[Basic Set] Skill Defaults and Techniques

[Scolop]

A character has DX 11, Broadsword (A) DX+1 [4]-12 and Feint (Broadsword) (H) Broadsword+4 [5]-16. Because of his Broadsword skill, he can use Shortsword at the default level of Broadsword-2, so Shortsword 10.

Would he also get a bonus for feinting with Shortsword? At first, I thought I'd apply the same default, so Feint (Shortsword) defaults to Feint (Broadsword)-2. This, however, looks incorrect. I searched the Basic Set for an answer, but I didn't find this specific case — only for skills that don't default to one another.

Anyway, I ask this because if the character knows how to properly feint with a broadsword, and Broadsword and Shortsword are so similar that they have such a generous default level, the character should be able to pick up a shortsword and feint pretty well with it.

[johndallman]

Martial Arts p64, under Techniques and Combat Art/Sport Skills, is explicit that Techniques don't default between separate combat skills.

They do default between Combat/Art/Sport versions of a skill, but Art and Sport versions are quite rarely actually taken by characters.

[Scolop]

Originally Posted by johndallman

Martial Arts p64, under Techniques and Combat Art/Sport Skills, is explicit that Techniques don't default between separate combat skills.

They do default between Combat/Art/Sport versions of a skill, but Art and Sport versions are quite rarely actually taken by characters.

So I was looking at the wrong book. And GURPS Martial Arts even uses the same skills in its example. Thanks, johndallman.

[Varyon]

The Feint Technique is for improving the Feint attack option - you can still Feint with a skill if you're going off of default. The Feint Technique is like the Targeted Attack Technique - you don't need access to the Technique in order to attempt the relevant combat option.

However, Techniques are per skill, so if you've taken Feint (Broadsword), its bonus won't apply to the use of the Shortsword. As per Martial Arts, however, at the GM's option you can still use your Feint (Broadsword) for resisting Feints, even if you find yourself completely unarmed.