Re: 2 Vargr Questions

>Hiya,
>
>Here's an odd observation for you:
>Vargr vision is known to be poor perception of color due to the fact that
>there are fewer cones (I think) in the canine eye.  The difference being
>that they have a greater proportion of rods in their eyes.  Correct?
>
>Also, Vargr are supposed to have poorer night vision than humans.  The
>Alien Module says they have an additional -1 to their vision at night
>or other low light situations.
>
>BUT, Rods actually are BETTER at detecting light than the color sensitive
>cones!  This is why a faint star that is not visible to the human fovea
>(where cones are prevalent) *IS* visible to the peripheral vision of the
>human eye.  Thus Vargr should have Better low light vision than humans.
>
>Any ideas?

This is an interesting slip on the part of the rule writers. I do in
fact believe that Vargr have slightly better night and peripheral
vision than humans, but their depth perception and color vision
suffer.

>Oh, we also are told, that the bipedal digitigrade stance of the Vargr
>and the structure of their foot makes a kicking blow all but
>ineffective when made by a Vargr.  That seems to make sence, but consider
>what digitigrade bipeds there are.
>
>The only digitigrade biped I can think of, is the Ostrich.  Admittedly,
>they're a lot larger than a Vargr, but still they Do have a nasty kick!
>
>Comments?  Ideas?

IMO, they're referring to a kick the way a human would kick, by swinging
the leg forward and up. This would be ineffective, it's true. However,
a digitigrade stance and powerful haunches make OTHER forms of kicking
EXTREMELY effective. A sweeping roundhouse kick, wheel kick, or simple
rear kick (please don't ask me to supply the Japanese terms, it's been
years since I set foot in a dojo and I'm weak and flabby and useless
now) would be even more effective from a Vargr than a human, especially
when the Vargr's long, tough hind claws are figured into the equation.
A properly trained Vargr can disembowel an opponent with one sweep
of his hind leg, and kick down doors that would resist most Humans.


- --
mike metlay * atomic city * box 81175 pgh pa 15217-0675 * [email removed]
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"accurate, albeit a bit ruthless"        (s. cantor, describing guess who?)