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So any advice on merging BTS 2nd edition and NSS?

I wonder if anyone has regularly mixed the two games and if they've learned any changes that are needed or house rules that need to be implemented. I am interested in game balance for example...are classes from one system inherently more powerful then the other?
The skills are another question too. BTS2 has WP Sword while NSS has WPs for Large Sword and Short Sword. Also similar skills are at different percentage rates, such as Drive Auto and Prowl and probably all the rest for that matter. Should I just use the 2nd edition BTS rules when applicable? Of course sometimes it may make sense such as Prowl having a higher base percentage for Ninjas and ...well, superspies so maybe NSS character use the skills from NSS.

Use the BTS2 skill percentages for all characters, limit it to just WP Sword, and you may want to consider how much you want Gizmoteers and the like to have.

Ok, I have another silly question. In my game one of the playes just made 7th level (after 15 years of on and off again playing lol) and his HTH Expert gets Paired Weapons and ...backhand strike. What's the point of a 1d4 strike? The backhand isn't really mentioned anywhere else in BTS2 except under Damage (pg 162). It doesn't get a stun or an initiative bonus...what's the point? Doesn't the punch from HTH Basic at 1st level do 1d4 damage?

I can't answer that one for you apart from it adding some flavor to combat.

whipped4073 wrote:

Jasper wrote:Ok, I have another silly question. In my game one of the playes just made 7th level (after 15 years of on and off again playing lol) and his HTH Expert gets Paired Weapons and ...backhand strike. What's the point of a 1d4 strike? The backhand isn't really mentioned anywhere else in BTS2 except under Damage (pg 162). It doesn't get a stun or an initiative bonus...what's the point? Doesn't the punch from HTH Basic at 1st level do 1d4 damage?

Per N&SS, backhand strikes are used against targets standing behind you, whereas other attacks would require you to physically turn to attack them (& probably lose initiative and/or a melee action).

Ah, well that makes some sense. Do you think think the Backhand strike should apply with weapons? ie. Katanas, Baseball bats. I mean it is a 7th level ability...
Oddly though has anyone notice that only HTH Experts get Backhand strike? HTH Basic, Martial Arts, Assassin & Commando all don't get it at any level? I find this odd. If one did allow backhand strike to be used with weapons to attack enemies behind you then this ability should be applied at least to HTH Martial Arts at 7th level also..