Shields Shall Be Splintered!

[jcftao]

Pete, I recall comments regarding this in a thread called 'Combat House Rules'

You and some of the other posters had some great ideas about splintered shields and combat maneuvers.

Thanks!

[rredmond]

Pete, I recall comments regarding this in a thread called 'Combat House Rules'

You and some of the other posters had some great ideas about splintered shields and combat maneuvers.

Thanks!

It's actually been spoken about a lot here.
search.php?st=0&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&keywords=%22Shields+will+be+splintered%22&start=10

I might allow a save vs death to use this rule only in times that a death blow was being delivered. And only for PCs or important NPCs. So you make the save you lose the shield and take no damage. You miss the save, you lose the HPs.

Hmm. I like this a lot.

--Ron--

[bighara]

I would let them see the damage roll first, but if you use the rule, you need to be somewhat strict about things like encumbrance and inventory. e.g. The PC can't carry a half dozen spare shields on his back.

As far as two-handed weapons are concerned, might I suggest a HR based on WFRP's "Impact" quality?:

The 2H weapon wielder rolls damage twice and uses the higher roll.

[Blood axe]

I would let them see the damage roll first, but if you use the rule, you need to be somewhat strict about things like encumbrance and inventory. e.g. The PC can't carry a half dozen spare shields on his back.

As far as two-handed weapons are concerned, might I suggest a HR based on WFRP's "Impact" quality?:

The 2H weapon wielder rolls damage twice and uses the higher roll.

I like that idea for two-handed weapons.

What about using two weapons?

[bighara]

I would let them see the damage roll first, but if you use the rule, you need to be somewhat strict about things like encumbrance and inventory. e.g. The PC can't carry a half dozen spare shields on his back.

As far as two-handed weapons are concerned, might I suggest a HR based on WFRP's "Impact" quality?:

The 2H weapon wielder rolls damage twice and uses the higher roll.

I like that idea for two-handed weapons.

What about using two weapons?

One attack at +1 to hit.

[Blood axe]

Makes it pretty even;

hand weapon & shield - can sacrifice shield to avoid 1 blow
two-handed weapons- roll two dice for damage & keep the highest
two weapons- one attack at +1 hit

[jcftao]

Makes it pretty even;

hand weapon & shield - can sacrifice shield to avoid 1 blow
two-handed weapons- roll two dice for damage & keep the highest
two weapons- one attack at +1 hit

That would be a great trade off for those wanting two handed wpn instead of shield.


Also, in regards to a player having more than one shield...as a DM, I would rule that the PC would be not have time in combat to re-equip with another shield....UNLESS they have a shield bear. That hireling could be ready to hand their shield to the PC. Makes squires doubly valuable!

Btw...what are your rules re: how shields are fastened? Are they tied on or just held in place by user?

Also, can a shield user hold a torch in the shield arm?

Sorry...rambling...

[Blood axe]

I would not let someone carry a bunch of spare shields. One they are using, perhaps a spare at most.

I let players carry a shield and hold a torch in the hand, but not during combat. They must grasp the shield firmly in combat for it to be effective.

[bighara]

Another reason for hirelings! Yay!

re: equipping times. I would let the PC drop a shield for free (shake off arm), but it would take at least a full round to strap on a new one.

I would say no re: torch. Your hand is holding the "outer" strap in your fist.

[petespahn]

I would think a character could "hold" a torch with a shield hand by gripping the strap and the torch at the same time. I would rule they could not "fight" while holding a torch in this manner.

I had one magic-user player hire a carpenter to make a special torch sconce for the top of his quarterstaff. He used this until he acquired continual light, then cast the spell on the end of the staff and had a leatherworker design a special hood that could be pulled on and off.

I had a fighter get continual light cast on his helm which worked well for keeping everything illuminated during combat, but ensured that he got targeted first by enemies who were smart enough to take out the guy with the "magical" helm first.