12-22-2013, 02:40 PM | #11 |
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2008
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Re: [GURPS concepts] Parry and Block
Hi again.
Some of these answers appear to be missing my point a bit, so I'll try to clarify. I know the definitions that appear in the rules. I'm asking about the rationale for them and how that rationale applies to cases not covered. For example, could you 'Block' with a melee net the same as a cloak? Could you parry with a tiny little buckler if you had a second one after 'Blocking' with the other? (If not, why not?) Why can't you Block with a cestus? ... |
12-22-2013, 03:05 PM | #12 | ||
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Central Europe
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Re: [GURPS concepts] Parry and Block
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Edit: Based on the rules, I would guess that the ideas were that shields are heavy and slow (therefore have worse penalties for multiple defenses than most weapons do) but good for stopping projectiles (therefore have smaller penalties to defend against them than most weapons do). Yet this is just a guess ... Quote:
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12-22-2013, 03:32 PM | #13 |
formerly known as 'Kenneth Latrans'
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Wyoming, Michigan
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Re: [GURPS concepts]Parry and Block
I specifically mentioned built-in weapons such as arms and claws as valid parrying tools. I didn't mention the drawbacks to doing so, just that it can be done.
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12-22-2013, 03:47 PM | #14 |
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Lynn, MA
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Re: [GURPS concepts] Parry and Block
In GURPS, you can absorb a blow with a weapon and turn one aside with your shield. The only difference between a parry and a block in GURPS terms, is that if you do it with a weapon it's a parry, and if you do it with a shield, it's a block.
I think the crappier repeated block penalty is there, just because of a shield's weight and relative clumsiness. personally, I would allow - Enhanced Block and Parry: All [15] |
12-22-2013, 04:00 PM | #15 |
Join Date: Mar 2013
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Re: [GURPS concepts]Parry and Block
The OP seems to be asking in GURPS terms. In GURPS, blocks are only for shields and cloaks.
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12-22-2013, 04:05 PM | #16 | |
Join Date: Mar 2013
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Re: [GURPS concepts] Parry and Block
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12-22-2013, 04:07 PM | #17 |
Join Date: Mar 2013
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Re: [GURPS concepts] Parry and Block
As mentioned above, I think the real distinction between blocking and parrying is that everything you can block with has DB. No other melee object does.
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12-22-2013, 04:43 PM | #18 | |
Join Date: Apr 2005
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Re: [GURPS concepts] Parry and Block
Quote:
For a less rulesy distinction, I'd say that shields are treated differently because they are (As a class) generally large and bulky objects that tend to physically obstruct a good portion of the target (And smaller shields, while doing much less of this, are still of the same general principle). The best test would be against projectiles, such as a thrown spear or knife. If it would be perfectly normal to interpose the object (Or class of objects) in the way of the thrown weapon, it uses block. If it would be unusual to do so, and a more natural defense would be to try to swat the weapon aside (Assuming you aren't dodging), then it uses parry. I should probably point out that the rate of success shouldn't have much impact, here. Deflecting a thrown knife with another knife is pretty unlikely, as is stopping a thrown spear with a dueling buckler, but the natural method of use would still be clear. |
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12-22-2013, 08:35 PM | #19 | |
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Europe
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Re: [GURPS concepts] Parry and Block
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I find it useful to have these game-mechanical terms so that I can talk precisely about the effects of specific combat trainings (to differentiate various cultural martial arts styles) or Enchantments. |
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12-23-2013, 07:15 AM | #20 |
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2008
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Re: [GURPS concepts] Parry and Block
If a giant picked up a kite shield by a short edge and swung it like a blade, could he Block with it?
Edit: I just read the box on MA122 wherein the waters are muddied by defining certain 'Parries' as actions that are clearly dodges. It seems like this might be an area of deeply dissatisfying confusion in the rules. Last edited by Figleaf23; 12-23-2013 at 07:26 AM. |
Tags |
active defense, block, combat, parry |
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