Shoving¶
Shoving is a physical action that uses momentum, leverage, and body mass to control space.
It is primarily a tool for positioning and disruption, not damage.
Shoving creates pressure, breaks formations, and forces Engagement.
When You Can Shove¶
You may attempt to shove a target when: - You are at Close or Engaged range. - You have physical leverage, body contact, or a shield. - The fiction supports forceful contact.
You cannot shove a target from Reach unless a weapon, ability, or circumstance explicitly allows it.
Resolving a Shove¶
A shove is resolved as a contested action, typically using: - Athletics or Melee + Vigor for the acting character. - Athletics, Endurance, or Evasion for the resisting character, depending on positioning.
Shoves generate Impact, but do not automatically cause damage.
Engagement and Shoving¶
Shoving always creates Engagement.
- The acting character and the target become Engaged immediately.
- This Engagement does not cost Impact.
- Engagement occurs before Impact is spent.
If the target was already Engaged with another character: - That Engagement is broken. - The acting character becomes Engaged with all involved characters.
Engagement is not optional when bodies collide.
Spending Impact from a Shove¶
Impact generated by a shove is spent immediately to shape the outcome.
Each point of Impact may be spent on one of the following effects:
- Move a character one distance band (forward, backward, or sideways).
- Break Engagement between two characters.
- Force a character into Reach.
- Split two Engaged characters apart.
- Inflict 1 damage (maximum once per shove).
- Apply a positional Condition such as Prone, Off-Balance, or Displaced.
Impact may be divided among multiple targets if fiction supports it.
Impact cannot be saved.
Creating Openings¶
Forcing space large enough to move through hostile bodies is difficult.
- Creating a clear opening typically costs 3 Impact.
- This represents sustained pressure, coordination, or overwhelming force.
Openings created by a shove are temporary and collapse quickly if not used.
After the Shove¶
If Impact is not spent to move characters out of Engagement: - All involved characters remain Engaged.
If a character is shoved away: - The disengage creates pressure. - Any advantage gained must be paid for with actions on the acting character’s next turn, as per Engagement rules. - No free attacks occur.
Shoving and Formations¶
Multiple characters may be Engaged simultaneously, forming clusters or formations such as shield walls.
Shoves may: - Break formations. - Collapse lines. - Pull defenders out of position. - Force cascading Engagements.
Coordinated shoves generate greater Impact through fiction, positioning, and support.
Design Intent¶
Shoving is meant to be decisive, exhausting, and dangerous.
It rewards coordination and commitment, not isolated optimization.
Control of space is earned.