RE: [HoE] Shields

["Leybourne, Brian" <Brian.Leybourne@airnz.co.nz>]

I really like these rules, but just a couple of points:

> Shields
> Requires fightin' concentration.  May be used passively or actively.

I would not make the shield a fightin' skill. I see shield use as more a
Deftness skill than a Nimbleness one, as the skill is in 'deftly' moving the
shield to intercept the attack. IMO it becomes its own Deftness Skill
SHIELD, although I might allow a fightin' concentration SHIELD BASH and
allow the two to be related so one can use the other at -4.

The bash would IMO be an attack with the shield which would do brawling
damage only (unless you have a big spike on it or something like that) doing
STR + DB against the opponents vigor.

> Passive use provides a flat defensive bonus, in addition to 
> any provided
> by other melee weapons.  This should be available only for front or
> shield-side attacks.  Active use provides the shield's armor rating
> against the attack.  

I would always apply the "active use" result (i.e. armour value) against
attacks which happen to hit the shield arm even if he's not using it
actively at the time ("oops.. I meant to shoot him but I shot his shield").

> The defender gets to add the shield's DB to his
> fightin' total for determination of a successful block.   An 
> active use
> requires the defender get a raise over the attacker's total 
> and acts as
> a vamoosin' action.  

Why? He could dodge and then all he needs to do it beat the attacker value
by 1 to totally avoid *all* damage. Seems a bit unfair to require a raise
just to reduce it. I would allow the block to be successful if the attackers
total is equalled ot exceeded. 

> Hope that helps.
> 
> Mojo JoJo

Brian "All IMHO of course" Leybourne.

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Brian Leybourne
brian.leybourne@airnz.co.nz
bleybourne@hotmail.com
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