[Martial Arts] Defensive overkill

[jacobmuller]

Wanted to say thanks for reply without necromancy:D
Thinking about Boxing but it seems like a generic question chain:
a - Can a Defensive Attack be a Defensive Feint?
b - Assuming you have Parried, can you follow this with a Riposte or Counterattack?
c- Which is better, Riposte or Counterattack or is that really a case of Riposte is for high-skill differential vs Counterattack's you have the Technique and the opponent's skill matches or betters yours?
d - Finally, can a Riposte or Counterattack be Defensive? (Gah!)

Yes, my head does hurt:D This question came up and I only had my phone with me and, bizarrely, Martial Arts was missing from the database;z And, even with 2 screens, a slate and (updated) phone I can't seem to parse the data.

I'm certain you guys'll think of extra alphabetic tags I haven't even begun to imagine:D

[mlangsdorf]

a. It seems reasonable, but the drawback on a Defensive Attack is less damage, and Feints don't do any damage. I'd probably rule that you Feint at a -2 penalty and call it good enough.
b. Ripostes and Counterattacks have to be the first attack after the parry, so I don't think you can Parry and then Rapid Strike/Extra Attack a Feint and Riposte/Counterattack. However, half the Riposte penalty applies in quick contests, and feints are quick contests, so you could perform a Riposte Feint. Giving up 4 points of defense for 1 point of bonus in a quick contest seems sub-optimal to me but sure, why not?
c. Ripostes are useful when you have stupid high defenses (Fencing Retreat + Shield + Enhanced Parry + Combat Reflexes + high skill + possible Defensive Attack or All-Out Defense) and you can afford to take a hit. Counterattacks are useful when you've bought up the technique.
d. Sure, a Riposte or Counterattack can be defensive. If your foe is lightly armored and you have a poisoned weapon or something (melee spells, too) so that you don't need to do much damage, using a Defensive Attack to set up your next Riposte is a good idea.