Ambush: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
(Reorganize intro section to separate hidden/open ambushes more clearly.) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''Ambush''' is the ability to make a very precise attack, employing the element of surprise. |
|||
Ambushing an opponent can be done in several different ways. Many take advantage of the element of surprise by combining '''Ambush''' with [[Stalking and Hiding]], which can take a foe unawares and limit its ability to defend against a quick blow. Others utilize the skill in the open as a means of targeting their attacks. More training in the Ambush skill will allow a combatant to focus with ease on where his or her blows ought to land. High [[Agility]] and/or [[Dexterity]] will increase the speed of the ambush. More Ambushing skill relative to the target's level will result in decreased [[Defensive Strength]] (DS) for that target. |
|||
In a '''hidden ambush''', the goal is to approach a target undetected and strike before the quarry can react to defend or strike back. To take advantage of this, one should use the {{boldmono|HIDE}} command (which uses a skill check for [[Stalking and Hiding]]) or other means to become hidden, and then, while hidden, make an attack using one of the options detailed [[#Different Ways to Ambush|below]]. Ambush skill improves the chance of hitting a specific body part when [[AIM|aiming]], and increases [[critical weighting]] (with {{boldmono|[[AMBUSH (verb)|AMBUSH]]}}) or [[damage weighting]] (with {{boldmono|[[WAYLAY (verb)|WAYLAY]]}}). In addition, the attacker's Ambush skill relative to the target's level will result in decreased defenses, lowering the target's [[stance]] for the ambushing attack, which effectively lowers their [[Defensive Strength]] (DS)). When ambushing with range using {{boldmono|[[FIRE]]}} or {{boldmono|[[HURL]]}}, only the stance pushdown is applied, not the extra weighting. |
|||
In an '''open ambush''', the goal is simply to aim the attack at one of the target's body parts. The chance of hitting the specific body part with melee or hurling is affected by both the Ambush and [[Combat Maneuvers]] skills (this is different from hidden ambushes where only Ambush skill is taken into account). For ranged weapons (bows and crossbows), Ambush and [[Perception]] are used to determine the chance when firing from hiding, but only [[Perception]] is used for open ambushes. |
|||
Training in this skill also aids in aiming from an unhidden position when using the {{boldmono|[[AMBUSH (verb)|AMBUSH]]}} verb, or when using [[Ranged Weapons]] or [[Thrown Weapons]]. |
|||
Ambush skill also increases [[Attack Strength]] (AS) for all attacks with bows and crossbows, regardless of whether they are aimed or hidden. |
|||
{{#section:Shield|alert}} |
{{#section:Shield|alert}} |
||
== Ranks and Training Costs == |
== Ranks and Training Costs == |
||
| Line 34: | Line 36: | ||
*{{mono|[[WAYLAY]]}} |
*{{mono|[[WAYLAY]]}} |
||
*{{mono|[[FIRE]]}} - can be used in the open |
*{{mono|[[FIRE]]}} - can be used in the open |
||
*{{mono|[[HURL]]}} - can be used in the open |
|||
*[[Silent Strike]] |
*[[Silent Strike]] |
||
*[[Cutthroat]] |
*[[Cutthroat]] |
||
Revision as of 20:25, 7 December 2020
Ambush is the ability to make a very precise attack, employing the element of surprise.
In a hidden ambush, the goal is to approach a target undetected and strike before the quarry can react to defend or strike back. To take advantage of this, one should use the HIDE command (which uses a skill check for Stalking and Hiding) or other means to become hidden, and then, while hidden, make an attack using one of the options detailed below. Ambush skill improves the chance of hitting a specific body part when aiming, and increases critical weighting (with AMBUSH) or damage weighting (with WAYLAY). In addition, the attacker's Ambush skill relative to the target's level will result in decreased defenses, lowering the target's stance for the ambushing attack, which effectively lowers their Defensive Strength (DS)). When ambushing with range using FIRE or HURL, only the stance pushdown is applied, not the extra weighting.
In an open ambush, the goal is simply to aim the attack at one of the target's body parts. The chance of hitting the specific body part with melee or hurling is affected by both the Ambush and Combat Maneuvers skills (this is different from hidden ambushes where only Ambush skill is taken into account). For ranged weapons (bows and crossbows), Ambush and Perception are used to determine the chance when firing from hiding, but only Perception is used for open ambushes.
Ambush skill also increases Attack Strength (AS) for all attacks with bows and crossbows, regardless of whether they are aimed or hidden.
Ranks and Training Costs
| Type | Square | Semi | Pure | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profession | Rogue | Warrior | Monk | Bard | Paladin | Ranger | Cleric | Empath | Savant | Sorcerer | Wizard |
| Max Ranks Per Level | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | 1 |
| Training Point Cost | 2/1 | 3/4 | 3/2 | 4/4 | 4/5 | 3/3 | 12/12 | 15/15 | - | 15/14 | 15/10 |
Different Ways to Ambush
Entering stealth:
It is also possible to use Invisibility (916), but in practice most creatures will be able to detect invisible player characters.
Attacking from stealth:
- ATTACK - defaults to AMBUSH mechanics when character is hiding
- AMBUSH - can be used in the open, without the critical weighting bonus
- WAYLAY
- FIRE - can be used in the open
- HURL - can be used in the open
- Silent Strike
- Cutthroat
- Subdue
In addition, many combat maneuvers have a bonus when initiated from stealth.