Non-missile Weapons / Engaged Status / Defending

[Axly Suregrip]

Originally Posted by phiwum

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.

I am with RobW on this. I think it strongly implies facing for defending. The defending section even talks about how defending is parrying. From ITL pg 117 "A figure must have a physical weapon (staff, sword, club,
etc.) in hand in order to defend; this weapon is used for
parrying. You may “parry” with a bow or crossbow – but it
will be ruined!"

And it even talks about how images cannot defend because they have no substance to block the blow. Not something one typically does behind themselves. With the exception of a martial arts expert, and UC4 includes Eyes Behind in its evade ability for that case.