What games do interesting things with shields?

Beldar · September 13, 2018, 07:50:45 AM

Most tabletop games greatly undervalue shields. Fighting with a shield is a real game changer on the battlefield. They are far more than the small AC bonus classic games provide. What games out there do interesting thinga with shields in combat other than just a tiny AC boost? I'm not talking only about D&D types, but any traditional tabletop RPG.

Mike the Mage · September 13, 2018, 08:22:51 AM

Dragon Warriors.

It does nothing but if you get hit you roll a 1d6 and if you get a 1, it hits the shield.

Simple, but works so well in play.

YOu can specialise later to make a 1 in 4/

thedungeondelver · September 13, 2018, 08:24:27 AM

AD&D, although most people don't know about this. Large shields can block 2 opponents, but only on the shield arm side. Small shields can only block one, same location. So, effectively, you do not get an AC bonus for being attacked on your weapon-hand.

Chris24601 · September 13, 2018, 08:56:51 AM

Palladium Books treats a shield as a weapon with mediocre damage, but a great parry bonus (defenses are checks in Palladium for those unaware). That meant you could use maneuvers like power attack or knockdown with the shield. Way more interesting than shield as a passive barrier against attacks.

Sable Wyvern · September 13, 2018, 08:57:24 AM

Runequest/Mythras has the best shield rules I've seen. Shields are weapons that are much better than other weapons at parrying. If your opponent is inside the ideal range for your primary weapon, they will potentially be a better option to attack with than said weapon, and can potentially force your opponent back. Used passively, they protect more of your body than other weapons; used actively to parry they are typically more effective than other weapons.

rgalex · September 13, 2018, 09:02:39 AM

Conan - Adventures in an Age Undreamed Of allows a PC to use a shield for cover, which gives bonus soak dice. It also gives the PC the parry quality, so defending multiple times adds less to the GMs Doom Pool.

PCs can use a shield as a weapon and with enough successes knock down an opponent.

Finally, if the PC does fail a defense roll, their shield can be sacrificed (aka: destroyed) to prevent the damage they would have taken.

Sable Wyvern · September 13, 2018, 09:10:33 AM

In Hackmaster (5E) shields increase your chance of being hit but, if you are hit, there is an excellent chance the hit will be to your shield, which means your enemy does less damage, and more of said damage is soaked. A particularly heavy hit to a shield may break it, however.

David Johansen · September 13, 2018, 09:40:16 AM

In GURPS shields give a passive bonus to all defense rolls from the front and can be used to actively block attacks. Shield is an easy skill and thus even better than parrying with a weapon.

estar · September 13, 2018, 10:42:55 AM

GURPS in addition to what Dave mentioned techniques can be learned (and improved) one can learn

Shield Wall Training
Shield Rush a form of Slam Attack
Attack with the Shield (most maneuvers apply)
Perform a Beat to reduce a target's defense via the Fighter's Strength and skill.
Shove an opponent
Add a spike to the shield
Sharpen the Edges of a Shield

GURPS has the most complete treatment of shield I seen for any RPG.

Beldar · September 13, 2018, 03:15:38 PM

Quote from: estar;1055978GURPS in addition to what Dave mentioned techniques can be learned (and improved) one can learn

Shield Wall Training
Shield Rush a form of Slam Attack
Attack with the Shield (most maneuvers apply)
Perform a Beat to reduce a target's defense via the Fighter's Strength and skill.
Shove an opponent
Add a spike to the shield
Sharpen the Edges of a Shield

GURPS has the most complete treatment of shield I seen for any RPG.

GURPS is the most remarkable game that I can never get anyone to play. It's writing is excellent and often researched. I like GURPS combat in general but it's always been too hard of a sell to my gaming groups. Honestly, the only book that deserves the GURPS reputation is the 3rd Edition Vehicles, but that's an irrelevant book now.

I will add Adventurers! from Gramel to the interesting shield rules list. It's a 2d6 plus stats game, but if you carry a shield and roll doubles on defense it soaks additional damage.

Spinachcat · September 13, 2018, 04:50:58 PM

Mazes & Minotaurs has the SHIELD WALL! maneuver which allow 2+ Spearmen side by side to gain +2 AC and can do so while charging.

Exploderwizard · September 13, 2018, 04:59:51 PM

Quote from: thedungeondelver;1055955AD&D, although most people don't know about this. Large shields can block 2 opponents, but only on the shield arm side. Small shields can only block one, same location. So, effectively, you do not get an AC bonus for being attacked on your weapon-hand.

I think large shields can be used by up to 3 opponents, medium shields are two, and small shields one.

thedungeondelver · September 13, 2018, 05:16:57 PM

Quote from: Exploderwizard;1056009I think large shields can be used by up to 3 opponents, medium shields are two, and small shields one.

Ah, that's it. Thanks; I was going off the top of my head, didn't have any books handy.

Omega · September 13, 2018, 07:27:23 PM

5e D&D has the shield mastery perk which allows shoving, as well as a bonus to DEX saves. And the ability to nullify damage from spells that do half if saved as long as you make the save. The playtest also allowed for attacking with the shield. You can still do that as an improvised weapon at least.

Larsdangly · September 13, 2018, 11:28:51 PM

GURPS; no contest. If you refuse to play GURPS, then Runequest.