Grappling Now Affects Active Defenses

[Tom H.]

I was hoping somebody could clarify what appears to be new rules with Dungeon Fantasy.

Being grappled always had this effect:

• -4 to DX

It now appears to add the following effects:

• -2 to blocks and parries
• -1 to dodges

(Exploits, pg 41; Monsters, pg 32.)

I don't recall GURPS providing for the added effects. Was it included in a supplement?

I like the new rule, but what is the logic behind it?

For example, it seems to be a result of DX being lowered.

However, the rules for Temporary Attribute Penalties (Exploits, pg. 59) seem to contradict this:

• "DX penalties lower combat skills, but not Parry or Block based on them."
• "DX and HT penalties don't lower Basic Speed (and thus Move or Dodge.)"

Is there now a new exception for grappling?