The shield occupies a unique position among armor and weapons. This versatile provision
provides defensive adjustments just for being carried in an appropriate manner, it also
may be used as an off-hand weapon or even as a primary weapon for those individuals
properly trained in its use. Each shield within a given class provides the same defensive
capabilities. These capabilities are listed following the shield descriptions in the table
below. A short-hand code is used to distinguish between the various weapon types the
shield may be defending against; VL: Very Light, L: Light, M: Medium, H: Heavy, P:
Polearms and ALL: all weapon classes. Following these codes is the adjustment to an
attackers “to hit” percentage against a defender utilizing that shield class.
Defense against missile weapons is only appropriate for true Shields (classes 6 through
10), these shields defend against missiles at the lowest listed adjustment.
SHIELD ARMOR TABLE
|
| Class |
Name |
Description |
Cost(sp) |
Weight |
| 1 |
Soft |
Improvised by rolling a cloak or similar item of heavy fabric around the
off arm for several turns. |
var. |
var. |
|
VL |
-5% |
| 2 |
Improvised |
A chair, candelabra, or other item of sturdy construction. |
var. |
var. |
|
VL |
-10% |
L |
-10% |
| 3 |
Polearm |
The reach advantage and defensive capabilities of polearms. |
var. |
var. |
|
All |
-10% |
| 4 |
Quarterstaff |
The stout staff of this weapon provides numerous defensive opportunities. |
var. |
var. |
|
VL |
-10% |
L |
-10% |
M |
-5% |
H |
-5% |
| 4 |
Armored Gauntlet |
A double linked reinforced mail gauntlet may be used to deflect attacks.
This advantage has already been added to Armor classes over 7. |
200 |
10 |
|
VL |
-10% |
L |
-10% |
M |
-5% |
H |
-5% |
| 5 |
Shod Quarterstaff |
When reinforced with metal studs, strips or banding a quarterstaff can
safely deflect weapons of greater power. |
var. |
var. |
|
VL |
-10% |
L |
-10% |
M |
-10% |
H |
-5% |
| 6 |
Buckler |
A small round wooden shield of 1½-2 ft. in diameter carried in the off
hand. |
25 |
5 |
|
Steel band sharpened to a bladed edge. |
125 |
10 |
|
Steel spike mounted on the boss |
75 |
5 |
|
VL |
-10% |
L |
-10% |
M |
-5% |
H |
-5% |
| 7 |
Rondache |
Round wooden shield of 2½-3 ft. in diameter carried in the off hand. |
35 |
7 |
|
VL |
-10% |
L |
-10% |
M |
-10% |
H |
-5% |
P |
-5% |
| 7 |
Target |
Round (metal) shield of 2½-3 ft. in diameter. Worn slung from the off
shoulder with a grip for the off hand. |
|
Steel |
100 |
25 |
|
Iron |
75 |
50 |
|
Steel sharpened to a bladed edge. |
250 |
30 |
|
Steel with a spike mounted on the boss. |
150 |
27 |
|
VL |
-10% |
L |
-10% |
M |
-10% |
H |
-5% |
P |
-5% |
| 8 |
Triangular |
Typical "knights" wooden shield, 3 ft. wide and 3 ft. tall with
sheet metal covering. Worn slung from the off shoulder with a grip for the off hand. |
50 |
15 |
|
All |
-10% |
| 9 |
Pavis |
Teardrop shaped wooden shield with a 3 ft. diameter and 4-5 ft. tall.
Worn slung from the off shoulder with a grip for the off hand. |
50 |
15 |
|
VL |
-15% |
L |
-15% |
M |
-10% |
H |
-10% |
P |
-10% |
| 9 |
Kite |
Similar to triangular shield except with a 4-5 ft. length to protect the
legs. Worn slung from the off shoulder with a grip for the off hand. |
75 |
25 |
|
VL |
-15% |
L |
-15% |
M |
-10% |
H |
-10% |
P |
-10% |
| 10 |
Scutum, Oval |
Wooden oval shield, 3 ft. wide by 4 ft. tall curved towards the wielder
at the edges. Worn slung from the off shoulder with a grips for both hands. |
50 |
25 |
|
All |
-15% |
| 10 |
Scutum, Square |
Wooden shield, 4 ft. square curved towards the wielder at the edges.
Carried in two hands, often with wheels at the base for better mobility. |
75 |
30 |
|
All |
-15% |