[GURPS concepts] Parry and Block
 

Hello,

I'm working on a setting where I hope to have some weapons and defenses a little different than what the players may be used to.

In this regard, I have discovered that I don't understand the basis for GURPS separation of Blocking vs Parrying.

What defines the objects with which one can Block vs those with which one can Parry?

Are particular movements considered 'Blocking' and others 'Parrying'?

What would have to change to make Blocks and Parry's fungible?

Re: [GURPS concepts]Parry and Block
 

Blocking is absorbing the force of an attack with your arm, a shield, or any sizable object.

Parrying is deflecting the force of an attack with a fist, sword, or any easily swung object.

Re: [GURPS concepts]Parry and Block
 

And in GURPS terms, Blocking is done with a shield, whether it is what the outside world would call a "block" or a "parry" and Parrying is done with a weapon (including built-in weapons like fists or claws) whether it would be called a "block" or a "parry" elsewhere.

Re: [GURPS concepts]Parry and Block
 

Do note that one CAN perform an Unarmed Parry, but it risks injuring your arm. Granted, a hit to the arm is preferable to one to the torso or head.

Re: [GURPS concepts]Parry and Block
 

As far as I know, in GURPS terms you cannot block with an arm directly. The two items that you can block with are a shield or a cloak.

Re: [GURPS concepts]Parry and Block
 

Blocking with your arm in GURPS terms is Unarmed Parry. However, it's still blocking in the real world.

Re: [GURPS concepts]Parry and Block
 

That may be the usage in a martial art which you practice, but I don't think it is how GURPS uses those terms. In GURPS, it appears that you Block with Shield and Buckler skill and Parry with all other combat skills, and that Blocking is good against muscle-powered projectiles but bad at defending multiple times per turn. You also cannot use the Cross Parry option with a Shield or Buckler weapon, even though it is the standard way of parrying in some sword-and-buckler styles. MA "What is a Parry?" and "What is a Block?" are relevant here ...

Re: [GURPS concepts] Parry and Block
 

Removing the distinction would make things simpler, and remove issues like "so if I parry with my sword hand and dagger hand close together but the blades not touching that is a Cross Parry, but if I parry with my hands in the exact same position but a buckler in my left hand it is nothing special," but you would need to address the multiple blocks issue (possibly base it on weapon weight and how many hands are controlling the weapon?) and the defense against muscle-powered projectiles issue.

Re: [GURPS concepts] Parry and Block
 

I think I'd separate them at it's a Block (and is harder to use multiple times and more easily blocks projectiles) if the thing you are using is large enough it gives you a Defense Bonus. And maybe remove the DB from bucklers, and add it to staves in place of the parry bonus.

Re: [GURPS concepts] Parry and Block
 

Blocking:
-Uses Shield or Cloak skill.
-Takes different penalties from attack type, usually more favorable.
-Has less favorable rules for repeated use per turn.