[PnP] Shield Hits

Wout Broere broere at powersandperils.org
Wed May 1 16:51:53 CEST 2013


For two-weapon fighting, the second weapon can be used as a shield, 
although often at a lower EL than would be attainable for shield. The 
main problem with shield hits becoming hits is then taken care of.

Splitting the TWF EL over offense and defense lowers the EL available as 
shield EL, but if the GM allows the full weapon EL used separately for 
offense, that disadvantage is offset quite a bit.

TWF can be advantageous if the GM uses a delay in readying 
weapons/shield and other items in case of an ambush. And it allows for 
rapid switchting between one and two attacks per phase, which offers a 
benefit as well.



Then again, I may be biased. I haven't played a shield using character 
in almost two decades :>
Wout

On 05/01/2013 06:25 AM, Monster Jam wrote:
> In agreement with Julian. Shields, all things being equal reduce the
> odds of being struck by half (50% to 25%). Odds to block with the shield
> become even better with better Shield expertise. As was pointed out,
> this is offset by other variables. Still, as written, only the foolish
> would pass up a shield.
>
> Two options:
> 1) Incentivize two-handed weapon users (and two-weapon users)
> 2) Disincent shield users.
>
> How you accomplish either (or both) of the two options is up to you.
>
> In a different game (home-brewed), shields are also weighted very
> heavily, and the game designer argues that shields are supposed to be
> effective, otherwise no one would have used them. Fair enough, but this
> IS a fantasy game and the game becomes pretty stale when everyone is
> outfitted the same.
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From:* Alex Koponen <akoponen at mosquitonet.com>
> *To:* pnp at list.powersandperils.org
> *Sent:* Tuesday, April 30, 2013 8:09 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [PnP] Shield Hits
>
> If your AV is high enough to shrug off most ordinary or shield hits
> there is little need for a shield, except against those opponents with
> extraordinary strength and weapon strength bonuses.
>
> Conan had a high enough CEL and DCV that few could hit him before being
> killed.
>
>      Alex K
>
> On 4/30/2013 6:49 PM, Julian Draven wrote:
>  > Shields are so critical in melee combat to avoid damage from shield
> hits, that it seems patently stupid to ever choose a two-handed weapon
> or dual weapons.
>  >
>  > Were rules ever written to make the non-shield combatant more in line?
>  >
>  > Take, Conan, for example.  Clearly not a shield user, but in P&P he
> would have a serious survival handicap.
>  >
>  > I look forward to your input.
>  >
>  >
>  >
>  > _______________________________________________
>  > pnp mailing list
>  > pnp at list.powersandperils.org <mailto:pnp at list.powersandperils.org>
>  > http://www.powersandperils.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/pnp
>  >
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> pnp mailing list
> pnp at list.powersandperils.org <mailto:pnp at list.powersandperils.org>
> http://www.powersandperils.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/pnp
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> pnp mailing list
> pnp at list.powersandperils.org
> http://www.powersandperils.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/pnp
>



More information about the pnp mailing list