Crit Arc Weapons + PVP in SFS?

[Pax Miles]

This did come up in session. Targeted the enemy with my Mechanic's Static Arc Pistol. Roled a crit for the first time with that weapon, got to look up the crit effect. Book said the nearest creature took the arc "value" in damage. Nearest creature was an ally, GM determined this was PVP and said I can't make those attacks without asking permission first. Intially GM was opposed to letting the entire attack count, but after debate between half the table, GM ruled the arc damage just couldn't hit allies as sort of a patch for this particular session. For future sessions, I said I'd pose the question here.

So, Do I really need to ask permission each time I fire a weapon that risks hitting allies only on a critical effect?

[Micheal Smith]

So there is a feat in PFS Reckless aim. There was a forum saying you should ask everyone at the table if they would be ok with being a possible target. If someone says they don't want to then you don't fire when they are near.

So in this case ask the table if you crit if they mind being a possible target. If someone says they don't then you don't fire the weapon so that it could potentially target them if you crit. I hope this helps.

[BretI]

No, there has already been a response on this.

Thurston Hillman wrote:

Corner Case Starfinder Society Errata: An arc critical attack does not constitute as a Player Versus Player action. If an arc occurs and a fellow PC and foe are legal targets, then the foe must be selected. Otherwise, the arc bounce hits the PC. If the only valid target for an arc is an unconscious PC, then disregard the critical effect.

I can’t find it in the FAQs yet, but expect it will get there in time.

[Pax Miles]

Bret Indrelee wrote:

No, there has already been a response on this.

Thurston Hillman wrote:

Corner Case Starfinder Society Errata: An arc critical attack does not constitute as a Player Versus Player action. If an arc occurs and a fellow PC and foe are legal targets, then the foe must be selected. Otherwise, the arc bounce hits the PC. If the only valid target for an arc is an unconscious PC, then disregard the critical effect.

I can’t find it in the FAQs yet, but expect it will get there in time.

Thank you very much.

[ronkay]

thanks. i had a player ask about this also

[Nefreet]

PvP is intentional.

Accidents aren't.

[Pax Miles]

Nefreet wrote:

PvP is intentional.

Accidents aren't.

The arguement against is that I'm not obligated to bring the weapon. It's not a class feature or something I am required to take. For the record, picked the weapon best represented by the model I brought, no other reason.

I agree, accidental isn't inherently PvP, but there is a line where gross negligence counts as intention. Players hauling unprotected black powder in questionable quanities, for example, isn't really PvP but it may as well be, especially when the player doesn't need it for firearms and just wants to have it on hand....just an example.

Anyway, glad this one is resolved.