Shield bonus

[hong]

I think shields should grant anything up to a +4 armour bonus, but it should follow the default rules for stacking: ie, it doesn't stack with any other armour bonus.

Notice that you don't see massive shields in the age of plate armour, because the armour itself is better at providing protection than any shield could be.

 

[Darklone]

Historically, shields were most often used against ranged attacks (crossbows, slings and arrows). Noooo flying crossbows, hong!

In melee, a shield is not as useful as one might think, it can even be dangerous for the wielder. Don't think you can block a weapon with it.

 

[hong]

Historically, shields were most often used against ranged attacks (crossbows, slings and arrows). Noooo flying crossbows, hong!

In melee, a shield is not as useful as one might think, it can even be dangerous for the wielder. Don't think you can block a weapon with it.

Eh? Of course you can! You don't do it with the face of the shield, typically; you catch the weapon with the rim. IIRC even wooden shields historically usually had metal rims.

 

[Darklone]

Eh? Of course you can! You don't do it with the face of the shield, typically; you catch the weapon with the rim. IIRC even wooden shields historically usually had metal rims.

You're right, I wrote it wrong. You can block a weapon, but it's far from being easy. Even blocking a slashing sword can easily break your hand or arm.

 

[Stalker0]

You're right, I wrote it wrong. You can block a weapon, but it's far from being easy. Even blocking a slashing sword can easily break your hand or arm.

Better than breaking your face