Rules Question: Running

[Deleted]

I wanted to make sure I understood the RAW and RAI for running in combat.

As I understand it, the RAW provide that a character/monster able to run can move double its MV value as modified by armor and encumbrance (prior to halving for choosing a half move and melee/missile/spell action) and then still attack with melee weapon, missile weapon or spell (in effect moving its regular full move rather than the standard half move allowed by the action because of the decision to run). The only downside is that the character that chooses to run in combat loses any Dexterity bonus to AC or provides foes a +1 bonus to hit if it does not have such a bonus.

Do I understand this mechanic RAW and does this reflect the RAI?

[Ghul]

Dec 28, 2012 11:17:59 GMT -6 @rhino said:

I wanted to make sure I understood the RAW and RAI for running in combat.

Hi rhino, good to hear from you again!

As I understand it, the RAW provide that a character/monster able to run can move double its MV value as modified by armor and encumbrance (prior to halving for choosing a half move and melee/missile/spell action) and then still attack with melee weapon, missile weapon or spell (in effect moving its regular full move rather than the standard half move allowed by the action because of the decision to run). The only downside is that the character that chooses to run in combat loses any Dexterity bonus to AC or provides foes a +1 bonus to hit if it does not have such a bonus.

Do I understand this mechanic RAW and does this reflect the RAI?

Yes, you seem to have the RAW understood well enough. A man who runs into melee does not necessarily have to make a charge attack; i.e., he can "stop short" and attack as normal, but he still suffers the same penalty as you note above.

Now, if you want to talk RAI, I might impose other penalties to a "run and attack" or "run and shoot" based on other circumstances such as environment, ground conditions, and so forth. Essentially, I view this kind of action as somewhat reckless.

[Deleted]

Yeah, I was thinking a -2 to hit might be appropriate in general when you attack after running, unless, of course, you are charging.

I am going to try and post my campaign journal shortly.