This certainly takes care of another of V&V's core weaknesses: the inablity of MOST people to hit each other when they are faced off against each other in simple HtH combat.

In comparison to most other RPGs, it's usually not difficult at all for a person to strike another person, especially if one is skilled and the other isn't, and/or if the defender doesn't have any special defenses (i.e., Heightened Defense, Evasion, etc.).  V&V's base of 5 is awfully low, and I think most of us have compensated by loading up good HtH characters with things like Heightened Expertises and Natural Weaponry.  At least training can up a person's chance to hit, but still the base remains way too low.

Good solution to deal with this!

dsumner wrote on Oct 15^th, 2009 at 4:20pm:


Even with this option, the standard rules still apply for "rolling with the punch" techniques and evasion (e.g. Shrew's "fancy footwork" in the Crusader module).

dsumner wrote on Oct 15^th, 2009 at 4:20pm:


While this is true, I still feel like 5 is awfully low.

On the other hand, by making it only a "5" to begin with, it means that - once you have a character who has trained and/or added lots of bonuses via things like Heightened Expertise - it means that the maximum minus that can be given to them (not taking into account Heightened Defenses and Evasion) is "5".  In other words, even fantastic defenses like Non-Corporealness and Willpower only take it down a total of 5 (which means the martial arts expert who starts out with a 20+ to hit is more likely to hit, since it doesn't get reduced by 16 like some powers).

Bit of topic revivication here, but how does this solution sound.

Reflecting on untrained folks being pretty useless at landing punches etc., but improving well with training (boxers and martial artists, amateur or professional), what about this for Combat Accuracy (from experience) modification for attacks using the HTH column:

Combat Accuracy (HTH): add +2 with the chosen weapon or attack the uses the HTH column.

This way the low base-line is factored in, but progress is rapid if someone is dedication. Thoughts?

me likey. alternately, you could work out a "point blank" range bracket that gives a bonus to hit vs adjacent (or practically adjacent) targets.

it also comes in handy for, say, shotguns. or running up (since closing range doesnt help til next turn, as written) and letting fly with a wide-angle energy blast such as Flame Powers. Another opt: "spreading dmg", reducing dmg to boost tohit numbers.

blindsiding a foe in hth (say, when invisible and initiating combat) could earn a point or 2 of extra damage too, imo... any thots?

PulpCitizen wrote on Mar 30^th, 2012 at 5:56am:


Note sure about the 10 or 11, but a 7 or 9 sound more reasonable, as most untrained people can't hit jack in a fist fight, unless, as I mentioned, they sucker punch someone. I see it all the time. A whole lot of blows get thrown, but very few people manage to actually land a solid blow, and most people don't kick.

You can usually tell pretty quickly who knows how to fight, as they'll take up a fighting stance, move their hands where they can be used to block, and or throw a punch/strike. Guys who've had some sort of martial arts and or combatives training will use their legs to sweep and or kick, and have better chance or striking someone than the average guy on the street (which would still be reflected in the hit bonus from Natural Weaponry).

Then, I could also be over thinking this. 

Quick question for the originator of this thread. PB, have you used the d12 in your games, and if so, how's it worked out?

But anyhoo, what if you rolled a d10 and a d6, and only added 10 to the d10 on a d6 roll of 5-6 instead of 6? itd bend the probability without eliminating critical fumble follies.

also, big peeps who cant land a punch have an easier time grabbiing u in real life. discuss.

not in comics etc. im just saying in close quarters in real life, its important not to get cornered. but you know that already