As long as we're on the topic, I feel I have to address this issue.
Some people have complained about other people dodging or avoiding attacks that have been thrown at them on a fairly regular basis. Now, I come from a very combat-oriented place originally (though I absolutely love standard roleplaying as well), and as such, I feel I should make some clarifications toward dodging and the like that revolve, specifically, around actions and timing and how these things combine into avoidance. That being said, here are some important terms and concepts for Combatants to consider.
The Interrupt:
The Interrupt is a mainstay of any high tier RP combat. In the simplest terms, an Interrupt is exactly what the name suggests. It is a fighter "interrupting" another fighter's actions as they are performing them. An example of an Interrupt might be someone sucker-punching Goku in the face as he's charging the Spirit Bomb, therefore preventing him from saving the day. In fact, DBZ is a prime example of how NOT to RP fight, simply because of how staged a lot of the bigger attacks are.
In order to understand the Interrupting concept, one has to understand the "flow" of combat. This is basically akin to how time is moving for both characters. While RP Combat is turn by turn, one post by one post, time, technically, is not standing still for either fighter. Your turn gives you a chance to react based upon the actions of the opponent you're facing based upon the amount of time you have to act. Oddly enough, this concept is not unlike stunning Katarina during her ult, or silencing Miss Fortune during hers, or Fiddlesticks during his charge up time. In effect, when your opponent moves to attack you, your character has the option to "interrupt" their actions, based upon logical progression and time between rounds.
Dodging & Blocking:
Now, obviously this stuff is important. However, when you want to dodge or block an attack, you have to consider whether or not your character has enough time to do so, and if it is within their capabilities as a character. People tend to get upset when a person is consistently dodging or avoiding attacks, and are quick to label such actions as "God-Modding" or some other such thing, simply because they can't land a hit upon the character in question.
What one must consider before making such claims is, "Have I, as a fighter, specifically worked in enough detail and strategic positioning to force the other character into a position where they cannot dodge, block, or otherwise avoid damage?" In effect, if a fighter sees a way out of taking damage, be it via a block, or via a dodge, they will always take it if it is within their ability to do so at that point in time. Speed and maneuverability based fighters rely on dodging and avoiding attacks to stay alive in a fight, or at least wind up victorious. Heavily armored fighters make use of their thick plate to avoid damage, sacrificing the ability to move quickly to soak damage with their equipment.
It is your job as a fighter to learn the weaknesses of these types of fighters, and figure out how to fight them effectively. In any fight, YOU are responsible for dealing damage to the opponent. If they choose to give you a strike against them, that is their choice, however, typically speaking, fighters will not willingly take a blow, unless it has really awesome implications and would be cool for dramatic effect, like a clash of blades or magical powers or some such. So, think creatively and strategically to get your opponent right where you want them, and strike when they are unable to react. The same rules apply to real combat, and should be no different in RP Combat.
Anyway, I hope these terms and explanations will help people to improve their fighting, and make it more impressive for all. =)
??
Senior Member
You've been very helpful and have filled in some stuff I didn't think to mention. Much appreciated.
