Attack
Attacks are actions that harm or hinder a target. All attacks resolve against one of three defenses:
- Dodge DC (avoidance, agility)
- Parry DC (blocking, bracing, resisting force)
- Saving Throws (enduring or resisting effects)
WEAPON ATTACKS
Weapon attacks use physical or technological weapons to deal damage. You roll 1d20 add your attack modifier, compare the result to the target's DC. If you meet or exceed their DC, you succeed and deal your weapon's damage and effects, but otherwise you fail and do nothing. By default, weapon attacks target Dodge DC, however, the attack targets Parry DC instead if the target:
- has a circumstance (shield) bonus to Parry DC
- is not off-guard
- and has a higher Parry DC than Dodge DC
Melee weapons use Strength for attack and damage rolls while ranged weapons use Dexterity. Weapons wielded two-handedly double the attribute bonus to damage.
You may use Dexterity instead of Strength with light or finesse melee weapons only if you are:
- Not wearing medium/heavy armor
- Not using a light or heavier shield
- Not carrying a medium or heavier load
- Not off-guard, staggered, or slowed
You may use Strength instead of Dexterity for ranged attacks with thrown weapons the first range increment.
MANEUVER ATTACKS
Maneuver attacks function as weapon attacks except they primarily impose conditions (trip, grapple, disarm, etc.) and rarely deal damage. By default, maneuver attacks target Parry DC, however, the attack targets Dodge DC instead if the target:
- has a competence (dodge) bonus to Dodge DC
- is not off-guard
- and has a higher Dodge DC than Parry DC
SPECIAL ATTACKS
Special attacks do not use attack rolls. The target rolls a saving throw instead. Examples include powers, hazards, area effects, et.
DESIGN NOTES
Dodge DC represents agility and reflexes (Dex-based defense)
Parry DC represents strength, positioning, and resistance (Str-based defense)
Because attacks dynamically target the higher relevant defense, both Strength and Dexterity remain equally valuable defensively