Tackle/block and dodge

[Heff]

I was reading the rules the other day (I know about time) and noticed that it says block if used and tackle if used. Does this mean that the block/tackle dwarves have to declare which they are using when blocking or blitzing an Amazon. Conversely does said amazon blitzer have to declare if they are using dodge or block defensively.

I feel that the blocker declares and then the blockee uses whatever skills he has available. without declaring.

What am I missing?[/i]

[Darkson]

Yes, in theory, you should declare which skills you're using during a Block, but most of the time it's obvious.

[Catt]

I was reading the rules the other day (I know about time) and noticed that it says block if used and tackle if used. Does this mean that the block/tackle dwarves have to declare which they are using when blocking or blitzing an Amazon. Conversely does said amazon blitzer have to declare if they are using dodge or block defensively.

I feel that the blocker declares and then the blockee uses whatever skills he has available. without declaring.

What am I missing?[/i]

All skill use is optional (bar nega-traits), e.g. people with fend or stand firm can choose not to use those skills if they wish.

Additionally you get to see the dice before deciding to use a skill. So with diving tackle for example you can choose whether to use it or not after the person has tried to dodge.

In your example the Dwarf blitzing the Amazon could choose not to use tackle for whatever reason and allow her to use dodge if she wishes.

As for using skills like dodge in our league we take a relaxed attitude and assume someone is using a defensive skill like dodge without them necessarily declaring they are going to use it because they will in 99% blocks. If they don't want to use it then they must declare because this is more unusual. That's the way we do it anyway.

[Heff]

Ok subsidiary question. can you use block AND tackle at the same time? Or are skills discrete? I think they should be in offence but accept my argument rather dies in defence

Thanks for the prompt reply though.

Currently I play that all skills are in use at all times. My thoughts that I may be wrong is why say "block/tackle/whatever if used" sort of implies a situation when you would want to block without using block.

[Oxynot]

This pretty much falls under moment one in the rulebook under SKILLS on page 23:

1. All bonuses/modifiers from skills can be combined.

It also reads there possible other clarifications for you

[khudzlin]

but if the dwarf decides not to use tackle (maybe to set up a surf), the amazon can decide not to use dodge and go down anyway (that can be used to foil a chainpush one-turn TD)

[Heff]

And Khuzlin provides the reason if used pops up all over the place. Thanks all retreating to my lair now