For me it was a main reason to switch game systems to "something more realistic", like RuneQuest (this was in 1983 or something). The other reason was wanting to use spell points instead of memorizing spells.
A shield is very effective to hide behind when being shot at, and it's almost as effective when being hacked at. When many shields are combined into a "shield wall", with each soldier next to the other overlapping shields, it's much like a tank coming at you. Shields are much more than a +1 on AC.
So, unless you also want to switch systems (to my Dark Dungeon 2nd ed for example, hint hint), you might want to try this D&D hack instead.
Shields need one free hand to use, and give a +1 on your armor class. But...
You can also use them to go "on the defensive". Then you really hide behind your shield, and forfeit some of your chances to attack. The effects are then according to this table.
buckler: too small for this tactic, just a +1 on AC
normal shield: +3 on defense, -3 on own attack in same round
large shield: +5 on defense, -5 on own attack in same round
Note that the defensive tactic is especially handy when used against missile fire (where you don't couterattack anyway), and for higher level characters with better attack skill.
The extra defense value of the shield is in a single direction only, or two hexsides if you use hexes.
Shields can be hacked to pieces if hit by heavier weapons (when the hit would normally be enough to hit AC 9). A normal shield should have about 5 hits, a large one 7, reinforced shields one or two points better.
I'd use a shield if I'd play a fighter with these extra rules. See what your players do. See what the sentient monsters and NPCs do... like an orc with a shield. What a way to introduce that rule, with a horde of orcs with large shields :-)
I like the idea of the possible trade-off, but the part about hitting AC 9 and separate hit points to track per shield seems a bit complicated. I'm currently using the shields shall be splintered rule, and that works well enough. Maybe I will add the Attack for AC trade-off.
ReplyDeleteYeah, agree on the complication..
ReplyDeleteYou could also say that an attacker annoyed with the shield can attempt to splinter it, and only then use the hit points and need to hit AC 9. So a dedicated action of the attacker would be needed before you start to count. In all other cases the shield would just hold.
In the Dungeons & Dragons adventures I've participated in, many warrior-types used shields. In Dark Dungeon, I can't recall any character using a shield! Funny how that goes.
ReplyDeleteIn all honesty, this might be more to do with the popularity of dual-wielding weapons, esp. the ever-popular katana wielders. These types seem to disdain shields as their players look mainly at Oriental fighting style. If one were a pedant DM, one could object that these players overlook the fact most adventures take place in Occidental settings, where shields and heavy armor "ought" to be prevalent.
A last point about D&D shields: don't forget that at mid- and high-levels, every shield-carrying character has magical plusses to his shield. These plusses, in turn, stack nicely with the bonuses for other magical armor, jewelry etc. Translation: at all but the lowest n00b levels, D&D shields do provide a worthwile bonus. Thus endeth my pedantry :-)
@JLC: True observations. Actually you have a point about DD. And about D&D shields being "extra armour". Food for thought.
ReplyDelete