Sayoc Kali

[Crakkerjakk]

Originally Posted by Icelander

Hmmm... there's a clear mechanical difference between a mobile parrying style encompassing swift footwork and keeping a distance and a more prosaic style which focuses on direct attack. I might prefer that such concerns were handled with Style Perks, though.

I see such differences mostly as due to a style's preference for defensive attacks, or rapid strikes, or whatever.

I think what it boils down to is I prefer melee skills to be categorized by weapon and how that weapon lends itself to being fought with instead of how the weapon is currently being used. I think using a typical arming sword, one handed or two handed, should be one skill. A machette, cutlass, or calvary saber are all pretty much used the same way. Fencing blades are pretty much all about the point.

Knife should probably be a single skill as well, with a technique that can be bought up that want to get rid of the parry penalty or something.

[Icelander]

Originally Posted by Crakkerjakk

I see such differences mostly as due to a style's preference for defensive attacks, or rapid strikes, or whatever.

I think what it boils down to is I prefer melee skills to be categorized by weapon and how that weapon lends itself to being fought with instead of how the weapon is currently being used. I think using a typical arming sword, one handed or two handed, should be one skill. A machette, cutlass, or calvary saber are all pretty much used the same way. Fencing blades are pretty much all about the point.

Knife should probably be a single skill as well, with a technique that can be bought up that want to get rid of the parry penalty or something.

Hmmm.

I'm not sure. I agree that the one-hand/two-hands distinction is too large in GURPS, but on the other hand, I'd feel strange about a skill that let one use a stick in any possible grip but conferred no ability to use swords at all.

[Crakkerjakk]

Originally Posted by Icelander

Hmmm.

I'm not sure. I agree that the one-hand/two-hands distinction is too large in GURPS, but on the other hand, I'd feel strange about a skill that let one use a stick in any possible grip but conferred no ability to use swords at all.

Well, that's what defaults are for.

[Icelander]

Originally Posted by Crakkerjakk

Well, that's what defaults are for.

Sure and I think melee weapon skills could use some more liberal ones. I'm tired of telling people that their escrimador can't whack people at all with a shillelagh because the balance is different and that's an Axe/Mace skill.