Re: defense

["Michael Kilgore" <khaakon@lycosmail.com>]

If nobody doesn't mind, I would like to add my thoughts to this matter.

Ideally, I think that defense should be a separate skill from the weapon
skill (something similar to the dodge skill).  Being good at hitting targets
(or performing multiple attacks) does not necessarily mean a person is good
at blocking attacks.  However, it is clear that I am in the minority with
this opinion so I won't spew any more.

If defense is to become an option under the weapon skills, I think such
option should at the very minimum be consistent with the dodging skill.
Bascially, it should be handled in the same way that a dodge skill check is
handled.  Also keep the part that if the check fails, the character's
defense values should be reduced as well.

Assuming the split dice proposal goes down in flames (something I don't
really see happening),  If a character uses his skill for defense, he should
not be allowed to use it offensively during his next action phase.
Likewise, if a character uses his skill offensively, he should not be
allowed to use it defensively during his opponent's next action phase.

With the split dice proposal, I like the idea that the bonus remains until
the character's next action phase at which time he will have to reroll the
dice.

The bonuses to DV gained from this ability should not apply to MDV.  This is
mostly for consistency.  While it is possible for someone to block a missile
coming at him with a weapon, the odds of being able to do this during combat
is not likely.  Also, boosting MDV is what the dodge skill is for.  If
boosting of MDV is allowed, the dodge skill will effectively be rendered
useless.  Also, what happens if a character uses both dodge and weapon
defense the same round (this assumes that one can use two skills in a
round).  Let's just keep it simple.

Thanks,
Mike