Suggestion: Parry

The mechanics for Blocking with a Shield works fairly well and should be left untouched.

Blocking while Dual-Wielding though, could be changed to a Mechanics called Parry instead.

Differences between Block and Parry:
You would still block an incoming hit per usual (although recovery times could be different between block and parry),
but each time you manage to Parry an attack, the attacker will also take 30 % of your Main-hands weapon damage, simulating the Dual-Wielder countering the incoming attack as he parries.

Have you ever done one and two handed fencing before? Well, I have. What the off hand weapon does is more analogous to a block. Additionally, it is is a "threat." (and contrary to every RPG anywhen, they don't increase "attack speed"). The main hand is what does most of the parrying.

If I were to add parrying to POE (which would open the discussion to game balance), I would add it as a feature to dex classes using certain dex-appropriate weapons (daggers, rapiers, maybe claws just for fun). I would define a parry as this:

A successful block which increases the accuracy of your next (melee) strike.

Parries block. They don't cause damage.

"

Courageous wrote:

Have you ever done one and two handed fencing before? Well, I have. What the off hand weapon does is more analogous to a block. Additionally, it is is a "threat." (and contrary to every RPG anywhen, they don't increase "attack speed"). The main hand is what does most of the parrying.

If I were to add parrying to POE (which would open the discussion to game balance), I would add it as a feature to dex classes using certain dex-appropriate weapons (daggers, rapiers, maybe claws just for fun). I would define a parry as this:

A successful block which increases the accuracy of your next (melee) strike.

Parries block. They don't cause damage.

This is really how dual wielding should work (aside from specific skills), dual wielding wands right now is silly.

"

Courageous wrote:

Parries block. They don't cause damage.

The parry blocks, but it is the counter that does the damage.

It is a way to differentiate between Shield-Blockers and Dual-Wielders,
where you get more Armor/Defence/Survivability from using a Shield,
but add some extra damage/utility by Dual-Wielding.

A method to create a question: Why would i choose to Dual-Wield Block instead of going Sword and Shield?

Either way is viable, but have different flavors and styles.

Having a successful parry add accuracy is a nice idea, but would make it a useless effect for those who utilize Resolute Technique, since they already cannot miss and the accuracy-stat is of no use for them, so the added effect has to be something more useful, adding more usefulness/utility.

2 versions that are useful for the character regardless if having Resolute or not.

Version 1.
When you successfully parry an attack while dual-wielding, your next Physical Melee Attack will be at +15 % damage. (duration 1 second)

Version 2.
When you successfully parry an attack while dual-wielding, the attacker takes 30 % of your off-hand weapondamage.