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Optional Rules Note: “Combat Assists” are optional. Consult your Game
Master to determine if this rules set is implemented.
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When a character learns how to use a sword, knife, or handgun, this ability is conferred for single-handed use. (Try going to a shooting range with a gun in each hand and see just how difficult it is.) Two Weapon Use (optional rule) and Ambidexterity can permit a character to attack unpenalized with two weapons at the same time. A third skill, Blind Fighting, helps the character fight with senses other than sight. Thus, the combat penalties are lessened for a blindfolded or blinded character with this skill.
| Table: Combat Assists | |
| Skill Name | Description |
| Ambidexterity | This skill allows the wielder to use either hand equally well. If two weapons are used concurrently, there is no penalty to attack, but the non-dominant hand inflicts only half damage unless combined with Two Weapon Style. Int 1: Either hand is useful for weapon or labour use. Int 2: Either hand is equally useful for writing. Int 3: Either hand is equally useful for artistic purposes. Int 4: Either hand is equally useful for delicate repair work and surgery. |
| Blind Fighting | This skill permits the combatant to fight in less than optimal lighting conditions. For each intensity of Blind Fighting, one negative modifier is negated to Batch due to poor lighting or blindness. |
| Combat Readiness | This skill allows the character to put his or her armour in a hurry. Ordinarily, an unarmored character may have to spend 1d4 rounds to don Light armour, 2d4 rounds for Medium armour, and 3d4 rounds for Heavy armour. This skill allows the armour to be fastened in half the time, at the cost of -1 AC (the armour isn't fitted efficiently.) This skill also gives the character a +2 bonus to be awakened from sleep during a surprise night encounter. |
A note on two weapon combat: Without either Ambidexterity or Two Weapon Style, the combatant fights at -3 to BAtCh on the non-dominant hand and -2 to the dominant hand, as well as the non-dominant hand inflicts only ˝ damage.
With Ambidexterity only, the non-dominant hand performs full BAtCh, but only half damage. With Two Weapon Style only, the dominant hand is at +0 to Batch, the non-dominant hand functions at -3, but inflicts only half damage. With both skills, both hands inflict full damage and the non-dominant hand functions at +0 to BAtCh.
Even with Two Weapon Style and Ambidexterity maximized, the weapon wielder will never get Strength or Dexterity BAtCh or damage bonuses on the non-dominant hand. These combat skills only negate the penalties.