MA fencing nerf

Rupert · 11-22-2020, 05:41 AM

Well, rapiers are actually quite big as fencing weapons go - most of what we think of as 'rapiers' would count as 'light rapiers' or 'smallswords'. If you're using a smallsword, ST10+ gets you that -2/parry.

I'm not convinced fencing weapons really deserve reduced penalties on multiple parries anyway - while they were fast their very lightness and balance meant parries vs heavier weapons required a lot of commitment, and most of the training with them was for 1v1 fights as well. 'A Matter of Inches' might reduce the strength of fencing weapons' defence somewhat, but it makes them offensively more powerful, if you're willing to take risks to go first, or willing to invest in feints (and they aid in defence vs feints, so that's a defensive bonus).

However, it's an optional rule, so adjust it as you see fit.

11-22-2020, 05:41 AM	#2
Rupert Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Wellington, NZ	Re: MA fencing nerf Well, rapiers are actually quite big as fencing weapons go - most of what we think of as 'rapiers' would count as 'light rapiers' or 'smallswords'. If you're using a smallsword, ST10+ gets you that -2/parry. I'm not convinced fencing weapons really deserve reduced penalties on multiple parries anyway - while they were fast their very lightness and balance meant parries vs heavier weapons required a lot of commitment, and most of the training with them was for 1v1 fights as well. 'A Matter of Inches' might reduce the strength of fencing weapons' defence somewhat, but it makes them offensively more powerful, if you're willing to take risks to go first, or willing to invest in feints (and they aid in defence vs feints, so that's a defensive bonus). However, it's an optional rule, so adjust it as you see fit. __________________ Rupert Boleyn "A pessimist is an optimist with a sense of history."