When do you Abort?

[zornwil]

5E really doesn't have a full description of just Abort but 5ER does on page 362 paragraph 3:


The effects of Block* (*including Missle Deflection), Dodge and Dive For Cover also linger beyond the first Phase/segment that they are used. In the case of DFC though it just happens to only be the negative: 1/2 DCV and Prone. A character who aborts to a Block can keep blocking until his next Phase as long as he doesn't miss a block. The DCV bonus from Dodge also lingers until the character's next phase.

HM

Thanks.

And when will they give us a job so we can just do this for a living?

[Dust Raven]

Six levels is far too much. That is a hell of a lot. The sniper gets his accuracy from the SET manoeuvre and a couple of three levels at most.

I'd be perfectly happy to rule that if a target moves suddenly and unexpectedly the sniper has to make some sort of roll to maintain the set bonus, probably have the target make some sort of PRE attack, like getting out from under a covered manoeuvre.

If six levels is too much, than your average Sniper will suck. Always. Well, maybe if he gets up close, but then he isn't a sniper anymore. And why would Six levels be too much? They aren't likely to be full CSLs, but a combination of CSL and PSLs versus Range Mods.

Also you are only surprised in combat if you are not expecting the attack: you could have Bob make an INT roll to work out that the shout means he is the target of a sniper an react appropriately at full DCV. None of this requires DFC, but if that is how you want to play it (and the rules are, of course, on your side in this one), go for your life.

I stand (or sit an my computer) corrected. But we are both a little off on this.

Reworking the numbers...

The target cannot perceive the attacker, and will be a 0 DCV, but the sniper will Hit Location Modifiers will be full. I suppose it's up to the GM to determine if a Dodge bonus would add to the 0, but I'd say it wouldn't. In every other case of being 0 DCV, zero is zero and cannot be modified. The the to-hit chance remains the same (loses his 4 DCV to 0, but the sniper suffers an additional -4 to attack a vital location (or even less if he doesn't aim at the Head or Vitals, say a -3 to the Chest then). So the Dodge is still not likely to be the best option.

Granted, the target does get to make a PER Roll (for free, no time action) to spot the sniper and therefore get his full DCV versus the attack, but he'll have a nasty Range Mod to spot him (resulting in, at best for a normal, a 5- chance).

[Sean Waters]

If six levels is too much, than your average Sniper will suck. Always. Well, maybe if he gets up close, but then he isn't a sniper anymore. And why would Six levels be too much? They aren't likely to be full CSLs, but a combination of CSL and PSLs versus Range Mods.

If you are including PSLs then fine, six levels, no problem, mind you a decent sniper will be using a decent gun and decent sights in all likelihood, all of which will sunstantially reduce range mods...

I stand (or sit an my computer) corrected. But we are both a little off on this.

Reworking the numbers...

The target cannot perceive the attacker, and will be a 0 DCV, but the sniper will Hit Location Modifiers will be full. I suppose it's up to the GM to determine if a Dodge bonus would add to the 0, but I'd say it wouldn't. In every other case of being 0 DCV, zero is zero and cannot be modified. The the to-hit chance remains the same (loses his 4 DCV to 0, but the sniper suffers an additional -4 to attack a vital location (or even less if he doesn't aim at the Head or Vitals, say a -3 to the Chest then). So the Dodge is still not likely to be the best option.

Granted, the target does get to make a PER Roll (for free, no time action) to spot the sniper and therefore get his full DCV versus the attack, but he'll have a nasty Range Mod to spot him (resulting in, at best for a normal, a 5- chance).

I think you are right.

I don't argue that DFC is a better option, I'm just saying I don't like it for use against non-AE attacks. That's probably not a very logical stand point, I'll grant you. Maybe snipers should use the spread rules to, in effect, cover the hexes either side...

[zornwil]

Page 362, 5ER.

"For example, suppose a SPD 4 character (Phases in 3, 6, 9, and 12) Aborts his Phase in Segment 6 in Segment 4 to Dodge an attack. He cannot Abort again, or take any other Actions, in Segments 4, 5, or 6. After Segment 6 passe (i.e., in Segment 7 or later), he can Abort again..."

PS - in 5th, this is obscured due to a passage about not being able to Abort until "the next segment" and the explicit rule that precedes the example above (as well, of course, as the example itself) is not present. I believe earlier editions were clearer on the matter, I think this was just an oversight.

[Dust Raven]

I don't argue that DFC is a better option, I'm just saying I don't like it for use against non-AE attacks. That's probably not a very logical stand point, I'll grant you. Maybe snipers should use the spread rules to, in effect, cover the hexes either side...

I thought snipers that used AE attacks were called Marines...

[Silbeg]

I thought snipers that used AE attacks were called Marines...

Wouldn't that be more like artillery... maybe Marine Artillery, but still...

Either that or it would be "Close Air Support"

[pinecone]

There is a fully automatic 40mm grenade launcher in current use...and the marines have plenty of them I'm sure....sounds like a very nice sniper weapon...