When your character is struck, you can attempt to deflect the attack if you are aware of it. A successful deflection means you have parried or blocked the blow.

Making a Deflect Attempt

  • Roll D20 + deflection bonus
  • Compare to your deflection target number
  • Base deflection target starts at 20 (very hard)

Deflect Notation

The notation DE+n means:

  • n: Your bonus to the deflect roll
  • x: The target number you need to meet or exceed
Example: DE+0<20> means +0 bonus, need to roll 20 (natural 20 only)

Deflection Results

ResultEffect
Success vs same/smaller sizeNo damage
Success vs larger opponentHalf damage
FailureFull damage (reduced by AR)

What Cannot Be Deflected

  • Critical hits: Cannot be deflected except by a critical deflect, and bypass armour
  • Attacks you are unaware of
  • Some magical effects

Free Deflects

Some abilities allow free deflects:

  • Certain weapons grant deflect attempts as a free action
  • Training can increase the number of deflects per round
  • Notation: De (n)+x = (n) number of deflects at bonus (x) with trained weapon

Size and Deflection

The De+ notation indicates you can deflect against opponents one size category larger than normal.

Improving Deflection

Ways to improve your deflection:

  • Weapon training: Lower deflection target number
  • Shield use: Bonus to deflection rolls
  • Combat abilities: Grant additional deflects or bonuses
  • Magical items: May enhance deflection

Armour vs Deflection

If you fail to deflect:

  • Damage is reduced by Armour Rating (AR)
  • AR typically ranges from 1-3 points
  • Armour Penetration (AP) on weapons reduces AR effectiveness
  • Different weapon types interact differently with armour types