Ranged Combat

Generally speaking, ranged combat works just like close combat. Attackers make their rolls or use their Combat Score, and the target tries to defend (usually by Dodging). Sometimes it pays to take careful aim � if the character misses the vampire�s heart with a crossbow shot, she may not get a second chance. Aiming delays the shot action until near the end of a Turn. The player adds Perception and the appropriate skill (Gun Fu for guns, Getting Medieval for archaic ranged weapons) to the roll, or just uses the Brains Score. The shot action gets a bonus equal to the Success Levels of the Aiming roll.

To keep things simple assume no penalty at short range, a -1 penalty to shots at medium range, and a -3 penalty to shots at long range. Short range is under five yards for pistols, and 20 yards for rifles. Medium range is under 20 yards for pistols, and under 100 yards for rifles. Long range is up to 50 yards for pistols and up to 300 yards for rifles.

If shooting doesn�t work at first, shoot them again and again. Most guns can fire more than once in a five-second period (in fact, most handguns can be emptied in five seconds). Roll and add Dexterity and Gun Fu; each additional shot uses the same roll, but drops down one Success Level. Bows use the Multiple Action rules. Crossbows and other single-shot weapons must be reloaded after each shot.

Automatic weapons (assault rifles and machine guns) can fire a constant stream of bullets until the gun runs dry or the barrel overheats. Trained soldiers fire bursts�controlled gunfire that sends three or more bullets downrange. For bursts, make one attack roll; each Success Level in the roll allows one bullet to hit the target. The base damage for each bullet is modified by armour, and then added together before applying the Bullet type modifier. Success Levels do not affect the damage calculation.