0D Locks

[foxandwarlock]

According to the BW book, in order to Break Lock, you must exceed the number of successes achieved on the original Lock test. This need not be done in one attempt, you can reduce the lock by making a few successes each attempt; thereby whittling the lock down from 3D, to 2D, etc.

However, what happens, when the Locker achieved two successes and the Breaker rolls two successes on his Break Lock? According to the first portion of the rule, the Lock is not broken (he has not achieved more then the Locker) but according to the second portion, it is effectively a 0D lock (2 - 2 = 0).

Does the 0D Lock exist? Is that where the guy still has his fingers on you but to no real effect? Is the lock "effectively" broken yet not technically? Or do you just call it broken when you get the lock to a 0D penalty?

[Kublai]

I always rule the tie goes to the defender, in this case meaning there's no Lock anymore. It seems to be the generally accepted BW practice. Although, the Lock may be broken, you're still on the Inside, so you can try again next action.

And, no, Virginia, there's no such thing as a OD Lock in terms of game mechanics. That would be more of a Belief or something. "I am eternally in Life's Lock." :(

[foxandwarlock]

Although, the Lock may be broken, you're still on the Inside, so you can try again next action.

Unless a gigantic Dorn is squeezing your spine so hard that it POPS. :x

Thanks Kublai.

[Raemos]

I have to say that I lean the other way on this.

The rules use the word “exceed”, which is very specific. If it’s not exceeded, the lock is not broken. I don't see a tie.

I think that if you don’t exceed the lock dice with the break-lock then it defaults to a 1D lock. If someone has a hold of you, you have to break free. :twisted:

[foxandwarlock]

Yeah but that screws the Breaker. I just rolled two successes and now you're telling me that I only get the value of one of them - you've actually negated one of my successes. Now, I either have to roll 1 or 3. I go with Kublai's perspective.

Ties go to defender in other circumstances, I don't see why they shouldn't here.

[luke]

sorry raemos, the word is bad in that sentence. Break Lock successes reduce Lock successes, it's that simple.

So a Lock reduced to zero is not a Lock, per se. Though Pete's right, you're still on the Inside and all that even after you successfully break a lock.

hope that helps, sorry for the confusion.
-L

[Raemos]

Looks like the verdict is in. It’s just so rare that I get a lock on somebody. I was hoping to keep it a bit longer. :twisted:

-R

[Thor]

Well, hopefully you're earning lots of good Power and Speed tests for advancement! :twisted: