Defense Reactions

[mabon5127]

For those that have played a lot of combats, does the use of defensive reactions slow the game down? It would seem to be an elegant way of handling defense but it seems to add lots of rolls to combat.

Given the Dex Mod of larger shields they actually increase the chance of being hit by a ranged attack. Should they give a benefit? Perhaps a bonus to block but reduce a characters Movement / Initiative.

Thanks!

Morgan

[Deleted]

slow down the game? i don't think so. one of the nice things about the 3/ST/DX/IQ check system is that there are a lot less 'misses' and more hits than other systems. for instance, d20 battles take about twice as many rounds to conclude because there are so many 'misses'. the defensive reactions just add one extra roll into the mix. generally, PCs will employ them more than the baddies. from what i gather, the standard convention is that the 'baddies' don't do defensive reactions when playing solo (unless the adventure instructs you otherwise). as a GM controlling the baddies, i would not employ defensive reactions unless i felt my players being under-challenged. this kinda leads into my thoughts on your next question...

shields, blocking, and ranged attacks
i believe this is the purpose of the 'Shield' skill...to help you with those 3/DX Shield Block rolls. before HOW came out, i was experimenting with a Shield Block rule for LAW. i was thinking along the same lines as you. add the shields Armor value to the 3/DX Shield Block test. i think using a 'Shield' skill is a better alternative. i would not employ both (armor bonus and skill bonus) because i fear that Shield Block might become overly attractive when compared with Dodge and Parry.

what have recently (just a few days ago) begun experimenting with...
Shield Block and Parry use skills (Shield and weapon skill). Make it a requirement that you have skill to employ these tactics. Dodge, hmm, require Acrobatics or Athletics. On success, Dodge reduces damage by your MV. On success, Shield Block reduces damage by your shield's armor value times 2 (only for the attack that was blocked). On success, Parry reduces damage by your weapon skill level.

here's my reasoning on these experiments:
most PCs will have a greater chance for success with Parry, therefore it tends to have less reward. next greatest chance (with Shield skill) is Shield Block. it tends to have more reward than Parry but slightly less chance of success. Dodge is dependent on your speed, agility etc. so the reduction should too.

p.s. in my experimental Shield Block, failure means shield provides no armor.