OnRPGNet, Bailywolf sets of a brainstorm about how to justify melee combat in a high tech setting. There’s some excellent suggestions, of varying scientific validity. (The idea of relying only on social mores doesn’t need science at all! Except for social science.)
I especially like Shreyas’s contribution:
There is a telepathic kung fu that is popular among BADASS MOFOS. They’re highly perceptive, to the point that they can dodge projectiles by knowing where the gun is before the trigger’s pulled. But the greatest strength of their kung fu is in projection, and it’s very difficult to do this. In a combat situation, telepathic attack through the air is nigh-impossible.
But metal carries it, like electrical current. So they carry swords. Long, fast ones, the longest that will fit in the hallways. The purpose of the cut is not to injure, but only to make contact, to carry a mental attack from body to body. When they kill, the body is barely scratched, but blood wells from its mouth and eyes and its face is frozen in a look of terror.
I like this because it’s basically an excuse to plug fighting-game style combat and techniques into the game. (My love for the SoulBlade/SoulCalibur series is great.)
