Shield (armour)

Shields are a form of armour that can be carried or strapped to a combatant's arm, providing defense against melee attacks while also offering some protection from missiles. In the game's time period, shields are most commonly made from boiled leather, or "cuir bouilli," a material created by boiling and macerating leather until it becomes soft and malleable, allowing it to be moulded or stamped into a tough, rigid shape. Once hardened, it naturally solidifies, and when treated with varnish or shellac, it becomes as strong as wood or horn.

Some shields may be constructed from wood, often reinforced with iron fittings and a shield cover made of goat's skin, which laces around the rim for a snug fit. This cover helps preserve the shield by keeping it dry and reducing the long-term effects of gouging, splintering and splitting.

Types

Shields vary in shape and size, each designed for different combat styles and defensive needs. The buckler, or "small shield," is a lightweight, round shield measuring 23 inches in diameter and weighing 51 oz., allowing for quick, agile movement. The round shield, or "large shield," is 2 feet 11 inches across, providing more body coverage at the cost of increased weight (86 oz.). Both shields may be gripped freely — which increases the chance of them being dropped — or strapped to the arm for better security.

Among wooden shields, the kite shield was widely used from the 10th to the 13th century and is recognisable by its elongated, almond shape. Designed to cover the wearer from shoulder to lower leg, it features a wooden handgrip and arm straps, which must be used for proper handling. A central metal boss deflects incoming blows and arrows, reinforcing its durability. The kite shield weighs 12 lbs.

The rotella is another round wooden shield, primarily used in Italy and elsewhere during the Renaissance. It features a metal boss and is often reinforced with rivets to increase its strength. Without the boss, it serves as the "small wooden shield" commonly used by druids. Its design allows for quick movement and maneuverability in confined combat spaces. A similar shield, the Scottish targe, shares many of its characteristics. The rotella weighs 5¾ lbs.

The pavise is a large, convex, rectangular shield, favoured by archers for its maximum body coverage. It includes a lower spike, allowing it to be planted into the ground for cover while reloading. When set up in a line, pavises create a strong defensive position, though they are quite heavy, weighing 17½ lbs.

Using Shields

Using a shield provides a +1 bonus to armour class, though shields cannot be used with two-handed weapons.

For effective use, shields must be strapped to the arm in advance. If a shield is held loosely and struck by an attack that misses by 1 point, the force of the blow knocks it from the wielder's grip. The location of the fallen shield is determined using fumble rules. If a defender is stunned, they must pass a strength check to maintain their grip.

Shield protection does not apply against rear attacks or flank attacks from the unshielded side. For example, if a shield is held in the left hand, it only offers protection against attacks from the left flank, leaving the right side exposed.

If a shield is broken or ruined due to failing a saving throw, it becomes a liability if still strapped to the arm. The combatant loses its defensive bonus and instead suffers a -2 penalty to armour class until the shield is removed using action points.

See also,
Heraldry, Signs & Sigils (sage study)
[[Main-gauche (sage ability)
Phalanx (sage ability)
Puissance (sage study)
Shield as a Weapon (sage ability)