Forum

Hi,
I'm trying to understand how ambushes work under the new rules in Urban Operations.

The main changes are the introduction of "Killzones", where ambushers focus on a specific hex, and their ability to shoot as soon as someone enters that hex — since they start in overwatch.

So, what happens if the PCs enter the map through hexes outside the killzone? Do they make a passive RECON roll to detect the ambush, like in the original rules?

Now let’s say a PC does enter the killzone. That would trigger a ranged attack from the ambushers. After that, there's an opposed RECON roll — and if the PC loses, they can’t spot the attacker. But the rulebook says the ambusher might be able to fire again. How is that possible? Didn’t they already use their slow action to set up overwatch? Can they use their turn to go on overwatch again, maybe watching different hexes?

And if the PC still doesn’t spot the attacker, can they move? What about the other PCs — can they act before another ambush shot is fired? I’m asking because we haven’t drawn initiative cards yet.

thanks!
joel

If the PC that entered the killzone doesn't spot the attacker, then he can continue do whatever he was doing or if he is smart, take cover instead. The attacker can stop the PC again and attack him again which allows the PC to spot him again.

The easiest way to do this is to get some structure into this is to allow the PCs to do their actions (even though it is not yet combat) and then you as the Referee can decide to overwatch fire any of them (if they are in the killzone that is) and then the PCs act again, etc.