Shield rules

[Curt]

But learning is not just planning something, and then proving that it works.
If you raise your arm, that just happens to have a shield on it, in time to
block a stone being thrown at your head, it takes a pretty dense being not
to realize that the reflex they just used might not be used in a less random
way.

The experience and expertise system used here is fairly unique, and one of
the main problems peopole have with it.  traking expertise for each skill
does lead to book-keeping.  But it adds a relatively simple layer of
realism.  Instead of trying to track each swing, I let the dice do that for
me.  A shield hit, which occurs about 50% of the time, is just that; a use
of a shield defensively.  If the shield is not ready, as in a surprise
round, the shield hit becomes a normal hit.

What about the Tower shield?  That question was asked.  The skill in using a
tower shield, not to mention the strength needed to use it effectively, is
fighting around it as much as hiding behind it.  If you wanted to build a
"Hide behind wall while fighting" skill, it would be the same thing.  The
skill of still fighting, but using the wall (non-mobile) to you advantage or
your opponents disadvantage.


Just my thoughts...


CLK

-----Original Message-----
From: Powers and Perils Fantasy Roleplaying Game Mailing List
[mailto:POWERS-AND-PERILS at GEO.CITG.TUDELFT.NL]On Behalf Of Scott Adams
Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2002 4:38 AM
To: POWERS-AND-PERILS at GEO.CITG.TUDELFT.NL
Subject: Re: Shield rules


At 02:34 AM 12/13/02 +0000, you wrote:
>Hiya.
>
>  I'm a bit more "unorthodox" with shields. For me, I figure you should get
>experties in it if you use it in combat. If you never get a shield hit, so
>what? Who's to say that you didn't use your shield to push him a bit, or
>distract him with it? Maybe your opponent is so damn good he always gets
>past your shield...that doesn't mean that you didn't use it, or that you
>didn't learn anything. Well, in my book that's what it means. :)
>
>  So, I generally give out XPT on a case by case basis; if you used your
>shield in combat, and it never got hit, and niether did you, I'll give
>something like 1 to 4. If you got hit, and so did your shield, I give the
2x
>CDF. If you get hit, and your shield never does, I give something like 1x
>CDF. Pretty loose, but fair.


Yeah.  Even this seems a bit more fair than in the book method.  I guess
its how it is face value.  I tend to take it case by case.  Just cause
a rock is thrown at someone and you just reflex bring up your arm which
happens to have a shield on it and the rock hits the shield doens't mean
you learn next time to use the shield.  Just means you have good
reflexes :)
Its a symbiotic relationship sometimes between shield and arm/body.
So I guess the only wayt to do it is case by case.

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