Re: Edged Rapier
 

I think it could influence what part of the blade is being parried with.

In Rapier mode the blade is fully extended and even horizontal and weapons are deflected with the "foible".

In Broadsword mode the stance is not so thrust heavy and weapons can be deflected with the "forte" which is the stronger and stiffer part of the blade nearer the hilt.

Re: Edged Rapier
 

That ^

Also, MA page 122 expands the details:

"...Any weapon that also works with a non-fencing skill –
meaning any skill other than Main-Gauche, Rapier, Saber,
or Smallsword – has a mass distribution that lets it parry
flails at the standard -4. Examples include the short staff,
which can use the Smallsword skill or the Shortsword skill
(treat it as a baton), and any rapier heavy enough to use with
the Broadsword skill."

Re: Edged Rapier
 

Honestly, the flail rule isn't super realistic for any weapon and seems to mostly be a way to make flexible weapons seem cool and different.

Re: Edged Rapier
 

That provides a pretty definitive Official Published Answer (though it is listed as optional detail). The same page makes clear that the skill doesn't matter; it's purely a matter of the weapon properties.

So, to the OP: If you go by Martial Arts, your edged rapier can parry flails normally, regardless of skill.

Re: Edged Rapier
 

The Definitive Official Published Answer for GURPS. Which the GM is free to use in their DFRPG game.

The Definitive Official Published Answer for DFRPG is that the Edged Rapier used with the Broadsword skill has Parry 0 (can parry flails at -4), but if it is used with the Rapier Skill it has Parry 0F (cannot parry flails).

Re: Edged Rapier
 

My bad. I was bouncing between the two forums and forgot which I was on.

For DFRPG, I think you've got the right answer...

So, a DFRPG fighter with an edged rapier and Rapier-18 skill only, wanting to parry a flail, could use Broadsword-14 (default from Rapier) to parry, with a Parry of 14/2 + 3 = Parry 10, -4 vs a flail = 6 or less, before any other mods.

I hope I've got that right. (And if I do: That poor Parry is better than no Parry at all using Rapier skill, but I'm thinking a Dodge is the way to go here.)

Re: Edged Rapier
 

Agreed! The MA rule is great, and if people want to use that in DFRPG, as a house rule, that works great.