Timing of Shift and Defend Option

[Skarg]

ITL does say that non-threatening figures don't cause engagement. It's up to the GM to rule what qualifies.

Generally an armed adult would seem like a serious threat, but someone who is just trying to bluff foes into stopping while they Defend? Many games over the years have adopted "you don't engage me" house rules that instead of leaving it up to the GM, let anyone move through Engagement but at some consequence such as getting attacked or possibly jumped into HTH by the foes whose engagement they are ignoring.

Of course, this simple question thread has now been sidetracked by an ironic complaint post.. and so perhaps these last posts on this sub-topic should be moved to the House Rules sub forum.