Questions about advanced combat.

[SandmanBr]

Last session my game group was trying the advanced combat system… And we end up with some questions…

1) When you make a successful block, does your shield always take damage? Or the shield only takes damage when you pass your blocking test with the help of the shield DB bonus?

2) The basic set say the shield can take HPx10 damage before is completely broken, is this right? A wooden shield could take 440 points of damage before total destruction, or there is a errata and is HTx10?

3) When you successful block an attack, do you suffer knockback?

4) If you make a step to advance 1 hex and attack do you still can take a retreat during your active defense?

5) If you take a step you can change you facing directions as a free action?

6) If you have gigantism and use a spear as weapon you reach goes to 1-3 or 2-3?

7) How do you calculate the penalties for ranged attacks in different heights? If you are attacking from a cliff top someone right bellow you for example…

Tanks for the help…