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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ilbranteloth" data-source="post: 7164939" data-attributes="member: 6778044">Rapiers, yes; bucklers, no.Bucklers were used in war with arming swords at least as far back as the 1100s or earlier (art back to around 650, if I recall) and may have been more common than other shields, particularly from the 1300s on. The rapier wasn't even invented yet. I think the buckler was also the only armor/defense noted for the English archers at Agincourt, using bows and swords. It was quite common for infantry (other than those wearing polearms) that weren't men-at-arms/knights.The main protection a shield gives you that a buckler doesn't is against ranged weapons. For most infantry that wasn't something they typically had to deal with, since the cavalry is typically used to break the line of archers, crossbowmen, or arquebusiers depending on the period. Also, for those that were armored, as armor improved, a shield became less necessary. A way to block, punch, and trap weapons, on the other hand, was always useful.Rapiers were typically a dress weapon (leading eventually to smallswords) and a dueling weapon. You wouldn't be walking in the street expecting an attack. That just wasn't  common thing. If you were anticipating a fight, then you'd be prepared, and if that meant using a buckler, it would be in your hand. I don't recall any historical buckler I've seen, in person or pictures, that has a carrying strap. So I'm not sure how one would have carried it. But circumstances were rare that you'd need to draw or ready anything quickly.Duels were gentlemanly things. Wealthy people who might feel in danger have armed and armored guards, and if they are wielding a shield, it's already out.Bucklers weren't designed for "quick draw" they were used because they were very effective in melee combat - in war. The fact they were also very useful in fights against lighter swords like a rapier just meant they continued to be popular. Are you aware that a thrust with a rapier has been measured as fast/faster than a bullet? If the murderous Tybalt is ready to skewer you and your buckler isn't in your hand already, then the buckler isn't going to help you.Also, he's not wearing a light sword because he can draw it quickly. You can draw most swords quickly. He's using a light sword because it's got a faster and more maneuverable tip in combat. And he's not expecting to fight somebody in mail or plate armor. It's fascinating stuff. And pretty easy to work into the game too. Back in the OD&D/AD&D era this type of research was a fairly common thing, which is what got me started on it back then. I have to admit it's been quite a while though, so some of my dates are fuzzy. But I do know that bucklers were used extensively in war.</blockquote>

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