Range

Every fight has a distance line, and where you stand on it is half of what you can do.

A fight opens with the two sides apart. Bows, thrown weapons and spells REACH across the line; a sword needs its target within arm's length; a dagger closer still. Every weapon has a reach and every creature a preferred distance, and the two of you spend the fight arguing about it.

STEP FORWARD with advance (also step, forward) to close on a foe who is keeping away. STEP BACK with retreat (also back, stepback) to open the gap again. Each step costs the same beat as a swing, so a fighter who steps is a fighter who did not strike, and a caster who has been closed on must choose between the spell and the distance. Some creatures telegraph a heavy blow; that is the moment to move.

Retreating is not fleeing. retreat keeps you in the fight at a better distance; flee leaves the room, and pays for it.

There is no rank or formation beyond the line: a group is not a wall, it is several people each choosing their own distance, and the tank's job is to be the one who is close.

See also: help combat, help pvp.

Syntax

advance [target]
retreat
flee

Examples

advance
retreat
advance wolf