Defensive Action question

[dkjordan]

Greetings
On page 121 v. 1.1 core rules it speaks to Defensive Actions...I had a couple questions please.

• Is dodge specifically used for both melee and incoming area of affect attacks or just area of affect?
  
• When using parry it says "A character may parry a melee attack using their melee weapon skill bonus instead of their evasion saving throw", does this mean I use whatever bonuses I have for my melee attack? As an example, I get a +3 to attack, and I can choose to parry instead of doge and use those bonuses.
  
• And it is correct to say that if I have a defensive action I can choose to parry or dodge, whichever is more likely to avoid a hit.
  

[Will Carson]

1) Dodging can be used against melee, ranged (at a -2), AoE (based on attack description)

2) Yes, your melee bonus is what you use to parry based off the weapon in hand. So Parrying with a Rapier is easier due to its +1 to strike (keep break point in mind, because parrying can ruin a weapon) and Parrying with a battle hammer would be a little harder due to it's -1 to strike)

3) Yes, you can always choose what kind of defensive action you are taking, (note you only have to make one, if the attack is going to hit you. If they get a 9 or less on the attack you don't have to spend one of your defensive actions) Often times a combatant with low dex is going to want to parry (hopefully they have a tough weapon) and often times if you have a high dex it is going to be more advantageous to just dodge.