Message no. 1

From:	J. Keith Henry neojudas@******************.com
Subject:	Shields in Shadowrun
Date:	Fri, 1 Dec 2000 05:56:55 -0500

After some strange consideration, I am forking out this brainstorm I've had
the last few days. It came to a head because of a game earlier this week.
What is listed here can also be found on the HHH Forums
(http://pub10.ezboard.com/fhoosierhackerhousemartialrule.showMessage?topicID
=4.topic) as well. And yeah, these are going onto the new
website....(grumble/bitch/moan).

As per the Martial Arts rules of Cannon Companion, and looked at in
consideration to the concepts of "Complimentary Skills"... the idea of how a
"shield" may actually be of use has arisen. As such, the following came
up/around.


Shield Skill
Skill Type : Combat (Active)
Default Attribute : Strength
Available Maneuvers : Block, Shield Bash, Rush (I'm still working on more
ideas here)

Skill is treated as a complimentary skill with regards to combat actions in
most instances. During a defending action, the user rolls their normal
melee-related skill but also add the Shields skill as a complimentary skill
roll. Successes from the Shields Skill test are added onto the defenders
success test.

Maneuver Details :
Block - the user is particularly skilled with the shield, thus improving its
cover modifier by one (+1) value.

Shield Bash - user can use the shield as a clubbing weapon, doing (Str +
cover modifier)M damage.

Rush - User must expend a preperatory action (Simple Action) during which
time they physically rush a target in an attempt to overwhelm said target
(possibly doing damage). The maneuver allows for a user to attempt to
knockdown an opponent/target as per those rules. They add half-their body
attribute (rounded up) to their strength in such instances, plus the cover
modifier of the shield in question.


Shield Rules
A shield comes in one of three sizes. Small, Medium and Large (size is by
shield type, NOT by size of shield as compared to what is hiding behind it).
The rating of the shield has a cover modifier with regards to an attackers
rolls. In effect, adjusting their success test accordingly. Small/Buckler
scale shields (such as Shin Guards) have a cover modifier of +0. Medium
shields (riot shields) have a cover modifier of +1. Large shields (military
riot shields, roman kite shields, etc.) have a cover modifier of +2.

The mere presence of a shield on an individual that does NOT encumber the
individual grants the cover modifiers for them with regards to melee combat.
The cover modifier is added to the effective weight of the item towards this
determination (in whole kilograms).
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
J. Keith Henry ("K", "NeoJudas")
Hoosier Hacker House (www.hoosierhackerhouse.com)