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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Bilharzia" data-source="post: 8129186" data-attributes="member: 6970322">I don't think of helmets, or any other armour as similar to a shield. Helmets are nowhere near as dynamic to use and move as a shield, with the possible exception of helmets with visors (like some sallet helmets) or maybe Corinthian helmets which do seem to have been frequently pushed-back, but unlikely in close combat. Helmets are like any other armour, but introduce specific restrictions, whether you want to incorporate these into your game is down to how granular you want it. Even though the TOR system is quite abstract, I do like the helmet-trick you can pull as [USER=23484]@Kobold Stew[/USER] mentions, but it's a more a cinematic move than anything else.When used for parrying, a shield deflects a blow, it isn't necessarily about absorbing damage, (although it does that as well) a shield is used as an active defence much of the time, not solely as a passive defence as armour is, although again, it can also function as a passive damage sponge. A shield is also a weapon that can be used offensively, just as any other weapon. There are possible mechanical differences as well, in Mythras, making a successful parry means you deflect the weapon attack and protect yourself from a Special Effect, which is an advantage or opening that an opponent can pull on you - for example attempting a Stun, a Disarm, or a Trip against you. So even though you might be well protected with armour, if you fail an active parry against a successful attack, you have opened yourself up to one of these effects which might change the odds against you.If anything, I disagree with the premise of the OP, it's shields that are neglected, not helmets. I have seen some of the rules involving shields in Pathfinder 2, presumably that's what the big picture was a reference to, and although it looks like shields get more of a look-on in PF2, it all seems a bit too little and ultimately a bit daft. Shields bring you a huge defensive advantage with the downside that you can't use a 2h weapon, this (afaik) has never been treated well in any d&d-like game.</blockquote>

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