multiple attacks=multiple targets?

[Silencher]

Hey All,

I recently had a falling out with my GM in D20 modern about multiple attacks/targets. Basically my char in d20 has 5 attacks, granted the attacks aren't super accurate, +4/+4/+4/-1/-1 but he has the attacks. He took a shot at a zombie, killed it, and apparently because that GM said so, the other 4 attacks are wasted because you can't select multiple targets according to him.

I also play in a DnD group with the same guy, although he is not a GM in this one, and in DnD I'm just a wizard, so I don't get multiple attacks anyway so this doesn't affect me as much here, but his char on the other hand does have something like 4 attacks and he thinks he doesn't get to target multiple enemies unless he has cleave/greater cleave.

I think he's wrong, I know he's the GM so he can pick whatever, but he isn't the GM in the DnD game and I'm hoping to plead my case to the DnD GM so that the two tanks in my group don't get nerf'd from this rule.

Is there somewhere in the DnD rules that says you can target multiple foes if they are in reach with multiple attacks? Or am I wrong and is there a rule that says you can't?

Secondly, it did bring an interesting point up. If a character with, let's say, two attack +7/+2, and cleave/greater cleave uses his first attack on a goblin, the goblin drops. The character would use the extra cleave to attack the next goblin, assuming it's within reach. If the 2nd goblin didn't go down from the bonus attack from cleave, does he still get the +2 second attack? My thought is that he would, because the bonus attack from cleave is just that, a bonus attack. If that is true, and he used his second, normal attack and dropped the goblin, would he then get another bonus cleave attack if there is another enemy within range? Again, I think so, but I'm not totally sure.

[Siberys]

Combat Actions

D20 modern rules, it clearly states you don't need to plan out your attacks, you can see how it goes and select a new target if the old one is dead.

Full Attack

If a character gets more than one attack per action because his or her base attack bonus is high enough, because he or she fights with two weapons, because he or she is using a double weapon, or for some special reason, the character must use the full attack action to get his or her additional attacks. The character does not need to specify the targets of his or her attacks ahead of time. The character can see how the earlier attacks turn out before assigning the later ones.

Full attack is a full-round action. Because of this, the only movement a character can take during a full attack is a 5-foot step. The character may take the step before, after, or between the attacks.

If a character gets multiple attacks based on his or her base attack bonus, the character must make the attacks in order from highest bonus to lowest. If the character is using two weapons, the character can strike with either weapon first. If the character is using a double weapon, the character can strike with either part of the weapon first.

[Silencher]

yeah.. I know. I don't know what to do about this DM or if its even worth continuing to play with him. It's just hard because he's in my DnD group as well, but he's just a player in that one, and I don't care if he convinces the DnD dm about that, mainly because my char in DnD is a wizard. It's ironic, kind of, because his char in DnD is a fighter with something like 4 attacks, so he's screwing himself in the other game on top of it... it's insane.

[Siberys]

well I'm giving you this because it's pure evidence that you can shove in the DM's face, and if he DM rule 0's the multiple attack thing, then he's taking away a huge amount of integrity from the game.

If he still takes it away after you show him the rules, I'd say screw him, as it's no fun when DM's change rules to benefit themselves making it easier to kill you. A DM's job is not to kill the players, it's to get the players to have fun.

[GawainBS]

On your second question, about cleaving: you've got it right.

[Kheros]

On the second question on getting a second cleave attack with the second attack bonus: Only if said person has greater cleave (the normal cleave feat only allows one cleave attack in a round.)

1st question : Siberys is correct. D20 Modern lets you do just what he quoted. here's a quote from the 3.5 PHB:

"If you get more than one attack per round because your base attack
bonus is high enough, because you fight with two weapons or a
double weapon (see Two-Weapon Fighting under Special Attacks,
page 160), or for some special reason (such as a feat or a magic item)
you must use a full-round action to get your additional attacks. You
do not need to specify the targets of your attacks ahead of time. You
can see how the earlier attacks turn out before assigning the later
ones." page 143 under Full Attack heading.