Thoughts for a combat houserule.

[Rurik]

This all started with a debate on hit locations over on the forums at basicroleplaying.com (http://basicroleplaying.com/forum/basic-roleplaying/).

The gist of it is that side A says totally random hit locations are bunk - fighters always aim for a specific location. Side B says fighters take whatever opening the defender leaves open. There is, of course, some truth to both sides.

So I'll through out the following houserule for discussion:

If the attacker suceeds and the defender fails their dodge or parry roll outright, or does not apply a reaction to the attack, the attacker chooses the location hit. If the defender makes their dodge or parry roll but the attacker wins the opposed roll the attacker rolls location randomly.

This leaves the defender without any reactions left in a tough spot, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Any thoughts?

 

[Magistus]

As someone that has done live steel combat for many years, in full armour. Here is what I can tell you on this. I agree with both, I will aim for what is open or even for specific spots, such as the head, BUT there are things that will happen that will then make your shot hit somewhere else, such as your opponent moved slightly, or you clipped their shield and it redirected your blow, etc. So the random hit location really isn't that far from the truth.

 

[weasel_fierce]

This might result in a rather significant amount of head-shots, I think

 

[danskmacabre]

I read about a dig on a Viking battle site some years back.

The most common would found were head wounds, followed by Knee wounds.

I also reckon people would LIKE to hit certain places sure, but like is said earlier, you take whatever opportunities you can get.

Depends on the circumstances of course, whether you have a shield, or armor or a mass battle or 1 on 1., the skill levels of those fighting.

Basically, I don't think there is a clear cut answer.

I have been doing battle re-enactment for many years, when I fight someone who is a newbie with ancient weapons, and say he's using a spear and shield, he'll leave his shoulder open or not keep his shield in right etc...so I know what to go for.

Against a Swordman with a shield, upper arms, lower arms, belly shot.
It's not quite the same in re-enactment though, you're not allowed to go for head shots, due to safety reasons. But even so, it gives you an idea of how it might have been.