The Limits of Action

[hong]

Alas, I was not looking for houserules, but a discussion on the limits of the system, using my monk/samurai situation as an example. In any case, if it is at all possible, please switch it back to the general forum. If not, then please, folks, continue to post your house rules. I'll just start another thread if this can't be moved back. Thanks either way, mods.

So tell me, what is your samurai doing with that big-ass sword of his, if he ISN'T trying to chop off various bits of the monk's anatomy?

D&D assumes that combatants are always trying to go for the best shot possible. Against a fighter in full plate, that might be going for the joints and vulnerable spots; against a monster, that might be going for the underbelly; against a monk, that might be trying to cut off his arm. Readying for an attack and then riposting with a stroke against the striking member is basically part of normal combat skill, and is represented by your attack roll.