RULES Guide to Combat

[GehennaUponUs]

Guide to Combat
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Combat in the Cyberpunk world is gritty, dangerous, and unpredictable, just like the dark streets of Night City. Whether you're engaged in a one-on-one duel, a gang shootout, or a high-stakes event, this guide will help you navigate combat in a way that's fair, fun, and immersive.

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Two Ways to Engage in Combat

1. Freeform Combat
   Freeform combat relies on storytelling and mutual agreement between players to determine outcomes. This style emphasizes creativity and collaboration over strict mechanics.
   • Discuss the Fight: Before the scene starts, agree OOC on the general tone and outcome.
   • Keep It Fair: Consider your character's abilities, weaponry, and the situation. Avoid "godmodding" (e.g., dodging every attack or landing perfect hits).
   • Embrace Consequences: Cyberpunk is a world of high stakes. Be prepared for injuries, losses, or setbacks to your character.
2. Dice-Based Combat
   Dice rolls add an element of chance to combat while keeping it simple and accessible. You don't need stats—just a willingness to roll and adapt!
   • Roll for Actions: Assign actions a simple success threshold (e.g., a roll of 4+ on a d6 for a successful attack).
   • Collaborate: Both players roll for their actions and interpret the results. For example, if one player rolls higher, they land a hit, while the other might evade with a partial success.
   • Optional Modifiers: Add context-based modifiers (e.g., +1 for having cover or advanced cyberware) to rolls for a more dynamic experience.

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High-Risk, High-Reward Combat

Certain threads, such as staff-DM'd events or specialized areas, may involve heightened stakes, including the risk of character death. These scenarios are optional but offer unique rewards and story opportunities.

• Think Before You Act: Entering these threads means accepting potential loss. Be prepared to adapt your character's story if the worst happens.
• Trust the DM: Staff will mediate these threads, ensuring fairness while maintaining the high-risk atmosphere.
• Make It Count: Use these moments to showcase your character's bravery, cunning, or desperation. Even if they don't make it out alive, their story will resonate.

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Roleplaying Combat: Tips for Success

• Use the Environment: Cyberpunk is a world of verticality and chaos. Incorporate surroundings like neon-lit rooftops, dark alleys, or crowded night markets into your strategy.
• Describe the Action: Paint a vivid picture with your writing. Highlight the roar of gunfire, the glint of a blade, or the pain of an injury.
• Communicate: Work with your partner(s) OOC to ensure everyone is enjoying the fight. If dice are involved, clarify rolls and outcomes together.
• Embrace Flaws: No one wins every fight. Sometimes losing or barely scraping by can create the most compelling story arcs.

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DM'd Threads and Events: How They Work

• Staff Control: In these scenarios, a staff member will control the flow of combat, enemies, and environmental factors.
• Dynamic Events: Threads may involve multiple players, complex objectives, and shifting conditions.
• Death and Glory: Character death is possible, but so are monumental victories or lucrative rewards. Writers should beware entering High Risk areas of Staff Events unless they are prepared to deal with the story consequences.

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Combat Etiquette

1. No Auto-Hitting: Always give your opponent a chance to react to attacks.
2. Play to Your Character: Stay true to your character's skills, limitations, and personality.
3. Respect Outcomes: Whether freeform or dice-based, accept results gracefully and use them to fuel your story.
4. Have Fun: Remember, combat is a storytelling tool, not just a means to "win."

By balancing creative storytelling with fair outcomes, combat can become a thrilling and memorable part of your roleplay experience. Ready your weapons, think strategically, and dive into the chaos of Night City!