Melee weapon defensive stats while in Melee

[AxiomUnbroken]

I would like to see a defensive bonus given to melee characters, while in melee with a melee weapon.

This does exist to a point, since a melee weapon character engages with a ranged character has the advantage. The difference I am referring to is when taking on multiple melee characters or animal attacks. A character with a melee weapon would naturally have a defensive advantage once close quarters was engaged. Animals and other melee characters disregard any defensive advantage at all.

I think even a minor bonus would make melee characters much more integral/functional in defense planning. Too powerful they would create automatic kill zones, but just a slight buff would give your ranged units 1-2 more shots that might turn the tide of battle.

You could restrict the bonus to melee weapon vs melee weapon and animals. Not including melee weapon vs bare hands. So the current norm would be upheld, but would see a benefit in life span for melee units vs other melee.

[dragonalumni]

I think that is what the shield was added for. I would rather see  something like a way to actually train up melee and make the skill in melee more important than being born a brawler.

[Shub-Niggurath]

This is a good idea.
Some times I feel that a person with melee stat 20 armed with a long sword should be able to easily 1v3 some level 4 melees armed with clubs.

[Hans Lemurson]

Maybe if melee skill improved your ability to dodge/parry attacks? 

This could be regardless of weapon, so even a sniper with good melee training could have decent odds of holding off an attacker until help arrives, parrying with their rifle.

[SpaceDorf]

By this logic every weapon should have a defensive / melee stat

Using a Sniper or Assault Rifle is better for Defense than a pistol or grenades.

Also the Power Armor should enhance Melee for everyone so much metal to hurt someone with.

[Limdood]

all this would do is slow down melee combat wouldn't it?

you're not going to dodge bullets, so some way to reduce the effectiveness of melee, while in melee, would just make the whole thing go slower...

i don't support this...