Forum

Let's say we have X and Y are buddies, and they are fighting a rival mutant that we call Z at near distance and everyone has taken cover behind separate ruined cars.

X has initiative and shoots at Z. X rolls one success, but Z rolls a success for cover and takes no damage. However, the cover for Z's car has reached zero.

Y is next in initiative. Y thinks Z will want to move to another car for fresh cover. Without a hold or overwatch type action, how can Y "wait" and try to shoot Z while he/she is moving to fresh cover?

Re-reading "Defense", it does not seem like defense makes sense because that only let's Y shoot back if Z shoots at Y, and Z is only going to shoot after reaching that fresh cover.

With the rules as written do I need (or want) a homebrew rule that allows "Hold Action" or "Overwatch" which allows you to defer your action and then choose to activate action in reaction to something? Possibly with a -2 to your initiative?

Elysium p74/Mechatron p87

OVERWATCH
As a maneuver, you can assume an overwatch position in a specified direction, as long as you have a ranged weapon and no enemies within Arm’s Length.
Effect: Overwatch means that you aim in the specified direction and are ready to shoot. Between the time you assume the overwatch position and the beginning of you next turn, you can fire your weapon against a target in the chosen direction.
You can fire whenever you want in the turn order, and your shot is resolved before all other actions – even if they are already declared. For
example, if an enemy in the direction you are aiming declares that he wants to Shoot, you can Shoot first. The enemy is not allowed to change his attack after your overwatch attack.
Firing when in overwatch position counts as a regular action. Therefore, you must save your action in the turn for any overwatch attack you want to make.
If both you and an enemy assume overwatch positions against each other, and one of you chooses to fire against the other, then an opposed Shoot roll (without any Gear Bonus) will determine which attack goes first. This roll does not count as an action for either of you.
Losing Overwatch: You keep your overwatch posi- tion as long as you do nothing but shoot in the chosen direction. If you perform any other action or maneuver, the overwatch position is lost. It is also immediately lost if either of the following occurs:
1) You are attacked in close combat.
2) You suffer damage

As I understand your example, Y could just shoot Z as their cover has been destroyed OR they could go on Overwatch and shoot Z whenever it’s convenient before Y’s next Turn.

Addendum: Shoot doesn’t allow a return fire option/requirement. Fight does allow a ‘strike back’ if and only if the target chooses to Defend, thereby giving up their next Action.

Ah ok. I haven't delved into the other source books and wanted to get up and running in next few weeks. Thanks much, that's the bit I was looking for.