Hand Catch

Hard

Default: prerequisite skill Parry-3.
Prerequisite: Judo, Sumo Wrestling, or Wrestling†; can-
not exceed prerequisite Parry.
This technique – popular with cinematic warriors, mus-
cular henchmen, and super “bricks” – involves catching an
incoming attack in your hand. It isn’t realistic! It’s a one-
handed parry, even if the prerequisite skill usually parries
with two hands, and incompatible with Cross Parry (p. 121).
Roll against Hand Catch to defend, at the usual -2 for
Sumo Wrestling vs. a kick, or -3 for Sumo Wrestling or
Wrestling vs. a weapon. You cannot retreat. Failure means
you’re hit. The attacker may choose to hit his original target,
your parrying arm, or your parrying hand. Success means
you parry and may roll against the prerequisite skill to grab
your attacker, modified as follows.
Modifiers: Against unarmed, -2 to hit a hand or foot; -2
for Sumo Wrestling vs. a foot; -1 if your foe knows Rapid
Retraction (p. 51). Against armed, a basic -3; another -3 to
-5 for weapon size (see p. B400); a further -3 for Sumo
Wrestling or Wrestling vs. a weapon.
Success on this skill roll means
you grapple the extremity or grab the
weapon! On later turns, you can use
any combat option or technique that
requires a grab or grapple to set up –
Disarming, Finger Lock, Judo Throw,
Snap Weapon, Wrench Limb, etc., as
applicable. Failure means you deflect
the attack but fail to catch your
attacker.
The GM may let realistic fighters
try this technique at default. The con-
sequences of failure are steep enough
to keep it under control.
† You can also learn Hand Catch
for Parry Missile Weapons in order to
catch ranged weapons. If you have Precognitive Parry, you
can use any Hand Catch specialty for this. Hand Catch can
only trap projectiles (not beams) that the underlying parry
could deflect. Use the standard modifiers for such parries
instead of those above. Success plucks the weapon from the
air, regardless of hand DR. Failure means you’re hit. Don’t
use Hand Catch to catch something thrown to you – use
Catching (p. B355).