From:	Rune Fostervoll <runefo@***.UIO.NO>
Subject:	Re: Sniping in SR
Date:	Sat, 30 May 1998 04:43:11 +0200

Renegade wrote:

>>> BTW, how easy is it to spot a sniper at 400m?
>>
>>Calculated using more or less normal methods:
>>
>>Base 4
>>Camouflage +4
>>Stealth successes ~ +4
>>Good cover, +6
>>Normal action, +/-0. (Depending on action, +/- up to 8.).

>>Modifier for 400 M range is more vague, IIRC. Depending on terrain and
>>GM's mood.. (Light brushwood, the last 100M clear, I'd say +6).

>>Leaving you with an approximate TN of 24 at day against a mundane
>>sniper in
>>good sniping terrain.

>>It'll drop drastically if the sniper has to cross open terrain, though.


>As for the reduced modifier for moving over "open" terrain... I wouldn't
>lose any sleep over it. Any sniper worth the price of his bullets
>wouldn't be crossing open terrain. Good snipers sit in the tree, very
>still, for days on end if need be...

First of all, wellcome to the list!

Secondly, since one or more of the players, while sniping, would almost
certainly be put in a position where they would be likely to cross open
terrain, then that *is* a concern. But how would it affect the TN?

The modifier for cover would be lost. If the open terrain was uneven, though,
there could be, at least at times, some cover.

Secondly, the sniper has to make a choice - move quickly, and get fewer tests
against him, but with an 'obvious action' penalty' or creep slowly, and get
more tests, but with less of a penalty, or even a bonus.

If he runs, then it's an obvious action of -6. (Waving and jumping up and down
would be an -8... not automatic, because they can, after all, not be noticed
even if they *try* to call attention to themselves.).
Base 4, camo +4 (If it's still appropriate), stealth ~ +4, running -6,
400M range would be slightly less, +3 perhaps, for a final TN of 9 for
a skilled sniper. (Without the successes, the TN would be 5, which is not
good.. not good at all.). The difference between walking and running
is fairly minimal.

If he crawls then the TN would be between 6 and 8 higher, but there'd be a
few more tests made. With a TN of 15 he won't be instantly spotted, if at all.

As in anything else, think and you'll do better. Take your calculated chances,
live or die with the consequences. And treat both players and military snipers
with the same rules.

And don't put a sniper on a player unless you plan to kill him.

--

ADVICE, n. The smallest current coin.
-Ambrose Bierce