Why do Combatants Circle Each Other?

[Bullgrit]

Gaming anecdote:

One PC was in a one-on-one duel against an NPC. Each round, I had the NPC take a 5' step before or after his attack. There was no real mechanical reason for the step, I was just doing it to give some movement to the fight rather than have the NPC just stand there and trade blows with the PC. But the PC also took a 5' step each round.

This had the effect of keeping the simple fight moving, either in circles around each other or shifting a bit laterally.

I suspect, but don't know for sure, that the Player thought the NPC was taking steps for a tactical reason, and I think that's why the PC also took steps.

A DM could easily have the NPCs in fights take a 5' step each round for no reason other than to give the battle some movement. I usually forget, though, because I've got enough to remember in a D&D battle as it is.

Bullgrit
Total Bullgrit

 

[goodmangames]

I never thought my amateur boxing experience would cross paths with gaming, but here it is... in boxing (and a lot of other martial arts), setting up an angle on your opponent allows you to punch without being hit in return. You know those "punching nun" dolls? As an example, face two of them against each other and watch how they can each hit each other. Now move one of them clockwise slightly, while holding the other stationary. The one that moved offline can still land punches, but the first one is hitting thin air. The circling is from both opponents attempting to get this angle. "Orthodox" (e.g. right-handed) boxers circle to the left, since their left foot leads and they're trying to get an angle with their right (power) hand while moving offline of their opponent's right; southpaw boxers circle to the right for the opposite reason. If you watch enough MMA on TV (or nature videos, as the case may be), you'll see the same principle in action all over the place.

 

[baradtgnome]

... "Orthodox" (e.g. right-handed) boxers circle to the left, since their left foot leads and they're trying to get an angle with their right (power) hand while moving offline of their opponent's right; .....

Of course! And a fencer leads with the same foot as they hold their weapon, so right handed fencers circle right. Well articulated description.