Melee (Brawn)

MELEE (BRAWN)

All ranged weapons require some sort of ammunition, and many are loud. They typically have fragile components or require regular maintenance, which may require its own set of tools. By contrast, most melee weapons are inexpensive, virtually silent, and require little maintenance and no power beyond the strength of their wielder’s limbs.

The majority of melee weapons depend upon the wielder’s strength to inflict damage, but a few have their own energy sources. These weapon, such as vibroblades and force pikes, are much more technically sophisticated than a simple club. However, their core principles remain the same. When a character masters the art of striking with one melee weapon, the core concepts translate effectively to other melee weapons.

Any military training includes at least a basic course in melee combat preparation. In addition, characters who have spent time on primitive worlds may have learned to defend themselves with melee weapons. Aristocrats and nobles, in some systems, may also learn a number of melee techniques as part of their cultural traditions.

The difficulty of Melee checks is Average, the difficulty of all melee attacks. If the opponent is incapable of resisting, it might be easier at the GM’s discretion. The difficulty may be modified by maneuvers the character makes and specific combat situational modifiers, as described in Chapter VI: Conflict and Combat