Non-missile Weapons / Engaged Status / Defending

[phiwum]

Originally Posted by RobW

Defending against attacks from the side and rear seems consistent with RAW (which don't discuss facing and Defending afaik). However, we've always viewed the requirement for a ready weapon in order to defend (and the fact that ready weapons only project into front hexes) to mean that Defend is only effective against attacks from the front.

Yes, that's a pretty reasonable inference, but it's a drastic change in effect. Because the rules explicitly mention facing for parrying in two weapons talent and not in Defend, I've decided to go with RAW and have no such requirement. Thematically, I'm with you, but I think the rules intentionally allow defending from a rear attack.