CLARIFICATION - Effective strike

rulebook wrote:

Most strikes are effective only at close range, unless the strike is identified as ranged, does “R” damage, or is a defensive strike such as dodge or combat ends.

rulebook wrote:

Dodge: A dodge strike deals no damage, but it protects the dodging minion and their possessions from the effects of the opposing strike. Retainers are not protected, however. A dodge is effective at any range. A dodge protects even from the effects of a strike done with first strike (see First Strike). A dodge is a strike, even though it is solely defensive. It represents the activity of the minion during that pair of strikes.

CLARIFICATION

A strike is "effective" only with respect to the effect it has on the opposing minion or cards on the opposing minion (the "target")

Effective: that applies a change of status on the target. This includes (but is not limited to):

• inflicting damage on the target (including environmental damage)
• adding/removing (including moving/stealing) counters (including blood counters) to/from the target
• locking/unlocking the target (e.g. stun or Meld with the Land)
• queuing a combat involving the target
• moving the target to another region (e.g. to torpor)
• burning or removing from the game the target
• changing the controller of the target
• preventing the target from doing something, such as choosing a strike or restricting their choice of strikes (e.g. Pounce)

A dodge will protect the dodging minion and the non-retainer cards (equipment, but also Discipline cards for instance -- see Absorb the Mind) on them from such effects.

Strike: dodge and Strike: combat ends are effective at both ranges.
Other strikes that are not ranged will not apply such effects on the opposing minion (or cards on them): they are not effective.

A strike that is not effective:

• will still provide a press or maneuver (e.g. Righteous Blade at long range)
• will still affect the striking minion (e.g. Nightstick can be used to prevent damage from a melee weapon ranged strike such as Kerrie's, a vampire playing Kraken's Kiss will still go to torpor if they take 4 or more damage)

This is a REVERSAL of www.vekn.net/forum/rules-questions/79960-nightstick-and-defensive-strikes?start=6#105963 and www.vekn.net/forum/rules-questions/82987-strike-with-optional-press?start=6#117039