Shields

There's a lot here, so thanks in advance for the patience in reading it.

For this awesome setting, wherein hardware and steel take center stage with the badasses who know how to use it, shields seem completely bland, boring, underwhelming, and uninspired. As a means of opening things up, to allow for a more distinctive looking party, full of individuals of varying combat styles, I think we should most definitely add the below ideas to the menu. It will bring the shield a little back into style, and make it a little more appealing again, rather than the so often overlooked 'boring' style that many eschew in favor of the sexier Dual Wielding and Two-Handed styles.

The important thing here is to keep balance while doing so. What I'm suggesting is to simply have three different shield sizes, along with some realistic options on how they could be used in combat, adding more tactical depth and flavor to the game.

A visual reference:



Some notes:

---Shields should be more useful and effective against Ranged attacks, as seen throughout history. If and when the players use the shields against ranged enemies, the AC adjustments make sense. In real life, I'd feel a lot better approaching some guys with Bows if I had a shield of some kind in front of me, and the bigger, the better.

---The heavier shields (Medium and Large) have STR requirements to use without penalty.

---The Actions, Bonus Actions, and Reactions allowed in the new shield system will make combat a little more interesting and diverse, especially when considered with all of the other Bonus Actions and Reactions allowed by a wide range of possible combinations of abilities granted by different Classes, Archetypes, and Feats. I'm thrilled we don't have magic oozing out of our character's pores, but I also think this added bit for shields will help make up for some lost diversity.

---Some of the shields could have cultural origins, or be more popular in certain cultures. For example, given the Holy Roman Empire type culture the Yuoric are, to me it seems like the Large Shield would fit their military, with legions of troops that have them (also more tribal cultures, with their large hide-skin shields). The Small shield would likely be common across many cultures (with perhaps some of the finest coming from your Italian themed culture). The Medium Shield would be fairly common as well, although your Greek themed culture might be known for making the absolute best Medium Shields (a la the Hoplite).

---Given the Martial leaning of the Weaponized Small Shields, I'd suggest giving them a unique cultural origin outside of Yuoric (the italian themed one again, or the from the Kush?), reflecting some style of fighting geared towards agility. It doesn't need to be too exotic, and obviously could have been imported & adopted by many cultures over time, brought into the gladiator rings, fighting pits, and sooner or later simply viewed as a useful piece of hardware by those who can put it to use.

---Small Shields have two potential Bonus Actions, in addition to offensive potential, which seemed realistic, given their smaller size and maneuverability.

---Medium Shields are derived from the PHB original 'Shield', and served as the baseline when creating the Small/Large versions. The only change to the Medium Shield was (realistically) expanding upon its defensive capabilities vs Ranged attacks.

---Large Shields are naturally heavier, and interfere slightly with one's attack capabilities, while offering an equal trade-off in additional protection. Additionally, their Ranged defense capabilities are supreme in the shield world, and have (realistically) been adjusted to reflect this.

---And that's about all I have on Shields. I'm a big fan of these changes, and I'd like to think you'll approve. None of them are remotely close to being game-breaking, as I've taken care to balance them. Also, as mentioned before, the below changes will make the shield an interesting option, as opposed to being the bland choice that is hardly ever chosen.


Shield Master Adjustment: +1 AC


Shield Stats:

Light Shield (lightweight, easy to use): AC + 0 (yes, zero base AC bonus) / To Hit +0
---Cost 5 gp (10 for Weaponized versions, which require Martial Weapons proficiency to get Proficiency attack bonuses)

---Bonus Action a +1 bonus to AC until the start of the character's next turn (reflecting the need to use/position the Small Shield more precisely/actively, rather than just having a larger one that provides better body coverage in general)
---OR make an attack that does 1d3 blunt damage (1d6 piercing/bludgeoning/slashing damage if it's a Weaponized shield, with damage bonuses for those who have the Fighter's Two-Weapon Fighting). The Weaponized Shield might have a simple spike protruding from the center, or a dagger length 'punching blade' coming off an edge, an axe-like edge etc. Aesthetic freedom here, as long as it's not stupidly silly (e.g., multiple blades spiraling out from the edges like a over-sized ninja star... I'd only allow that later when the character can cough up the serious gp for some custom made armor like that, and then maybe give it 1d6+1 damage, or something in-line with higher level weapons made of better steel, etc).
---This shield will also count as a weapon for the purpose of allowing users to benefit from both the Dual-Wielder Feat, and the Fighter's Two-Weapon Fighting style, when wielding a Small Shield. This makes a nice balanced set up wherein the skilled Dual-Wielder can have an AC+1, if they use the shield for a Bonus Action attack that round, or they can have an AC+2 for that round, if they forego the Bonus Action attack and focus on defense. It makes sense, and if the Dual-Wielder decides not to attack that turn (or use ANY bonus actions), their AC bonus from the shield is on par with a one-handed style fighter who uses a Medium Shield.

Aesthetic Examples ('Skins'):
Buckler
Spiked Buckler
Axe-edged Buckler



Medium Shield (only available choice from PHB; versatile combo of body coverage and ease of use): AC +2 / To Hit -0
---Cost: 10 gp (per PHB).
---10 STR to use or character's attacks are made at a Disadvantage.

---Bonus Action gives the user half cover, granting a +2 bonus to AC against Ranged attacks, and to DEX saving throws.

---Reaction can be used to add an additional +1 AC against Ranged attacks, including the triggering attack, until the start of the character's next turn (defending against detected threats).
---Bonus Action can be used to add an additional +1 AC against Ranged attacks, until the start of the character's next turn (angling the shield and positioning the body in general).
---The AC bonuses of the Medium Shield's Bonus Action and Reaction are cumulative, if combined. So, it's possible for the defender to have an additional +2 AC against Ranged attacks.

Potential Skins:
Round
Square
Hoplite
Heater
Pelte



Heavy Shield (somewhat unwieldly and cumbersome): AC +3 / To Hit -1 (-1 To Hit balances out the +1 to the AC)
---Cost: 25 gp.
---12 STR to use or character's attacks are made at a Disadvantage.

---Bonus Action gives the user three-quarters cover, granting a +5 bonus to AC against Ranged attacks, and to DEX saving throws.

---Reaction can be used to add +1 AC against all Ranged attacks, including the triggering attack, until the start of the character's next turn (defending against detected threats).
---Bonus Action can be used to add +2 AC against Ranged Attacks, until the start of the character's next turn (angling the shield and positioning the body in general).
---Action (regular Action here, not Bonus Action) can be used to add +2 AC against Ranged attacks until the start of the character's next turn. We're using a whole action here, representing supreme focus on using the shield for defense against Ranged attacks. Obviously, since this costs a full Action (meaning no attacks for the character that turn), it would likely (wisely) be used as a means of fully focusing on defense against Ranged attacks, likely as part of the 3 step process mentioned below.
---The AC bonuses of the Large Shield's Bonus Action, Reaction, and Action are cumulative, if combined. So, it's possible for the defender to have an additional +5 AC against Ranged attacks.. Combining all of these is representative of the character focusing entirely on warding off Ranged attacks, with each step (Bonus Action, Reaction, and Action) a building upon the other.


Potential Skins:
Scutum
Norman
Pavise
Kite

On the phone now, need to read this through more but I think I get it. Versus arrows, shields should be more like cover. Like that idea. Sizing difference makes for different performance. Good. Options to burn Actions to get more cover. Good.

I want to study the mechanics and comment more. Busy night, Ash Wednesday Mass soon (practicing Gellirian Church equivalent I am. Ha!). Early meetings tomorrow. I'm probably burned on schedule til tomorrow night, bro, but will catch up.

Also, given that the Archery Fighter style can add what is generally considered one of the best combat bonuses in the game (+2), in addition to the new Sharpshooter Archetype and the UA Weapon Mastery Feats (Fell-Handed, Flail, Blade, etc) , it seemed fair to add some meat to the shields.

Another thought: given that the UA Weapon Mastery Feats add some variable abilities, in addition to a +1 attack bonus, I think we might want to expand the Shield Master Feat in the PHB to add +1 AC when using a shield. Again, like the adjustments above, it makes sense, and is in line with the other Feats when it comes to the simple option to be good at a certain style of combat, not to mention that it actually makes the Shield Master Feat worth taking. This also adds a little more balance to shields, which are sorely overlooked by the PHB RaW, given that there are so many excellent offensive options for Feats between the PHB and UA, which is great, but there should be more balance. So, if we can get massive damage bonuses, or attack bonuses, or both (e.g., combine Great Weapon Master with any UA Weapon Master Feat), we should be able to muster up a simple +1 AC bonus for guys who really know how to use a shield (Shield Master with added +1 AC).

In sum, this brings balance, and allows further character customization, giving players the option of gearing their character towards offense, defense, or a mixture of both, depending on the variety of choices they have.

Also, as a side note, I've been looking forward to Dark Fantasy since you first gauged interest. The setting always appealed, but in the beginning I was concerned that the characters would be a little cookie cutter: dual wielding rapier rogues, great weapon warriors, supreme archers, etc, meaning that I perceived there were really only a few viable combat builds for a world that needs you to be a badass. Now, I've got to say, this setting is offering a ton of variety, between all of your ideas, and the ones I've offered. It's really great to think that, even though every character will be some sort of Fighter, Barbarian, Rogue, or combo of those (with perhaps a little Cleric/Druid sprinkled in), there is room for those characters to be very different.

Given the Blind Character Creation, I'm pretty excited to see how it all plays out.

I like the Shield promo, haven't had a chance to really dig into the details but will over the weekend.

In advance, I'm definitely good with the Shield Master Feat getting the +1 AC. That's a simple boost that makes sense for spending the Feat on it. My little daughter runs a sword and shield fighter/barbarian that rocks that Feat. I let her use either the Bonus Action for Shove/Push like the feat says OR because she has 2 Weapon Fighting she can shield punch, damage like a club, similar to what you said about Small Shield. Even more along that line, she was with a clan that made a weaponized shield with some spikes on it, like you said. It's a real cool look and style overall that is really fun and versatile. I have always loved Sword and Shield fighting. Seems like the style I would want to know in real life if the way of war was still melee.

O yeah. Other thing, thanks for working in the historical/regional ideas about the weapons.

I think as you said, small shield probably would work best originating from the Seeta and Paktia (India and Afghanistan/Pakistan) and maybe also from nearby Sarcera (Iran or Persia).

Makes sense that the Large Shields are used on 2 sides of the spectrum. In primitive, by the Arkkadian (Africans). In the really advanced organized legions, by the Yuorics, but within that group more specifically by the Vesechians (Germans) and the Korvarians (New Germans) who kind of have that industrial phalanx marching look.

Good idea. I do think the Pyloseans (Greeks) have the medium shields, the ones with the dual cut out on both sides, really high quality. And the nearby neighbors, which have been both allies and competitors and enemies off and on through history, the Kortellans (Italians, Sicilians).

But of course as you said there is some mixing here there and everywhere now, since there has been some travel, some trade, some skirmishes between everyone, even some war to see what works. So now the shield world is a broad market, similar to weapons, all though there are still some enduring trends in certain regions.

That graphic is pretty good, shows some different ideas and sizing gauges.

All of that is good stuff, and it just made sense as it fits from a real word perspective And even though the origins of each type of shield isn't hugely important, we both know it adds that little bit of credence to the setting, that moment where some merchant can vouch for some of his wares and say "My shields come straight from authentic craftsmen in Seeta and the finest Pylosean armorers. And, right here in my shop, my own forge-man is a Korvarian."

That sounds so much better than "the shop sells shields".

Yes, so right about the details in the game, with the setting being worked into even simple things like styles of shields. Hopefully it will give the "real world" feeling.
Another important part on shield is that the Danneins (barbarians in the center of Andra Penninsula, locals of the area where we start the campaign), they are really famous for their shield walls of wooden shields covered in thick layers of animal hides, as they move upwards against enemy missile fire. Medium round and square shields I picture them. So you were right on target with that.

I like all of this, and would be willing to take it as is. The one concern I have is the use of the Reaction to get bonuses. It seems like giving something away with a Reaction spend is like giving it away all the time. People rarely seem to use the Reaction, so it doesn't seem like they will "feel the burn". Instead it seems like it will be just a constant plus-up as a default, with a few exceptions here or there when they might suspend it to get another use out of the rare Reaction for other things (like Opportunity Attacks, not too common). So something that is supposed to be like an extra effort just becomes a cruise control sort of gain.

See what you think of that. Is there a way to just give the bonuses as the Bonus Action? Or can there be criteria that you have to first burn a Bonus Action and then (only then) can you augment it with Reaction pluses? (so you can't just spend the Reaction "free standing").

In the end, I'm good with it. Shields stopping more arrows and spears and javelins is a good thing for realism. I feel like this is one that I would need you to write up as a House Rule for the permanent list of House Rule reference section if you are willing, a more streamlined version that is bullet pointed for each shield maybe. And I would probably defer to you if people had questions.

Also, I would say that I think this technique must have a weakness and it would be the Sharpshooter Feat or maybe some of the abilities gained by the Sharp Shooter Fighter Archetype. These shield rules seem to mimic the idea of Cover, which is outstanding. With that in mind, I would hope to protect the Sharpshooter's real payoff for his investment, and that is the very serious ability of bypassing Cover bonuses.

Thanks, man. Awesome set of rules adjustments. And if people are not comfortable diving into them, then the baseline rule of +2 AC for Medium Shields is still intact. No active adjustment to make if you don't want to.

Also, as mentioned earlier, +1 AC to Shield Master Feat definitely seems to make sense.

Makes sense. Let's re-word things and simplify the shield mechanics so it's not so clunky. Win-win.

Medium Shield
Bonus Action gives the user half cover, granting a +2 bonus to AC against Ranged attacks, and to DEX saving throws.

Large Shield
Bonus Action gives the user three-quarters cover, granting a +5 bonus to AC against Ranged attacks, and to DEX saving throws.

The key to the language above is that the cover bonus only applies to Ranged attacks, unlike the standard cover rules in the PHB. This makes sure that the Sharpshooter Feat still has teeth, so that players can still strive to play that dead-eye type character, while Shield Masters will still get their +1 AC bonus.

SHIELDS AND PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

I'm thinking that the requirements to use a shield should be adjusted, given the changes. First we rename them:

Light Shield
Medium Shield
Heavy Shield

Then, we change the requirement to use them like so:

Equipping and using a shield requires both Shield proficiency, and the corresponding Armor proficiency. So:

Light Shield requires both Shield proficiency, and Light Armor proficiency.

Medium Shield requires both Shield proficiency and Medium Armor proficiency.

Heavy Shield requires both Shield proficiency and HeavyArmor proficiency.

This is in line with the classes of the game. Barbarians (like the ones you mention with their Medium Shield walls) weren't known historically for using large type scutums, or the like. Rogues still won't be able to use any kind of shields, but, if they multi-class into Barbarian, which will give them the Shield proficiency, but not Medium Armor, now they can use Light Shields only, as multi-classing into Barbarian grants Shield proficiency, but no additional armor prof's.

Also worth noting is that only characters who are true fighters (or at least start their career as fighters) will be able to equip and use Heavy Shields (even multi-classing into fighter doesn't grant the Heavy Armor skill). This also makes sense, as it would reflect the buildup of training over time to be able to use one, akin to the training that the Romans put into their shield wall formations, and, even more devastating, their 'turtle' approach, essentially turning a unit into a rolling tank, until engaged.