Sneak Attack

[DougRed4]

In my game (2R&E rules) I'm trying to work out a stealthy attack by a creature on a submersible vehicle (as noted in this thread).

Rather than figuring out everything at the table, I'm trying to do a lot of the number crunching ahead of time.

I decided that this attack is happening under water within a reef formation (Moderate difficulty). At first I was going to have the creature race to the PC's vessel and attack, but I realized that doing so would require it to have to be take four actions (Sneak, Swimming, Attack, Attack).

This made it so difficult that - when it ended up failing the Swimming roll by only 4 or more - it would then be an additional -3D to all actions (so now we're -6D to everything).

So I think to make this encounter more formidable, I am going to have the creature simply lurking in the reefs, to pop out and grab their vehicle.

Surprise (p. 96) says that if the creature can get the drop on them it gets to take an action before the PCs can act.

[I think it will succeed, as it has 7D Stealth and I'm giving it a Decisive Advantage of +13 (p. 77) due to using the reef as cover for the ambush]

I'm wondering if you think I should impose a MAP (multiple action penalty) on this Sneak roll, to be applied in addition to its multiple attacks? (it will be trying to grab the craft with two tentacles as well)

Or is the Sneak roll simply to compare how hidden it is compared to the Perception of each PC?
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Currently Running: Villains & Vigilantes (a 32-year-old campaign with multiple groups) and D6 Star Wars; mostly on hiatus are Adventures in Middle-earth and Delta Green

[CRMcNeill]

Alternately, you could have a Special Ability where the creature receives a +1D bonus when making an Ambush attack (seeing as how it’s the creature’s primary hunting method) that offsets the MAP.
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"No set of rules can cover every situation. It's expected that you will make up new rules to suit the needs of your game." - The Star Wars Roleplaying Game, 2R&E, pg. 69, WEG, 1996.

The CRMcNeill Stat/Rule Index

[Mamatried]

[Naaman]

[DougRed4]

Thanks, all. I too like the idea of the special ability which could offset that, if needed.

And I was kind of viewing the ambush attack the same way, Naaman. It probably hid a number of rounds earlier, in an advantageous spot that would allow it to spring out with an attack.

I was looking at the Chase section for mapping the movement, but their craft is so much faster that it could quickly escape this monster. Which is why I'm keen to put them in a little jeopardy first. I think it will actually be tense, in that their only weapon is forward facing and the creature is grabbing them mostly from behind. Personal weapons will be useless, as they're trapped inside a completely covered vehicle underwater.
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Currently Running: Villains & Vigilantes (a 32-year-old campaign with multiple groups) and D6 Star Wars; mostly on hiatus are Adventures in Middle-earth and Delta Green

[CRMcNeill]

Terrestrial cephalopods have natural chameleon abilities that allow them to hide very effectively. This creature could have something similar that allows it to conceal itself against the natural background and make a lunging grapple attack when the players' vehicle strays too close.
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"No set of rules can cover every situation. It's expected that you will make up new rules to suit the needs of your game." - The Star Wars Roleplaying Game, 2R&E, pg. 69, WEG, 1996.

The CRMcNeill Stat/Rule Index

[DougRed4]

I agree with the natural camouflage, and that's why I did a 'Decisive Advantage' +13 to its Sneak attack for purposes of this ambush.

Fortunately, I rolled well. Even getting a 1 on the Wild Die (so taking it and another 6 out of the equation) gives me a 32. Somebody's going to have to roll really well on Perception to spot this thing coming!
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Currently Running: Villains & Vigilantes (a 32-year-old campaign with multiple groups) and D6 Star Wars; mostly on hiatus are Adventures in Middle-earth and Delta Green

[garhkal]

That's what sensors, danger sense and good search rolls are for.. TO spot the ambush before it's sprung!!
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Confucious sayeth, don't wash cat while drunk!

[DougRed4]