Ryzom

I'll keep this brief.
(Copied and edited from in-game Guild Forum)
Fist and I were discussing Parry and dodge and we figured out the system. Ahem:

Dodge: Based on your highest combat or magic level.
Advantages: Will always be pretty high.
Disadvantages: Can sink like a rock from armor.

Parry: Based on your current combat level. With magic gloves, is equal to your Close Combat level. For example: Let's say I'm level 70 in 2 Handed Melee and level 65 in Close Combat. If I am using a pike, I will have 70 base parry. If I am using daggers, I will have 65 base parry.
Advantages: Can be raised immensely by shields.
Disadvantages: Is based on you current combat level, which means when levelling a lower skill you might be better off dodging.

Tell me if your experiences differ!

I'm level 63 in close combat as well as 1 handed.

When I use my rifle (2 handed ranged is at lvl 84) my parry is still 63/63.

Maybe ranged fighters were not supposed to parry.

I think ranged counts as close combat.

When equipping any item that can't be used for melee combat, your parry drops to the level of your cc. Rifles, picks, craft tools etc.