Preparation
In the heat of combat, every second counts. The tide of battle can shift in an instant, and a well-timed action can mean the difference between victory and defeat. This is where preparation comes into play - the ability to anticipate the flow of battle and position yourself to take decisive action.
Prepared Actions
A prepared action is a special type of action that allows your Hunter to ready a specific response to a triggering event. Instead of acting immediately on their turn, your Hunter can choose to wait for a specific circumstance before springing into action.
To prepare an action, declare what your Hunter is waiting for and what they will do when it happens. This could be something like, "If the Horror moves within range, I'll shoot it with my crossbow," or "When the cultist starts casting a spell, I'll disrupt their concentration with a shout."
John: "I don't like the look of that shadowy figure in the alley. I ready my shotgun and aim it in their direction."
Overseer: "Okay, John, what specific trigger are you waiting for?"
John: "If they make any sudden moves or start to draw a weapon, I'm going to blast them."
Overseer: "Got it. You keep your shotgun trained on the figure, your finger hovering over the trigger. The rest of you, what do you do?"
Prepared Movement
In addition to preparing actions, your Hunter can also prepare movement. This represents your Hunter readying themselves to move in response to a specific trigger.
For example, your Hunter might prepare to dive for cover if a Horror starts shooting, or to charge forward and attack if an ally successfully stuns a creature.
When you prepare movement, declare the triggering circumstance and where your Hunter will move when it happens. If the trigger occurs, your Hunter immediately moves as declared, even if it's not their turn.
Each Hunter has a set movement limit of 30 feet. Any unused movement from their turn can be allocated towards a prepared movement. However, a Hunter can only prepare to move up to the amount of movement they have left. It's not possible to convert actions into additional prepared movement.
Amy: "That rickety bridge doesn't look too stable. I want to be ready to jump to safety if it starts to collapse."
Overseer: "Alright, Amy, you're preparing to jump to the side of the bridge if it gives way. What specific part of the bridge are you watching?"
Amy: "I'm keeping my eye on the fraying rope supports. If any of them snap, I'm leaping to safety."
Overseer: "Got it. You position yourself near the edge of the bridge, your muscles tensed and ready to spring into action at a moment's notice."
The Cost of Preparation
Preparing an action or movement comes at a cost. When your Hunter prepares, they are committing themselves to a specific course of action. If the triggering event doesn't occur before your Hunter's next turn, any ability charges, ammo, or resources used will be lost.
A Hunter is limited to one prepared action or one prepared movement at any given moment. It's not possible for a Hunter to ready multiple actions or movements simultaneously, nor can they combine movement and action into a single prepared response.
Preparation can be a powerful tool, but it's not without its risks. Encourage your players to think carefully about what they prepare and when. A well-timed preparation can turn the tide of battle, but a poorly chosen one can leave a Hunter flat-footed and vulnerable.