Quote:
Originally Posted by Simon Atavax  2. In combat, why would PCs ever declare their action to be "set weapons to receive a charge"? Because as I read the RAW, it seems that actions in combat are declared BEFORE knowing what the monsters are going to do (thus giving a more simultaneous feel to things). But wouldn't setting weapons to receive a charge be the kind of thing the PCs would only do in RESPONSE to seeing the monsters charge? |
I assume you understand the mechanical reasons for doing this -- you can't declare after a charge, because you've already
been charged by that point.
I can see several in-character reasons for doing so:
1. You have reason to expect that the enemy will charge. In this case, assuming you don't want to advance or charge yourself, might as well be ready. What is served by waiting until the charge has begun before readying yourself?
2. Setting weapons may actively discourage a charge. If the enemy is readying itself to charge, and then sees you readying yourself to receive a charge and inflict hideous damage, they may rethink and cancel their action.
3. You want to defend a position and maintain group coherency. Anyone without ranged weapons might as well provide themselves with the most defensible posture they can.
4. You want to parley, but you also you want to have a defensible position, and display a strong posture. An enemy that understands the tactical advantages of readied weapons may be more inclined to treat you with respect. Especially if the group shows military cohesion and discipline as they run through their "Set To Repulse -- Forward" drill.
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