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Old 06-18-2014, 01:49 AM   #1
Sindri
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Default Other Weapons with Fencing Stances

What other weapons do you think could theoretically (even if historically they didn't) benefit from the parrying advantages offered by fencing stances at the cost of being penalized by encumberance and other dodge penalties?
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Old 06-18-2014, 02:15 AM   #2
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Default Re: Other Weapons with Fencing Stances

There are plenty of weapons that can be used in a similar way. Better off getting rid of the Fencing skill entirely and just use techniques.
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Old 06-18-2014, 02:21 AM   #3
Sindri
 
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Default Re: Other Weapons with Fencing Stances

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There are plenty of weapons that can be used in a similar way. Better off getting rid of the Fencing skill entirely and just use techniques.
That's sort of what I intend to do, although I don't think I'll use techniques. Instead I was planning on letting characters buy a weapon skill either in a "fencing" or "nonfencing" manner and use perks to do things like learn the other style.

If it's more convenient approach it from the other side. What weapons shouldn't be able to benefit from fencing parries?
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Old 06-18-2014, 02:28 AM   #4
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Default Re: Other Weapons with Fencing Stances

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There are plenty of weapons that can be used in a similar way. Better off getting rid of the Fencing skill entirely and just use techniques.
Or maybe a Feature of certain Styles which gives bonuses and penalties to represent a narrow, point-forward stance (defense bonuses, increased vulnerability to Beat and attacks on the weapon and sword hand, priority in A Matter of Inches, weaker or slower cuts).
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Old 06-18-2014, 02:31 AM   #5
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Default Re: Other Weapons with Fencing Stances

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If it's more convenient approach it from the other side. What weapons shouldn't be able to benefit from fencing parries?
Well, you would have to define what "fencing parry" is supposed to represent, then see what followed. One problem is that expertise in weapons other than blades and long staff weapons is rare, so its hard to say all that one can do with them. Combat sport fighting with axes and maces is interesting but limited.
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Old 06-18-2014, 02:49 AM   #6
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Default Re: Other Weapons with Fencing Stances

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Originally Posted by Polydamas View Post
Well, you would have to define what "fencing parry" is supposed to represent, then see what followed. One problem is that expertise in weapons other than blades and long staff weapons is rare, so its hard to say all that one can do with them. Combat sport fighting with axes and maces is interesting but limited.
Martial Arts does a lot to explain what it's supposed to represent and that's what I mean when I say fencing parry.
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Old 06-18-2014, 03:13 AM   #7
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Default Re: Other Weapons with Fencing Stances

One can use Weapon Adaptation perk to use moves for one weapons (e.g. fencing) with weapons of another group. And this is perfect example of style perk.
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Old 06-18-2014, 03:27 AM   #8
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Default Re: Other Weapons with Fencing Stances

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One can use Weapon Adaptation perk to use moves for one weapons (e.g. fencing) with weapons of another group. And this is perfect example of style perk.
Yes, I know. That works fine for using a broadsword with fencing techniques with the normal weapon skill setup. It doesn't represent well, say, spear fencing. Even if mechanically we invent a spear fencing skill and use Weapon Adaptation that doesn't answer my question of which weapons can allow fencing parries.

Last edited by Sindri; 06-18-2014 at 03:31 AM.
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Old 06-18-2014, 07:42 AM   #9
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Default Re: Other Weapons with Fencing Stances

Fencing comes down to footwork and weapon weight. Footwork is where the encumbrance penalties and increased Retreat bonus come into play, and probably would be doable with virtually any weapon. Weapon weight should be handled as in A Matter of Inches.

There's also the concern of the weapon's balance - certainly any balanced weapon should be capable of fencing, but what about unbalanced ones? Axe/Mace weapons, Flails, and some Polearms might not be able to be used in such a fashion. Whips probably don't really qualify either. Most of these are self-limiting, however - the best way to defend with such weapons is often to use a different defense (Dodge, Block, Parry with the offhand), as they are typically Parry U. Personally, I'd allow any weapon skill to function as Fencing. It's up to you if you count Fencing as a Feature or Enhancement (increasing difficulty a step) - I lean more toward the latter.
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Old 06-18-2014, 08:53 AM   #10
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Default Re: Other Weapons with Fencing Stances

Any sword can be used in a style that keeps the tip pointed at the opponent at all time and allows quick footwork. So can a spear or staff. Knives and stick weapons are a given.

Personally, I'd allow any balanced weapon to be used in a Fencing style to gain the increased retreating bonus and the reduced penalties for multiple parries.

However, I would impose more penalties that just encumberance. For one thing, swing damage should be capped or penalized. You simply can take full advantage of leverage while keeping your weapon in line.
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