Animal Combat

Animal Combat Styles was an article in Pyramid 3/111: Combat II written by Rory Fansler.
This article wrote up the methods real world animals used to fight as martial styles and included a few new Techniques to reflect how they fight. These styles can be used in GURPS by animal allies, characters who have animal form (natural or shapechanging), and others who wantto use them a a model.
== Ambush Predator [6] ==
Typically a solitary animal that attacks from stealth, often at watering holes or well traveled paths.
== Birds of Prey [5] ==
Applies to birds that hunt other birds in the sky or small game on the ground.Adapting their attacks was the real inspiration for the article as they do a lot of normally cinematic or disallowed moves,
== Hero's Steed [3] ==
Horses are common companions to fantasy adventures, so this style gives them a little boost.
== Pack Predator [7] ==
Some animals such as wolves hunt in groups and this style reflects that teamwork.
== Prey Animal [3] ==
A defensive and evasive style
== Rush Predator [6] ==
Animals such as cheetahs try to get as close as possible than make a sudden charge to catch their prey. This is also a good style for stalkers who are very similar, if less spectacular.
== Watery Death [4] ==
Sharks make it look easy, but they and other aquatic hunters have their moves and skills too!
== New Techniques ==
Crafty Dodge (H) is a dodge that sets up a followup attack.
Dancing Death (H) is a variant on Move and Attack for birds of prey.
Death From Below (A) is a variant on Death From Above for water dwellers ttacking those on the surface or even just above them.
Deadly Pounce (A) is an All-Out Attack (Double) combining a Pounce and a Grapple. Commonly seen among Rush Predators, especially cats.
Full Braking (A) allows a bird to fly quickly at a target and greatly slow down at the last instant to avoid hurting themselves.
Hide in Sun (A) is a Stealth based Technique.
In and Out (A) is employed by pack predators who take turns attacking and retreating to keep the prey from being able to fight back effectively.
Rushing Death (H) is a Move and Attack based Technique for animals that prefer not to slam into their prey.
Skirt Death From Above (H) is a defensive Technique to avoid those attacking from above.
Swooping Attack (A) is used by larger birds such as eagles and hawks to grab and fly away with thier prey.
Category:Martial Arts
Category:Pyramid Vol 3 Articles
Category:Rory Fansler