CLOSE COMBAT

Fighting

You’re trained with a particular type of close attack, giving you a bonus to your attack checks with it equal to

your skill rank. Each close attack is a separate Close Combat skill with its own rank, and encompasses a single weapon or power, although an array may be considered one power, at the Gamemaster’s discretion.

So a hero might have Close Combat (Swords), but Close Combat (Melee Weapons) is too broad. Close Combat (Unarmed) is an option, meaning skill with unarmed strikes like punches and kicks. However, this bonus does not apply to other forms of unarmed combat maneuvers, including, but not limited to, grabbing or tripping.

The bonus from a Close Combat skill applies only to attack checks with the particular attack, not to defenses.