This reaction allows a phasing or non-phasing character to attempt to block an incoming attack with a ready weapon or shield. Only the target of an attack can make this reaction. The character does not move on the combat "board", but can optionally turn 60 degrees before attempting to block the attack. The direction of the attack affects what the character may use to block the attack. A weapon may be used to block the attack if it is incoming from the character's front three hexes; a shield may be used if the attack is incoming from the shielded side three hexes (see the diagram below).
A block reaction uses one action point.
A block reaction allows the character to use his/her blocking weapon skill in the dice roll that determines whether the attack hits him/her.
Follow-ons: If a character successfully blocks an incoming attack, his/her blocking weapon will be temporarily locked with the opponent's attacking weapon. The blocking character can exploit this situation if he/she has a second weapon ready (i.e. other than the one used for the block). In this case, he/she can carry out a stand and attack action (using the second weapon) as a follow-on to the successful block. This represents attacking while the blocking weapon and the opponent's weapon are locked. The opponent may not use the original attacking weapon to block or parry this follow-on attack (since it is still locked with the blocking weapon).
If a character unsuccessfully blocks, he/she can follow up with a Soak follow-on to reduce the damage from the blow.