Monkey paws and Gymnastics dodge, +2 to dodging... or not ? Options

[Whipstitch]

This is the kinda thing I'm talking about. I'm not saying you guys are wrong. I like the logic-- hell, if you cleaned up the fact that Improved Ability: Gymnastics is still more cost effective than Improved Combat Ability even by this definition (Since it modifies your Gymnastic skill rating rather than Athletics tests), I'd buy you ponies. I just dislike that we have to be discussing whether the use of an Athletics skill is an Athletics or Combat test at all.

[InfinityzeN]

Reflexes + Gymnastics is not a Gymnastics test... when it is a Defense test.

The same with using Dodge or a Close Combat skill. There are actually things in the rules that modify Defense test. And it does not nerf Dodge. There is nothing that modify a Dodge test. There are however things that modify the Dodge skill (Adept powers, MBW, Reflex Recorder, Specialization) or Defense test (Reakt). The only thing my interpretation nerfs is the seriously broken interpretation of Gymnastics Dodge.

[Udoshi]

You're not getting it - Gymdodge and regular dodge use the same wording.

your same nerf/interpretation to how gymdodge works would have to apply equally to regular dodging - ie - any addon bonuses or whatever that you keep talking about don't apply.

[InfinityzeN]

And you don't get it. There are no additional bonus dice for Dodge. Only Defense test mods and skill modifier. A skill modifier changes your actual effective skill. There are nothing that adds bonus dice to Dodge. What I'm talking about has no effect on Dodge.

[Mardrax]

Specialising gives you bonus dice to anything you specialise in, whenever it applies, including Dodge.

[Quake]

The rule for specialization doesn't mention "skill modifier" but this :

Specializations add 2 dice to any tests made for that skill when the specialization is applicable
to the test.

Which... neither says "dice pool" nor "skill increase", nor "skill modifier". If only "skill rating" and "skill modifiers" counted in a test using Dodge, then a specialization for "Ranged Dodge" or "Melee Dodge" would be impossible to apply, so why mention those two in the skill description ?

[Yerameyahu]

Who said there's no Dodge specialization? (Really, I'm not being rhetorical.) I thought we were talking about Monkey Feet, and Synthcardium, etc.

[Udoshi]

Reflexes + Gymnastics is not a Gymnastics test... when it is a Defense test.

It is also an Athletics test.

The rules already support multiple test types: Matrix and Vehicle tests are combined every time a rigger uses hotsim and a control rig together

Therefore, it can be both at once.

[Yerameyahu]

It might also not be. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) It's only abused, after all.

[ProfGast]

My two cents: I'd allow for "Athletic Test" boosters like Synthacardium to add to Gymnastic dodge pools.

I would not however allow Monkey Feet to add to Gymnastic Dodge simply because in my opinoin, the entirety of Gymnastic Dodge involves leaping and tumbling, not carefully balancing or gripping things on the ground with your feet. I'd only allow monkey feet bonuses on things that are specifically climby, usuallywith enhanced balance involved.

[Glyph]

I agree on both counts. The synthcardium is something you really should ask your GM about, though, because a significant number of people (on this board, at least) won't allow it to be used for gymnastics dodge.