How exactly a charge works has created a lot of questions. I've been over the rules and think I've got a handle on charging, but want to throw this out there as this is a part of the rules that could use clarification. An example would be good.
Page 84 describes the Charge CA as: If enough space, the Adventurer may charge into close combat, combining the movement with an attack. If successful, damage may be increased.
However, no minimum distance is ever specified, so "If enough space" is undefined. I am leaning towards a charge needing to be more than the base Move for a creature. So a human would have to move more than 8 meters and up to their sprint distance to enact a charge.
On page 89:
Evading the charge permits the recipient to make an Opposed
Test of his Evade skill verses the charging opponent’s Ride or
Athletics skill (as required). If the recipient wins he throws
himself completely clear of the charging opponent (and
the mount if they are riding one).
Does the recipient get a CM if he gets a greater level of success (can he trip the charger?). I'm mixed on this. I can see it against a human, not a horse. I'm leaning towards 'No', but it is a valid question.
Also on Page 89:
Unless the charging creature willingly stops or is forcibly
stopped dead, the charge only allows a single Combat Action
for the Attacker, their mount (if combat capable) and the
Defender during that round, because the speed of the charging
creature carries it clear of the engagement zone.
If the charger does stop dead do they get to use more than one combat action?
I see a charge as a sprint combined with an attack. Therefore it would have to be the first CA (and only) CA taken as an action. One could not Attack, parry, and then decide to charge in a round. The charge would have to be at the First SR for the character. I would allow their other CA's for reactions. Or is it true they could charge at their full sprint, choose to stop at the target, and take their additional CA's?
I assume the single CA for the defender mentioned in the rule is the CA for the Evade or Counter attempt. What if the defender had a higher initiative than the charger and already acted - is he still allowed to defend? I would hope so.
I must say the charging rules have created some confusion.
Page 84 describes the Charge CA as: If enough space, the Adventurer may charge into close combat, combining the movement with an attack. If successful, damage may be increased.
However, no minimum distance is ever specified, so "If enough space" is undefined. I am leaning towards a charge needing to be more than the base Move for a creature. So a human would have to move more than 8 meters and up to their sprint distance to enact a charge.
On page 89:
Evading the charge permits the recipient to make an Opposed
Test of his Evade skill verses the charging opponent’s Ride or
Athletics skill (as required). If the recipient wins he throws
himself completely clear of the charging opponent (and
the mount if they are riding one).
Does the recipient get a CM if he gets a greater level of success (can he trip the charger?). I'm mixed on this. I can see it against a human, not a horse. I'm leaning towards 'No', but it is a valid question.
Also on Page 89:
Unless the charging creature willingly stops or is forcibly
stopped dead, the charge only allows a single Combat Action
for the Attacker, their mount (if combat capable) and the
Defender during that round, because the speed of the charging
creature carries it clear of the engagement zone.
If the charger does stop dead do they get to use more than one combat action?
I see a charge as a sprint combined with an attack. Therefore it would have to be the first CA (and only) CA taken as an action. One could not Attack, parry, and then decide to charge in a round. The charge would have to be at the First SR for the character. I would allow their other CA's for reactions. Or is it true they could charge at their full sprint, choose to stop at the target, and take their additional CA's?
I assume the single CA for the defender mentioned in the rule is the CA for the Evade or Counter attempt. What if the defender had a higher initiative than the charger and already acted - is he still allowed to defend? I would hope so.
I must say the charging rules have created some confusion.