aspects and pre-conceived notions

[Taran]

Dunno if that's a good title...

My group is slowly wrapping our heads around aspects/maneuvers and reconciling the mechanics vs story.  I had a realization recently.  Every time a PC "disarms" a foe, I've assumed that the foe has no weapon and cannot attack with said weapon.  I guess technically, I should be giving the baddie a FP.  Otherwise "disarmed" is just like any other taggable aspect.

It's just that every RP system has rules for disarming, so I didn't even think of the Invoke/compel rules when someone fails against a disarm.  I just wish that aspects and maneuvers were more seemless like that.  I think this will be a point of reference for me when dealing with aspects and how they affect the game.

[Masurao]

I think that if you would use the aspect Disarmed it should be used by invoking it for effect. The baddie can't attack with his weapon unless he spends an exchange to pick it up, or something similar. Like a Block-lite, he doesn't have to roll to overcome it, but he needs to spend and action, or attack with his fists, etc. However, an enemy that came loaded for bear with loads of weapons just doesn't get that aspect and a GM may overrule that maneuver to change the aspect to something like Sore Hand or something like that...

[Taran]

I rule that they have to counter the maneuver - it's not easy to pick up a weapon in the middle of combat.  In general, even someone primed for combat is using their preferred weapon and losing said weapon is a disadvantage, but yes, I can see a situation where being "disarmed" isn't an automatic FP.  Instead they are forced to do a supplemental to grab a new weapon.  Which is how I've been doing it - in all circumstances - which isn't necessarily the correct way.

I guess what I'm saying is that a "disarm" maneuver is very fluid and the end result (losing ones weapon)is a no-brainer.  My group has been finding the use of aspects very challenging and I'm just trying to say that it would be nice if aspects could be as fluid as this in most situations.  Maybe I lack imagination.

[Masurao]

I doubt it is imagination Perhaps it's just practice! Anyway you roll with such aspects is fine, as long as the table likes it, a trite answer, but true nonetheless. Coming up with more and more imaginative aspects is just a part of getting used to the system, I'd say.