Recovering from hesitation.

[jc_madden]

Failing a steel test means game over for a lot of folks. Granted Artha is a good way of PASSING a steel test has anyone considered any mechanics for overcomming failed steel? IE The Beast Howls and you fail your steel check and you'll be hesitating for 5 volleys. The beast spends a couple of volleys lobbing over to you and begins munching on your head. Suddenly your survival instincts kick in and you make an attempt to stab at the beast with your dagger!

[Kaare Berg]

you may be hesitating for five actions, just don't script Stand and . . . ::shudder:: . . . Drool. Script Run Away Screaming. Positioning test.

That would deal with it.

Or make a trait:

Survival Instinct.
If hesitating and under physical attack, you may roll an avoid with obstacle penalty equal to actions of hesitation remaining.

This would be an expensive trait (certainly rulebreaker + + ) but someone with acess to a book better figure out the cost since I at work.