improvised Shield use

[Vazbol]

So tried doing some research on how viable this is realistically. However, we’ve taken advantage of our light “fantasy” setting to allow for some fairly reaching things. Such as Tower shields, morning stars, musket shot being blocked by shields and previously dual wielding. So, some less than responsible uses of shields could still be wedged in under rule of cool. Especially by those who live by somehow making something work, the few who took up Combat Style: Pragmatic.

The Idea on this is using shields normally known for being strap shields slung across the shoulder or arm. The perception is that it allowed one to have that arm free for using a two-handed weapon or a free hand while somewhat maintaining the use of a shield. The trade off for doing this would be losing all block reroll bonuses associated with a shield. You can still block and potentially bash; you just won’t be benefitting from any shield bonuses from abilities like block prof or the shield’s innate rerolls. Outside of one exception for later.


Regarding weapon setups. For two handed weapons, the style should allow hand and a half weapons to be used at full power, as if their free hand were open. Giving them a unique roll amongst the weapons that can be wielded like this, and a bonus to the pragmatic class for using weapons that are somewhat right now considered inferior to full two handers. Also, it means one can be considered having a free hand for when that comes up while still being able to shield block. Alternatively, if you want to be a dual fist wield pragmatic fighter that wants a four-armed strapped buckler to block with. Have at it.

Now to mention another ability that’s not taken as much. If you have this and arrow guard, you can still benefit from shield rerolls from that ability vs projectiles. Otherwise, it’s a reroll less block outside of morale.

So, thoughts on this ability? Obviously, this will have a pre-req of combat style: pragmatic. Also, to make the position easier to work with, it’ll just make any shield that’s worn on the shoulders function as if it’s being arm mounted or not being used properly. Also openned to this just being a weird buckler only thing if shoulder worn as well.

[jerc]

My disappointment that this topic isn't about using a pot, barrel lid, small table, child, etc. as a shield is immeasurable.

[Vazbol]

Now now, this is already covered by Improv Weapon prof. And if it isn't, than we need to make it so.


The idea is leaving this to small arm strapped shields or the arm buckler. I know the above was a joke, but most of it would be held like a center gripped shield. That does open another idea for a different topic.

[Smoothcoffee]

I love this idea really really a lot. Please make this a thing. I'd be less grumpy if my not really a hand using marauder could have more options if I can't come up with dodge ideas.

[Gorth]

I love the idea of letting people without a lot of defensive abilities have small ways to balance it out. I'm totally fine with it having no extra shield reroll, or even a small penalty. It's still an extra roll, and it lets us have more damage options. This would help a lot with light armor builds to at least mildly balance the playing field. And it would still mean that it would be better to keep the shield out, for the rerolls.