Drawing a Weapon while Moving
Drawing a weapon while moving is a tactic that can be employed during combat. When at least two action points (AP) are being expended for the purpose of moving forward, and therefore not otherwise using the upper body, a combatant may draw any light one-handed weapon without incurring an action point penalty. This allows for a seamless transition between movement and engagement, ensuring that the combatant can ready their weapon without sacrificing efficiency in battle. However, this technique does not apply to larger or heavier weapons, which require more deliberate effort to unsheathe or ready for combat.
After the weapon is drawn, the time needed to either attack in melee or hurl the weapon remains the same, requiring 2 AP.
For example, if Dennis had 4 AP, he would be able to move two hexes forward at normal pace, drawing a dagger in the process, and then either throw the weapon or attack with it in melee. Since drawing the weapon while moving does not incur an additional AP cost, he would still have 2 AP remaining to execute his attack, ensuring that he does not expend more than 2 AP in actual movement while seamlessly transitioning into combat.
There are other actions that can be taken while moving, such as calling out to comrades, threatening an enemy, dropping an item, or dismissing a spell. The dungeon master and players should agree upon any additional actions not included here that might reasonably fit this category. Any such actions should be recorded for future reference, ensuring consistency in gameplay and allowing for a clear understanding of what can be accomplished without incurring an additional action point penalty.
See Charging