Grapple/clinch question

[nonamemaddoxx]

I've done some quick searching in previous threads about the subject but they have just left me more confused.


The rule for grappling (core, pg 157) states:

For as long as the character maintains a clinch, he can do nothing else without a flurry, and he must use every subsequent action to renew the clinch. Without stunt or magic, he cannot block or dodge. The held opponent cannot block or dodge either, as per the inactive action, but she may use reflexive Charms or actions, as well as other Charms designed to function while held in a clinch.

Bold emphasis mine.


Let's say you are fighting a grappling specialist. Assume you have a step 2 perfect defense (either SSE or HGD) that for some reason you don't use in the initial grapple roll, and you are clinched. Is it possible for you, while being clinched, to use either Charm to a) avoid crush damage from the clinch or b) use them in response to attack from a third party?


How about the guy clinching you? Could he use SSE for scenario b)?


Thanks

 

[Plague of Hats]

Let's say you are fighting a grappling specialist. Assume you have a step 2 perfect defense (either SSE or HGD) that for some reason you don't use in the initial grapple roll, and you are clinched. Is it possible for you, while being clinched, to use either Charm to a) avoid crush damage from the clinch or b) use them in response to attack from a third party?
How about the guy clinching you? Could he use SSE for scenario b)?

As per the author and their threat of impending errata, someone who is on the wrong side of a clinch is not meant to be able to use any Step 1-6 Charms that aren't explicitly usable in a clinch. So things like Seven Shadow Evasion and most other DV-based Charms can't be used to avoid anything after the initiating clinch attack, since the rest of the clinch is the ongoing result of an attack. The person in control of the clinch can defend themselves more easily, including using things like Seven Shadow Evasion, but as outlined in the rules without a stunt or Charm their DV is 0.

 

[nonamemaddoxx]

That makes sense. Thanks.

As per the author and their threat of impending errata

Does this mean there will be an update to the errata soon? What else will it fix?

 

[Plague of Hats]

someone who is on the wrong side of a clinch is not meant to be able to use any Step 1-6 Charms that aren't explicitly usable in a clinch.

I should note that' date=' as far as I know, Excellencies are meant to be an exception to this (for the sake of escaping or gaining control of the clinch).

As per the author and their threat of impending errata

Does this mean there will be an update to the errata soon? What else will it fix?

I've no knowledge of when the next errata update will be, nor what will be in it. I'm being a little cute with my use of "impending," as some months ago there were only days to go until new errata came out, then "No, wait, we have a cool idea" and then waiting. I don't think anything on the base rules for clinches would have been in the errata that would have come out, judging by what was said of it.