Combat

Every once in a while, we are faced with moments when negotiations break down and we find that what we really want is to bash open someone else's head. This is not that sort of combat system. Instead, think of this as a multiplayer action resolution system. It is based on the belief that the point of combat is to determine who gets to have what they want happen and who doesn't.

The GAH combat system (at least in Sami's head) stand for: Goal, Action and Happening. Below are the stages for GAH combat.

Step 1 - Goooooooooooooal!

Choose a Goal and keep it in mind. If you have a notepad you could write it down there, but do not show it to anyone but a GM unless told otherwise. You may not change this goal until the next turn of combat. This Goal must be something that your character would normally be capable of doing if there were nothing to stop him/her. A special ability from your cards may be chosen as your Goal; some special abilities are designed to be used in combat.

Some examples of possible Goals include: pummel this person to the point of them not being able to do anything this turn, throw this item overboard, use a special ability, move out of combat range unscathed, etc.

Step 2 - It's Polite to Point!

On the count of three ("One . . . two . . . three!") point at the person your Goal would immediately affect, if any. If you are trying to escape, point straight up. If you are doing something else entirely, point at yourself. If you are using a special ability that tells you who to point at, point at them.

For example, Adam is trying to take an item belonging to Beth from Charles, who currently has it. Adam should point at Charles, not Beth, because his action immediately affects Charles, and only indirectly affects Beth. Charles, thinking he may be in danger, wants to escape and points straight up. Beth, not knowing about any of this this, decides to use her "turn invisible" ability and points at herself.

Step 3 - (Lights, Camera,) Action!

On another count of three, play Rock Paper Scissors. This is your symbol until the end of your turn; you attack and defend with this. For the sanity of all involved, keep your hand in this position until everything is resolved.

Step 4 - It's Happening, Man . . .

If no one beats you in Rock Paper Scissors, some form of your Goal will happen. GMs will be available to help determine who has beaten who in RPS and to resolve goals in conflict with one another.

This will continue for as many turns as is necessary, ending when no one needs to be using a system of this sort to resolve their conflicts. Roleplayed conflicts do not need to use GAH, of course.