From:	Sebastian Wiers <seb@***.RIPCO.COM>
Subject:	was geas/pa ; tactics vs speed
Date:	Wed, 20 Sep 1995 10:23:33 -0500

>
> Could you post some alternatives to "Speed=Everything"? Speed and
> reaction and not-being-surprised pretty much -are- everything in
> just about every combat I've seen. The only things I've found that
> can help to even the odds are: Vehicle Armor, and Being a Regenerating
> Paranormal. Not everyone is a vampire, and not everyone can drag
> that Westwind into a corp building. Any suggestions for us slow
> types? (Esp. mundane types that can't toss up a Barrier; I'm thinking
> specifically of Deckers and Riggers that aren't decking and rigging
> and usually thus fall into the category of "easy target" for wired-3
> sammie grunts)
>
> -E (when will I learn.... NEVER GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE!)
>
Well, I play our groups "speed is everything" Samurai, and let me tell you, it
isn't. Yes, obviously, if you are suprised, you are hosed. Nobody in our
group ever is, however. I think the lowest reaction must be 5, and everyone
has a bigger karma pool than me ( I burn it getting in over my head ).
Sometimes bieng fast just lets you get in trouble before anyone else.
Certain things don't care about speed- passive defenses, guards with fixxed
posts and held actions, etc. Yes, its nice to be able to walk into a room
full of guards and suprise them all, but one camera runes that, or what if
they have any sensory improvements (particullarly anoying run with ghouls
comes to mind- despite stealth, they ambushed me at half the corners).

This might just make non speed types more depressed, but you can adapt the
same tactics.
Sensory enhancements will give you more warning of aproaching
danger. They don't have to be cyber or magic. Riggers with drones are at a
big advantage here.
Hang back and let the fast guys and gals take point. They might complain, but
the first time your held action (from previous round) geeks one unseen
hostile, they will thank you. Comunicate, set a pace that stops the group
from getting strung out. Stay behind cover, in a support role.
And yeah, don't get out of the car. Sheese, you call yerself a rigger.