Combat Complications
In general, when you make an attack or take an action, it is assumed your character is doing so in whatever manner is most effective under the circumstances. For example, when you swing a machete at an opponent, you can't specify that you're cutting off his right hand. When you shoot at him, you can't specify that you're shooting him in the head. Instead, your character judges what will work best in the tactical situation and acts accordingly.
There is, however, a way to cut off your opponent's hand, shoot him in the head, or knock him off his feet. This is done by using a Maneuver. Basic Maneuvers such as Grappling and Kicking have no cost and can be used by anyone, trained or untrained. Specialized Maneuvers (such as Disarm, Crack Shot, and Spear Catching) cost 2 XP each. This represents the fact that you must practice a particular move intensively before being able to use it effectively. Knocking down your opponent is not as easy as it seems; if you haven't practiced doing so, you're likely to be the one who ends up on the ground.
As with Secondary Abilities, there is not a list of all possible Maneuvers; there are an infinite number. It's possible to devise a Maneuver (or a sequence of Maneuvers) to cover whatever action you want to undertake. Examples are provided.
The listed Difficulty is the base Difficulty, and may vary with the situation.
When a Maneuver can be performed using either Brawl or Martial Arts, the listed Difficulty is for Brawl. As with any Secondary Ability used in combat, Martial Arts reduce the Difficulty by 1.
Basic Maneuvers
All characters use Basic Maneuvers, such as the Punch. Other Basic Maneuvers include Kick, Grapple, Body Slam, Block, and Dodge.
All Maneuvers are resolved as Basic Maneuvers, regardless of the character's skill level or the player's description of the move, unless the character has a Specialized Maneuver.
Specialized Maneuvers
Some Specialized Maneuvers become Basic due to a Template or Power (such as a Claw Maneuver or Touch Attack). All others must be purchased. Each Specialized Maneuver costs 2 XP.
A Maneuver can include only a single action. If you want to take three actions in rapid sequence, you are actually combining three Maneuvers (by splitting your dice pool).
Non-fighters seldom learn offensive combat maneuvers, but most characters learn various defensive or non-combat Maneuvers, such as Evasion, Shield Use, and Speed Drinking.
Each Specialized Maneuver is based on a certain Basic Maneuver, and will enhance or alter that Basic Maneuver.
