Weapon weakness: Free Hands

[Keenath]

I was just wondering: The Empty Hands flaw requires that you have "both hands empty" to use the attack. If the attack requires a focus item, or if it's in a weapon instead of a Power Attack, I assume the item would be an exception -- correct?

For example, if I were building a rifle, you pretty much have to use both hands to control the weapon, so I think "Empty Hands" would be appropriate -- You need nothing in your hands OTHER than the rifle.

Likewise, for a magical girl's best attack, she has to hold her magic item in both hands -- twirling a staff, aiming her bow, whatever.

Would those both be appropriate uses for the Empty Hands flaw?

[TheBouncyPherret]

I was just wondering: The Empty Hands flaw requires that you have "both hands empty" to use the attack. If the attack requires a focus item, or if it's in a weapon instead of a Power Attack, I assume the item would be an exception -- correct?

For example, if I were building a rifle, you pretty much have to use both hands to control the weapon, so I think "Empty Hands" would be appropriate -- You need nothing in your hands OTHER than the rifle.

Likewise, for a magical girl's best attack, she has to hold her magic item in both hands -- twirling a staff, aiming her bow, whatever.

Would those both be appropriate uses for the Empty Hands flaw?

As with most things in OVA, it's up to interpretation. If it requires a Focus, than logically it would follow that it would be "both hands empty of all but what is necessairy for the Power Move/Weapon to work."

So I would assume that you are using the Weakness appropriatly.

TBP

[Clay]

As TBP said, if it's not stated implicitly in the book, it's open to your personal interpretation. (God knows how many ways I've seen people add up Abilities for attack rolls).

That aside, I originally envisioned that Empty Hands and a Focus using your hands are mutually exclusive. Ie. If you have a Power Move that uses a sword, you should not purchase the Empty Hands flaw and vise versa. (In the same way that buying the Abilities Strong and Weak is sort of impossible.)

That said, I suppose it makes sense to use it as TBP suggested. After all, one free hand is still potentially pretty useful The effect remains the same: No hands can be used for other tasks while performing this Power Move.

So...just do it whichever way blows your hair back. ^_^

[TheBouncyPherret]

So...just do it whichever way blows your hair back. ^_^

Totally off-topic, but I LOVE the way you put that, Clay!!

TBP

[BM15]

Personally, I see 'Empty Hands' as 'Both hands needed' as well (in addition to the energy wave or such that needs you to focus energy with both empty hands). Unless one is really skilled or strong, it is almost impossible to fire an assault rifle with just one hand.

And one free hand can be useful... like during an action sequence swinging from ropes or climbing up a cliff... you need to hold on with at least one hand. That nixs your assault rifle (a two-hand weapon), but leaves you the option to fire away with a pistol.

Now, if you are Ramdo (or Miho), you are rather strong and that allows you to use an assault rifle (or even rocket launcher in Miho's case) with just one hand. Miho is a war robot; it makes perfect sense.