Free Actions in Combat

[flatline]

Don't think in terms of "free actions". Instead, think in terms of "complementary actions" where complementary actions are actions that can occur concurrently without making the other action impossible.

For instance, some games specifically allow talking as a free action, but you can't talk if you're sucking water through a straw so while talking has many complementary actions, sucking water through a straw isn't one of them.

Some less contrived examples:

1. I can walk and load my shotgun at the same time (I often do this without thinking). I can even load my shotgun while jogging (but I can't do it automatically...I have to actually try to do it). I can't load my shotgun while sprinting.

2. I can walk and fire my shotgun (although my aim won't be as steady). I can walk and reload my shotgun. I can't fire my shotgun and reload it at the same time (pulling the trigger and loading a shell use the same hand, so I can't do both at the same time...even if I had a 3rd hand, you can't load a shell while the shotgun's action is actually in action).

What qualifies as complimentary actions is entirely dependent on the context. I know people that can't walk and chew bubblegum at the same time. When I first purchased my shotgun, there's no way I would have been able to load it while jogging (I had trouble loading it at all the first time I took it out).

--flatline

[Killer Cyborg]

Not sure about Palladiums rules on this and as my books are in storage right now, please forgive my forgetfullness.

If you have it house-ruled, what do you allow as a free action? I can see dropping an item, or dropping to a prone position, or even drawing a weapon (P.P. 18+), but im not sure what else.

Depends on circumstances.

[MaxxSterling]

I thought this was covered in one of the books... Maybe GMG? I'll have to have a look.

[Akashic Soldier]

I thought this was covered in one of the books... Maybe GMG? I'll have to have a look.

Yup, can be done in place of a move.