12-03-2017, 06:30 PM | #1 |
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Midwest, USA
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Deflect on a Shield
At first, it seemed to me that DFRPG added some much-needed clarification to Deflect in that it now only counts toward the location of the armor it protects. See Magic Items pp. 4-5.
However, I then noticed Deflect can still be placed on shields. Perhaps it only defends against attacks to the shield, which would be fine with me, but DFRPG doesn't use DR/HP for shields (which I actually miss) that I noticed, so I don't think that's the case. Defending Shield costs $10,000 to add +1 to block and +2 for $20,000. Does Deflect on a shield add +1 to all defenses to any location for $2,000 and +2 for $10,000? I understand that Defending Shield can probably stack with Deflect to allow a really high block score, but is that the only reason for doubling a much higher cost with a lower usefulness? Or am I missing something or reading something wrong? Thanks!
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12-04-2017, 11:58 AM | #2 |
Wielder of Smart Pants
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Ventura CA
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Re: Deflect on a Shield
Defending Shield doesn't increase ready time or close combat penalty.
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12-04-2017, 12:24 PM | #3 |
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Berkeley, CA
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Re: Deflect on a Shield
Deflect probably shouldn't exist, it's an artifact of PD in previous editions. Note that it appears from the wording in Exploits that the Deflect enchantment also does not stack with the Shield spell (Spells 65).
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12-04-2017, 03:35 PM | #4 | |
GURPS Line Editor
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Montréal, Québec
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Re: Deflect on a Shield
Quote:
Magic can provide a DB, too. Only the best magical DB applies – such bonuses don't "stack."While Deflect might be underpriced, Defending Shield does stack nicely. I'd compare the situation to paying 15 points for Combat Reflexes, for +1 to all active defenses (plus a bunch of other nice stuff), vs. paying 25 points for Enhanced Block, Enhanced Dodge, and Enhanced Parry: You get the second thing only after getting the first, cheaper one, and you stack them.
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Sean "Dr. Kromm" Punch <kromm@sjgames.com> GURPS Line Editor, Steve Jackson Games My DreamWidth [Just GURPS News] |
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12-06-2017, 10:44 AM | #5 | |||
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Midwest, USA
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Re: Deflect on a Shield
I'm an idiot. I'm misreading something here somehow because I just can't wrap my stupid brain around what seems to be a total contradiction.
Quote:
But, that, to me, means Defending Shield is now completely overshadowed by Deflect since it costs a whole lot more and does a whole lot less. I mean, +2 to DB for all defenses to all locations for $10K, or +1 to DB only while blocking for $20K, which are you going to choose? But, then I read the other half of the quote . . . What? Defending shield does stack with Deflect? But, the quoted RAW literally said, "such bonuses don't 'stack.'" That's how I know I'm reading something wildly wrong here, or I'm not catching something. Quote:
I know we've been through this on the GURPS forum, but can I get a break down?
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. "How the heck am I supposed to justify that whatever I feel like doing at any particular moment is 'in character' if I can't say 'I'm chaotic evil!'"? —Jeff Freeman |
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12-06-2017, 10:54 AM | #6 | |||
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Cockeysville, MD
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Re: Deflect on a Shield
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
His Block is 3 + shield skill / 2 + 1 (shield DB) + 1 (breastplate Deflect) ( + 1 if Combat Reflexes) Edit: fixed up and clarified.
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12-06-2017, 10:58 AM | #7 |
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Northeast Kansas
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Re: Deflect on a Shield
Only the highest applicable Deflect counts. Defending Shield or Defending weapon apply to all defenses using that weapon. Generally with a million copper and free choice, you want Deflect on armor and defending on the other stuff, since it costs the same and you're less likely to be without it.
But if you have deflect +2 on a DB 2 shield it's effectively DB 4. If your skill is 14 without combat Reflexes this makes your block with that shield 14. If you add defending Shield +3 it's a block of 17. But the DB on a Parry or dodge is still 4 Last edited by Colarmel; 12-06-2017 at 02:30 PM. Reason: Spelling |
12-06-2017, 11:14 AM | #8 |
GURPS Line Editor
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Montréal, Québec
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Re: Deflect on a Shield
Correct. Defense Bonus has nothing to do with Block. It's a bonus to all active defenses, including any weird new ones the GM opts to make up. Block bonuses are effectively increases to Shield skill for defense only. If you really hate Defending Shield as written, have each level include +1 to all rolls with your shield: +1 when you make a shield bash, feint, or rush; +1 to Block; and +1 to anything else that seems to be all about your shield (Captain America . . .).
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Sean "Dr. Kromm" Punch <kromm@sjgames.com> GURPS Line Editor, Steve Jackson Games My DreamWidth [Just GURPS News] |
12-06-2017, 01:59 PM | #9 | |
Wielder of Smart Pants
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Ventura CA
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Re: Deflect on a Shield
Quote:
It also makes you have to figure out active defenses based on hit location, and requires you to roll hit location before defense. I really wish that piecemeal Deflect wasn't something that they kept in this game. Something like jewelry that gives you a DB with the same restrictions as the Shield spell (rings of protection) would have been my preference. |
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12-06-2017, 02:24 PM | #10 | |
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Northeast Kansas
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Re: Deflect on a Shield
Quote:
Last edited by Colarmel; 12-06-2017 at 02:30 PM. Reason: Clarity |
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Tags |
defense bonus, deflect, kromm answer, magic items, shield, shields |
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