Re: (2717) Mt Ranting

In Message (2717) Hans Visser ([email removed]) writes:

>In (at least my version of the MT players's book) the cascade skill list,
>rifleman includes auto rifle, but Combat Rifleman doesn't. It is in fact
>very difficult to ever get Combat Rifleman, mysteriously mirroring the
>situation in the original rules (where PCs didn't get assault rifle, guass
>rifle, or ACR -- even in the Army/Marines). This is, in my opinion, asinine.

Hans, you are intitled to your opinions (ain't America Great?)  And in the
context of your entire message, I am in agreement to an extent.  It is a
problem with all game systems that I have seen.  Things always contadict each
other.  I however would like to argue this one point (which I don't agree).

The Gun Combat skill cascades into Hand Gun, SMG, Rifle, Auto Rifle (I think).
These are weapon firing skills that anyone can pick up (even today).  Combat
Rifleman on the other hand is strictly a military taught skill.  It includes
how to shoot a weapon, but also a lot more -- such as Sniper, Marksmanship,
how and when to Rock & roll.  Picking out enemy targets amongst friendlies,
etc.  Combat Rifleman should not be included in the Marksmenship only Gun
Combat cascade.

As far as availalbilty goes, It is the default skill for Army and Marines in
the Basic CharGen and comes up frequently in the Mercenary Advanced CharGen.
Other than that it is another example of inconsistancy :-)

Also Assault Rifle, ACR, and Gauss Rifle are all "Rifle" skills.

Just MY opinion!   ;-)

Rob aka Anton Devious