Defending in combat.

[Adrienne]

As I understand the rules, attacks in combats are opposed skill checks, with both attacker and defender rolling Ref+Brawling for a hand-to-hand attack, for example.  The two types of defense are parry and evasion.  My question is, are these types separated by any mechanical difference?  Or do they roll exactly the same skill, have exactly the same effects, and just use different description for how they escaped (or took) the blow?

[Keith Senkowski]

As I understand the rules, attacks in combats are opposed skill checks, with both attacker and defender rolling Ref+Brawling for a hand-to-hand attack, for example.  The two types of defense are parry and evasion.  My question is, are these types separated by any mechanical difference?  Or do they roll exactly the same skill, have exactly the same effects, and just use different description for how they escaped (or took) the blow?

Hey,

The difference between the two (parry and evasion) isn't a very big difference.  Brawling covers evasion and blocking blows if using fists or knives.  Melee covers blocking blows in all other occassions.  Other than that the only difference that would come up would be any bonuses/penalties from weapons, shields and Descriptors.

Keith

[Bifi]

And what about missile/throwing weapons? Is it just REF+Archery vs. REF?

[Keith Senkowski]

Bifi,

Bows: Archery/REF vs. Melee/REF or Brawling/REF
Knives: Brawling/REF vs. Melee/REF or Brawling/REF
Other Melee/Thrown Weapons: Melee/REF vs. Melee/REF or Brawling/REF

Hope that clarifies it.  I know it isn't terribly clear in the book
Keith

[Bifi]

Thanks Bob.

Michal