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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Water Bob" data-source="post: 6105092" data-attributes="member: 92305">In addition to what I've listed here, the Conan RPG offers a host of combat maneuvers that a smart fighter can use to his advantage.For example, the Dance Aside maneuver. This maneuver can be performed by a defender (must have DEX 13+) anytime his opponent's attack throw is less than half the defender's Dodge AC. The benefit is that it allows the defender to immediately move 5 feet on the battlefield without provoking an Attack of Opportunity. This is an immediate action and thus the movement is in addition to any other movement the character makes during the round.The maneuver simulates the defender dancing out of the way of his opponent's attack.The Dance Aside maneuver is a perfect match for characters with high DEX and Dodge AC scores and for those who use reach weapons.Here's one way to use the Dance Aside maneuver in the game. You can prevent an opponent from attacking you. In melee combat, use your normal 5 foot step at the end of your turn (if you're using a reach weapon, you'l probably use it at the beginning of your turn in order to bring your weapon to bear on your oppoent).Next, on your opponent's turn, he will have to use his 5 foot step in order close range to attack you (you wouldn't do this if your opponent used a reach weapon, of course). If your opponent gets more than one attack, either by using two weapons or by his level, you can avoid the second attack (and possibly all attacks) if the Dance Aside is triggered.For example, consider a Cimmerian in melee combat with a Vanir warrior. The Cimmerian fights with broadsword and Shield, while the Vanir is using two axes--one in each hand. The Vanir is 6th level, so if he uses a Full Attack routine, he will get 3 attacks on the Cimmerian (two with his main weapon and a third attack for the off-hand weapon).On the Cimmerian's turn, he slices away with his broadsword, then, after his attack, he uses his 5 foot step to move five feet back away from the Vanir.Now, it's the Vanir's turn. The first thing the Vanir will do is close range, using his 5 foot step to do so, because, otherwise, the Vanir cannot attack the Cimmerian (who is, at the start of the Vanir's turn, 10 feet away). The Cimmerian will be using his Dodge defense for any incoming blows. The Vanir starts a Full Attack Action in order to get all three of his attacks at the Cimmerian, but, as fate would have it, the Vanir's first attack is less than half the Cimmerian's Dodge AC.Right then, because it's an immediate action, the Dance Aside is triggered, and the Cimmerian is allowed to move 5 feet in any direction he wishes. The Cimmerian again steps straight back, away from the Vanir, which puts him now at 10 feet from the Vanir. And, the Vanir has used all of his movement for the round. Therefore, the Dance Aside maneuver has saved the Cimmerian from all three attacks that round: The first Vanir attack failed and triggered the Dance Aside, which made the Vanir's other two attacks impossible to attempt.Of course, you can't control when the Dance Aside will occur. But, you can do things to raise your Dodge AC to make it easier for foes to roll half or less.This example turns out even better if the Cimmerian is using a reach weapon. Replace the shield and broadsword above with a war spear. On the Cimmerian's turn, he takes a 5 foot step backwards, increasing range to the Vanir, in order to be able to attack with the war spear.On the Vanir's turn, the redhair steps inside the weapon's guard, recovering that 5 feet, in order to make his Full Attack and take his three blows. Except, as I mention above, let's say that the first of these blows triggers the Cimmerian's Dance Aside maneuver. The Cimmerian immediately moves, and the Vanir has no more movement to recover that distance and deliver his blows.Now, it's the Cimmerian's turn again, and he's starting the scenario at 10 feet from his foe. The Cimmerian can attack, using his reach weapon, then use his five foot step to increase range yet again to 15 feet. The Vanir, now, is robbed of using a Full Attack action because the Vanir must use more movement to close distance with the Cimmerian. Thus, the Vanir is allowed only a single standard attack.Over the two rounds, the Dance Aside has prevented 5 attacks on the Cimmerian.Not bad.Look through the other Conan RPG maneuvers. All characters cannot use all of them, but several can be tailored to a specific character. Feats can even be purchased to enhance some of the maneuvers. And, crafty players can develop interesting, unique fighting styles for their warriors.</blockquote>

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