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Duel Mechanics (Knock! Issue 1)

Overview

From Emmy Allen in Knock! Issue #1. An optional rule for agreed-upon 1:1 duels that replaces flat roll-to-hit with a secret simultaneous-choice mechanic. Each round both combatants secretly choose one of three tactics; the matchup determines the mechanical benefit.

Core Mechanic

Each round, each combatant secretly decides: Parry, Push, or Feint.

Matchup Result
Parry beats Push +3 AC to the fighter who parried
Push beats Feint +3 damage for the fighter who pushed
Feint beats Parry +3 to hit for the fighter who feinted
Both Parry +3 AC to both fighters
Both Push +3 damage to both fighters
Both Feint +3 to hit for both fighters

Design Value

The system adds bluffing and read-the-opponent play without heavy overhead. The rock-paper-scissors structure is learnable in one round and scales to genre tone by adjusting bonus values.

Fishing Supplement Application

The user intends to test this mechanic as the core of the fishing struggle system, replacing or informing the contested landing sequence. The choice-matching structure maps cleanly to a fish fight: Parry (hold ground), Push (reel hard), Feint (give line to tire the fish).

Coverage

  • Fully covered from source: agreed-upon 1:1 duel framing and optional-rule status.
  • Fully covered from source: simultaneous secret Parry/Push/Feint choice structure.
  • Fully covered from source: all six matchup outcomes and their +3 bonus assignments (AC, damage, to hit).

See Also