Reaction when your not the target

[gds73]

So here's my question, can you perform a reaction when it's not you that's being targeted, but your reaction is to dodge and or dive to be the cover.

Example, the good guys are in a semi-populated area, space port, store, mall, whatever. Or they are in a protection detail, or simply one of their party doesn't notice that they're being targeted.Bad guys start a firefight, and for whatever reason an innocent individual, or unaware individual is targeted by one of the bad guys, your PC sees this and is in close enough proximity to become the cover for the innocent being targeted, by performing a "Dodge" reaction?

Basically the PC wants to become the target, armor, for the other.

If you were GMing how would you handle that scenario?

 

[Arkathan]

I'd let them do it.

 

[CordwainerFish]

Sure, I'd say. Can do the same thing with a grenade.

 

[Limpin Legin]

Depends on context. "Dodge" is only relatively small movements. If the distances are great, or, if the enemy line-of-fire is not so obvious, it could be as elaborate as the following:

1. Spot the Danger (Miscellaneous Minor Action)
2. Overcome Fear of Self-Harm (Only applies if Armour Points are low. Free Action or Minor Action)
3. Move in the Way of enemy line-of-sight (Movement, Minor Action)
4. Stop abruptly at location where about to be attacked (Reaction).

 

[Condottiere]

 

[rinku]

Mechanically, it's most probably best done as a delayed action. Bodyguard keeping an eye out for threats to their charge would certainly be done that way.

Depending on the trigger, they might be able to just execute their actions at that point, or might need to a Reaction roll in order to intervene.

Examples:
* A hidden sniper shoots the guarded person. No real chance to react to that. Take your actions after the shot.
* A laser dot appears on the guarded person. Make a reaction roll to use the delayed action.
* A knife weilding maniac breaks out of the crowd and charges the guarded person. Absolutely allow the character to do something, wouldn't even make them roll.

Narratively, you may want to ease up on the rules, to your own and your table's tastes. In the OP example, the character is aware of the attacker, and who they are targetting, so I think a reaction to act is reasonable, even if it's not strictly allowed.

 

[NOLATrav]

To the OP, a Dodge reaction could work, putting that PC in the line of fire but giving their DEX DM as negative modifier on the attacker’s to hit roll against the target (and probably the PC as well).

The PC could also Dive for Cover, tackling or obscuring the intended target, which is a flat DM-2 to all incoming attacks but the diving Traveller loses their next round of actions. That’s actually more appropriate IMO given the scenario presented.

 

[gds73]

To the OP, a Dodge reaction could work, putting that PC in the line of fire but giving their DEX DM as negative modifier on the attacker’s to hit roll against the target (and probably the PC as well).

The PC could also Dive for Cover, tackling or obscuring the intended target, which is a flat DM-2 to all incoming attacks but the diving Traveller loses their next round of actions. That’s actually more appropriate IMO given the scenario presented.

I agree about the next round. Basically the PC gives up his round to move in the initiative order to provide cover for the intended target.