Difference between revisions of "Flank & Rear Attacks"

From The Authentic D&D Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
 
(11 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
[[File:Flank & Rear Attacks.jpg|right|455px|thumb]]
+
[[File:Flank and Rear Attacks.jpg|right|525px|thumb]]
−
'''Flank and rear attacks''' refer to tactical combat manouevres that involve combatants positions behind defenders, giving advantage in battle.  A flank attack occurs when the attacker is to the side and rear of the defender, while rear attacks occur when the attacker stands directly in back of the attacker.  Embla is shown in the image to be in front of Vlad; if she were in hexes 0303 or 0402, then she would be on Vlad's flank.  And if she were in hex 0403, she would be at Vlad's rear.
+
''Not to be confused with [[Backstabbing (sage study)|backstabbing]], the [[Sage Study|sage study]].''
 +
 
 +
'''Flank and rear attacks''' are strategic combat manoeuvres employed in [[Melee|melee]], giving some combatants an advantage over defenders.  A "flank" attack takes place when the attacker positions themselves to the side and rear of the defender; a "rear" attack occurs when the assailant directly positions themselves behind the defending forces, catching them off guard.
 
__TOC__
 
__TOC__
−
The benefit of these attacks is gained as an adjustment on the attacker's [[Roll to Hit|to hit]] roll.  '''Flank attacks provide +1 to hit, while rear attacks provide +2'''.
+
In the example shown, Embla's position is currently in front of Vlad.  However, were she located in hexes 0303 or 0402, her position relative to Vlad would be a flank attack, giving her +1 [[Roll to Hit|to hit]] when rolling as an attacker.  If she were situated in hex 0403, her position would constitute a rear attack, giving her +2 to hit.
  
−
== Strategy ==
+
[[File:Flank & Rear Attacks b.jpg|left|245px|thumb]]
−
Flank and rear attacks encourage players to think strategically about their position during a battle, specifically how to avoid having the enemy encircle them and force rear attacks, while attempting to encircle the enemy.  Combatants who get separated from the party's main body can find themselves quickly overwhelmed, while the enemy surrounds them and receives benefits to hit.  As well, individuals who are cut off cannot bring aid to their friends, who themselves are cut off by the loss of companions.  For these reasons, players must always be aware that any movement during combat is vital in retaining the party's defensive integrity.
+
'''Strategy and Position''': these rules urge players to think carefully about their position in a fight — not only because they'd like to get behind the enemy and attack, but also because when PCs break formation, it becomes possible for the enemy to encircle them and attack from behind as well.
  
−
Rules like this incentivise teamwork, smart movement and tactical planning to gain the upper hand over opponents.  These concepts also add depth to combat scenarios, as players must not only consider the actions they take but also the place the occupy in the battlefield.
+
Getting cut off also means that allies are bereft of the character's support, so that they too might be more easily overwhelmed.  Movement is therefore as important to combat as good luck in hitting.  Managing movement well, as individuals and as a party, can greatly increase the players' likelihood of survival and achieving victory.
  
  
 
See also,<br>
 
See also,<br>
 
[[Attacking in Combat]]<br>
 
[[Attacking in Combat]]<br>
−
[[Melee]]<br>
+
[[Combat]]<br>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 19:51, 27 October 2023

Flank and Rear Attacks.jpg

Not to be confused with backstabbing, the sage study.

Flank and rear attacks are strategic combat manoeuvres employed in melee, giving some combatants an advantage over defenders. A "flank" attack takes place when the attacker positions themselves to the side and rear of the defender; a "rear" attack occurs when the assailant directly positions themselves behind the defending forces, catching them off guard.

In the example shown, Embla's position is currently in front of Vlad. However, were she located in hexes 0303 or 0402, her position relative to Vlad would be a flank attack, giving her +1 to hit when rolling as an attacker. If she were situated in hex 0403, her position would constitute a rear attack, giving her +2 to hit.

Flank & Rear Attacks b.jpg

Strategy and Position: these rules urge players to think carefully about their position in a fight — not only because they'd like to get behind the enemy and attack, but also because when PCs break formation, it becomes possible for the enemy to encircle them and attack from behind as well.

Getting cut off also means that allies are bereft of the character's support, so that they too might be more easily overwhelmed. Movement is therefore as important to combat as good luck in hitting. Managing movement well, as individuals and as a party, can greatly increase the players' likelihood of survival and achieving victory.


See also,
Attacking in Combat
Combat

Retrieved from "http://wiki.alexissmolensk.com/index.php?title=Flank_%26_Rear_Attacks&oldid=24949"