Rules Update: Launched / Thrown Weapons (Formerly Ranged weapons)

The trait "Weapon (Ranged)" has been removed.

The following traits have been added:

Weapon (Melee) - This skill either allows use of a hand-to-hand based weapon, or is required to use a weapon with this trait.  Attacks using this weapon are all considered to have this trait.

Weapon (Shield) - This skill requires the use of a Shield.  A skill that has this trait also has the Weapon (Melee) trait.

Weapon (Launched) - This skill either allows use of a two-part ranged weapon, such as a bow and arrows, or is required to use a weapon with this trait.  Attacks using this weapon are all considered to have this trait.

Weapon (Thrown) - This skill either allows use of a hurled projectile, or is required to use a weapon with this trait.  Attacks using this weapon are all considered to have this trait.

The text for the skill Parry has been updated as follows:

This defense skill blocks a melee weapon strike that is delivered from the front of a character’s body and is not a surprise attack. The opponent’s attack fails and the attack skill is considered used. This skill is not hand specific. You must have a weapon in hand to use this skill.

The rules on Thrown and Launched weapons are modified, as follows:

If you attack using a periodic skill using a Melee attack, and your attack is blocked by the physrep of a shield or weapon (as opposed to a defense that is another skill or effect), you retain the use of your periodic skill. The attack must connect with a target to be used, in which case it will take effect, can be defended against, or will have no effect (as above).

An attack that is Launched or Thrown is considered a hit if it hits ANY part of its target, including clothing, hair, or a part of the target other than the body.  A shield will still block an attack from a Launched or Thrown weapon.

An attack using a periodic skill that is a Launched attack retains the use of the skill if the attack misses the target, including hitting a shield.

An attack using a periodic skill that is a Thrown attack does not retain the use of the skill if the attack misses the target, including hitting a shield.

A player may not actively attempt to block a Launched or Thrown weapon with their own weapon, OOG. This is dangerous, and can break the projectile in flight, causing it to break or shatter. Only shields may be used to block launched or thrown attacks.  An attack that hits a weapon, held or fastened, is considered to hit the person that is carrying the weapon.  This is to discourage the blocking of Launched or Thrown attacks with weapons.

Weapon (Shield) - This skill requires the use of a Shield.  A skill that has this trait also has the Weapon (Melee) trait.

Just to clarify, the intent of this is to allow players to parry a shield bash, not shield bash with a great sword, yes?

Correct.  Shield Bash still requires a Shield to use.

This has been updated in the 2012 edition of the Rulebook.