatever initiative system may or may not be in place, persons rushing against spear weilding opponents attack second.
There are rules for spears being set against a charge, however.
"Spears like Axes and Hammers can be hurled and receive a damage bonus of from 1 to 3 points. Additionally, if something impales itself upon the spear damage will be double or even treble if the force is sufficient" (p 31, Monsters and Treasure)
Yeah, who says choice of weapon is meaningless in the 3lbb's?
Some choice would have to be made regarding when impalement occurs though. I'd think a successful hit would mean impalement, unless a save is made.
I guess what it really means is initiative does not determine who strikes first with a melee weapon in a non-surprise opening round...
Well there is no initiative roll in the 3lbb's. Probably, the section is a reference to CHAINMAIL's Man to Man on pg 26:
"Pikes, spears or lances of the attacker do get the first blow over lower class weapons if there is a charge. Here the length of the weapon prevents the defender, even with his lighter weapon, the ability to get the first blow."
So the D&D reference is hinting at the MtM weapon striking order system, but what it is really saying is that whatever initiative system may or may not be in place, persons rushing against spear weilding opponents attack second.
The FAQ notes that initiative is diced on d6, just like Chainmail. Ruled this way, however, this is another hidden feature of the fighting man class (and those classes who also participate in that class), since only it is able to wield a spear. I can, however, see a complaint emerging about "spear superiority" (not unlike "sword superiority" in AD&D) in some games. It would seem that anytime initiative is lost by the fighting man wielding a spear, his would-be attacker is likely to suffer double or treble damage if he closes to melee without being similarly armed. Obviously, I'd rule that no shield can be used when the attacker sets a spear to receive a melee unless the attacker is similar armed with a reach-type weapon. Also, since two-handed swords were historically used to cut through pike hedges, I'd expect that one used to close to melee with a spear-wielder would negate the ability to set against a charge.
Echoing Dan, above: who says weapon choice isn't meaningful in OD&D?
« Last Edit: Apr 25, 2012, 10:23am by Kris Kobold »
Well there is no initiative roll in the 3lbb's. Probably, the section is a reference to CHAINMAIL's Man to Man on pg 26:
"Pikes, spears or lances of the attacker do get the first blow over lower class weapons if there is a charge. Here the length of the weapon prevents the defender, even with his lighter weapon, the ability to get the first blow."
So the D&D reference is hinting at the MtM weapon striking order system, but what it is really saying is that whatever initiative system may or may not be in place, persons rushing against spear weilding opponents attack second.
The FAQ notes that initiative is diced on d6, just like Chainmail. Ruled this way, however, this is another hidden feature of the fighting man class (and those classes who also participate in that class), since only it is able to wield a spear. I can, however, see a complaint emerging about "spear superiority" (not unlike "sword superiority" in AD&D) in some games. It would seem that anytime initiative is lost by the fighting man wielding a spear, his would-be attacker is likely to suffer double or treble damage if he closes to melee without being similarly armed. Obviously, I'd rule that no shield can be used when the attacker sets a spear to receive a melee unless the attacker is similar armed with a reach-type weapon. Also, since two-handed swords were historically used to cut through pike hedges, I'd expect that one used to close to melee with a spear-wielder would negate the ability to set against a charge.
Echoing Dan, above: who says weapon choice isn't meaningful in OD&D?
I don't think you can use a random initiative roll with the set spear rule. What I mean is, if you are using a random roll (1d6) and the fighter loses initive, he shouldn't be able to circumvent the roll result by saying he's setting his spear, in my opinion.
It should also be possible for the intiative winner to pass the initiative to the loser, you could just circle your opponents and allow them to attack you.
Nice catch on pointing out that only fighters can benefit by the rule.
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