[CONAN] Should Flanking be possible when...?

[Supplement Four]

Do you think its possible to flank a foe in one-on-one combat?

I have a player that says its impossible.

But, if you use the optional d20 Facing rules, it certainly is possible from time to time.

Last weekend, we played a session, and during it, there was an arena fight. Both characters used spears and were naked except for loin cloths.

The PC, with inititiave, moved in a horn shape towards his opponent and ended his turn about 15' from his enemy.

That enemy, on his turn, circled wide, using his entire 30' of movement, but was able to avoid the PC's threatened squares and come in on the PC's right flank for a +2 on his attack (under the Facing rules).



The question is: Should that be possible?



(And, if you think about it,the RAW version of flanking, where a character needs a partner on the EXACT other side of the target, is a bit "gamey" too.)

Thoughts?

 

[Vortigern]

In this particular situation I would say it 'should' be impossible. The PC is set to receive the incoming enemy and, logically, can simply turn to face them as they approach even without expending any 'movement' IMO.

Flanking in a one vs. one fight however 'is' possible, I just think that it tends to be a byproduct of stealth or poor judgement ( turning your back to gloat to the crowd or some such ).

In an Arena Fight, I wouldn't think there are many opportunities to achieve a reasonably realistic 'Flank Attack' scenario for which the bonus is designed.

 

[Boneguard]

In an Arena Fight, I wouldn't think there are many opportunities to achieve a reasonably realistic 'Flank Attack' scenario for which the bonus is designed.

I would also be incline to think this. In this case both would keep an eye on each other and just 'rotate' to keep their facing.

 

[kintire]

Do you think its possible to flank a foe in one-on-one combat?

No, and the example you quote is a blatant exploit of the successive movment system, and a prime example of why d20 games abandoned facing.