A question on Parry

[AKAmra]

Raw states that when parrying the defender's Skill level is a -DM for the attacker.

Should the defender be able to add their Str and/or Dex modifier to their Skill level to parry as they do to attack?

My first thought is yes, parry is Str or Dex modifier + Skill level as a -DM on the attack. But, it may have been an intentional design of the RAW to give the attacker the advantage, much like lower armor values, to make the combats go faster.

Any thoughts?

 

[AKAramis]

No, skill is far more important on the parry...

Parries are something that even the best novice fencers don't do effectively. It took me a year to get it down the first time, and a couple months to pick it up again.

Striking, yes, your natural reflexes do matter a lot.

Getting the weapon nerfed as it comes in at you is counter to instinct, counter to common sense, and ironically, the best way to deal with it. He's got a greatsword? Step IN and slice his armpit. Got a gun at arms reach? punch the gun. 9 of 10 times, gun-boy will hit ONLY your hand, and 8 of 10, he's lost the gun... plus needs a splint for his trigger finger. ANd the real irony? If he shoots you that close, the powder burn is quite likely to reduce the bleeding by cauterization.... still, punch the side of the barrel.