[BNW] [Matt] Pulling Punches

[MForbeck@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/15/99 10:50:14 PM, crow_steve@hotmail.com writes:

>I've flagged this for Matt's attention - hope that's not against procedure.
>
Actually, It's about the only way you'll get me to read a specific message 
for sure. I can't always keep up with everything that's going on here. Too 
busy writing more books, you know. ; )

>Page 159 says you can pull the damage on Strength/punching.  It says you
>can't control the damage of a gun.
>
>But...
>can a Blaster control the amount of damage he does?  A Hot Shot?  A 
>Screamer?
>i.e., can they "pull their punch", so to speak?
>
>I couldn't find anything in the accumulated rulings.
>I would suggest probably yes.

Off the top of my head, I'd say no. There are two reasons for this. First, in 
my mind at least, the attacks aren't of variable power. They're either on or 
they're not. Second, it's a lot simpler that way, and as you may have 
guessed, when given a choice between simpler and more complex, I tend to go 
for simpler. 

I liked the idea that you could reduce damage with a trick though. This would 
be akin to saying that you wanted to just wing the target instead of really 
hurting him, or maybe crease his brow instead of blowing his head off. It 
wouldn't affect the power of the attack, just how it actually hits the 
target. 

Thanks for playing!

Matt Forbeck
AEG