In Defense of Shields

[mudpyr8]

...continued from the Crusader thread.

I like the idea of introducing a new combat option but I think it should be as simple as possible to play.
BLOCK

Anyone can use a shield to block. This provides an AC bonus based on the size of the shield - essentially the defender is actively using the shield as cover.

Buckler = +0 additional AC (+1 total)

Small = +1 additional AC (+2 total)

Medium = +3 additional AC (+4 total)

Large = +5 additional AC (+6 total)

Pevis/Kite = +4 additional AC (+10 total)

These bonuses mirror those for cover. If the to hit roll misses but not by more than the total shield AC bonus - the shield is struck and takes damage. The defender makes a STR or DEX saving throw, adding the total Block AC bonus to the roll, +3 if the shield is metal. The CL of the save is the damage done by the attack. Optionally, a shield can take 1-5 hits, based on its size, and if the damage done is greater than 3 for wood or 6 for steel mark off a hit.

Restrictions for the number of opponents a shield may apply its bonus to still apply (buckler/small = 1, med = 2, large = 3, pevis = 4).

Additionally, the defender may add an additional bonus to his AC against a one opponent. Fighters may use their multiple attacks to increase this number. The amount of that bonus is half his BtH value (round up). This bonus must be applied to one of the opponents the base shield bonus applies to.

For example, a 3rd level fighter wearing a mail hauberk and no DEX bonus with a large shield is attacked by 4 goblins. His base AC is 16 with the shield against 3 of the goblins, and 15 against the 4th. He opts to hold the line and gives up his action to BLOCK. His AC against 3 of them is now 21 but still 15 against the 4th. He can also designate one of the 3 and increase his AC by +2 more (BtH +3 / 2 = 1.5 round up). Were he higher level he would be able to use his bonus attacks to increase his AC against even more opponents.

If the goblins miss they may damage the shield. +6 AC comes from the base BLOCK maneuver and shield, so if any goblin gets a 15 or more but still misses he hits the shield.

This makes BLOCK a little more effective than Dodge or Evade but requires a shield to do so and may not apply to all attacks. There is no roll required by the defender and the BLOCK AC could be easily noted on a character sheet to avoid calculating during play.

Also, for clarity, Dodge, Evade, and Block do not requrie Inititive to execute. A character can do these regardless of their order in combat, but they must declare this before the attack roll is made against them.
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[serleran]

Here's how I do it:

Shield Block (Strength): The character is skilled in the defensive use of a shield and can effectively wield such in combat. When

engaged in combat, a character can make a Strength check, modified by the Base to Hit of the opponent, in attempt to nullify a

successful attack, reducing damage to zero. If the character using this ability has not already acted, then a -4 penalty is applied,

and initiative for the following round will be at a penalty of -2; on the other hand, if the character has already acted, there is no

penalty to the check, but, the character suffers a -4 penalty to initiative the following round. These penalties apply even if the

check fails, or the initial attack is unsuccessful. No character can attempt a Block skill check, in melee, a number of times per

round greater than their Strength modifier, regardless of success or failure; note, though, that any character, regardless of

Strength score, can always use Block at least once a round, if desired. Alternatively, a character can make an off-hand attack,

suffering normal penalties, with an equipped shield dealing 1d6 points of damage if successful. This use of the Block ability is

limited to once per round, regardless of the characters Strength modifier, and forbids the character from using Block in the

standard way. A successful use of this ability provokes the use of item saving throws, at the Castle Keepers discretion.

Got most of the other stuff mentioned too.

[mudpyr8]

I don't understand.

Quote:
If the character using this ability has not already acted, then a -4 penalty is applied,

and initiative for the following round will be at a penalty of -2; on the other hand, if the character has already acted, there is no

penalty to the check, but, the character suffers a -4 penalty to initiative the following round. These penalties apply even if the

check fails, or the initial attack is unsuccessful.

So, if I haven't taken my action yet I am at a greater penalty than if I have? Does the Shield Block use my attack or is it in addition to? Are you assessing a penalty to the block because I haven't acted yet to represent being pressed (i.e. my opponent is faster)?

Thanks.
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Legendsmiths presents: Narosia * Sea of Tears, a complete fantasy setting for HERO System

[serleran]

Yep, if you're slower than your opponent (lower initiative), blocking his attack is harder because you're not ready for it. Using a block is in addition to an attack.

[mudpyr8]

That works. More SIEGE-y than my solution. Thanks.
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Legendsmiths presents: Narosia * Sea of Tears, a complete fantasy setting for HERO System