Combat Manoeuvers for Ranged Attacks

[Breschau of Livonia]

While a certain amount of common sense is required in adjudicating combat maneuvers with ranged attacks, it seems a lot of them, especially defensive ones, just don't seem to work - while I imagine some justification could be found, things like damage weapon, regain footing, riposte, pin weapon, blind opponent, etc. seem to be impossible, or, at the very least, a massive stretch. I'm pretty new to Runequest so I'm curious how others have found they work in actual play and also looking for any tips/advice.

 

[Deleriad]

While a certain amount of common sense is required in adjudicating combat maneuvers with ranged attacks, it seems a lot of them, especially defensive ones, just don't seem to work - while I imagine some justification could be found, things like damage weapon, regain footing, riposte, pin weapon, blind opponent, etc. seem to be impossible, or, at the very least, a massive stretch. I'm pretty new to Runequest so I'm curious how others have found they work in actual play and also looking for any tips/advice.

It sort of depends on how cinematic you want things to be and your style of play. Don't forget that once you see the results of an attack you can choose not to defend so if a player decides to try for a Combat Manoeuvre against a ranged attack I would simply ask them to describe what happened.

E.g. "Blind opponent" - Evade: PC rolls out of the way and light glances off armour, weapon etc. If parrying, PC deliberate reflects light off the burnished shield straight into the archer's eyes.

You wouldn't be able to roll to your feet while evading as you can't evade while prone, but if parrying with the shield, the PC slams the shield into the floor, deflecting the arrow and rolling into his feet with a flourish.

Basically, if the player comes up with a good, fun description then I would say yes. That said, pin weapon probably requires some sort of go-go-gadget arms.

 

[soltakss]

Pin Weapon: Someone throws a dagger and pins a soldier's sleeve to the wall.

Blind Opponent: The arrow cuts the opponent above the eye, sending blood into his eye. The arrow hits a helm, jamming the visor shut.

Damage Weapon: An arrow goes clean through a sword or shield, shattering it.

Riposte: OK, you've got me there.

Regain Footing: There as well.

But, as you can see, there are easy ways of getting these to work. I've seen these things happen in films and TV shows, which proves beyond doubt that they are possible in a roleplaying game.

 

[Mongoose Pete]

Riposte: OK, you've got me there.

How about in Martial Arts movies where a ninja catches an arrow in his hand and casts it back...