Pilum rules?

[RedLeif508]

I was wondering if anyone had special rules for the Roman pilum?
"If it hits and the opponent has a shield that absorbs damage the defender drops his shield." or something like this?

I'm very new to TFT and only have just received the Melee and Wizard rules in PDF from SJG/Kickstarter.

thanks

[Skarg]

Personally, I want some adjusted shield rules anyway, especially for missiles, as I think they'd tend to either strike the shield for no damage to the wearer, or hit the wearer and not the shield, so I'd tend to replace the hits stopper per attack with some sort of roll which detemines that, such as adding a different-colored die to a to-hit roll on shielded people, and then if it's less than or equal to a number (say normal shield rating +1, so):

Small Shield: 2
Large Shield: 3
Tower Shield: 4

The weapon hits the shield and does no damage to the wearer.

Depending on the weapon, though, it might stick in the shield, with a similar chance such as:

arrow/quarrel/pilum*: 4
javelin/spear/axe: 1
mace/club: 0

Every pilum or axe stuck in a shield probably gives the user both the added encumbrance weight of the weapon, and about -2 DX per weapon stuck in the shield. The shield can still be carried, but you'll likely want to drop it and/or somehow get rid of the stuff in your shield. A normal weapon stuck in your shield may just take an action to remove, but removing a pilum that's penetrated could be harder... not sure exactly - I'd probably do a bit more research before finalizing details.

[hcobb]

Roll to miss the shield, with some penalty for the larger shields?

[larsdangly]

Here's my treatment of the pilum, from my longstanding house rules:

Pilum: The Pilum is a javelin with an intentionally bendable metal shaft and a wide, square head. Its purpose (beyond hurting people) is to stick through a shield, rendering it unusable in combat. If a shield is used to block or parry a thrown Pilum, roll 1 die; on a 1-3, it sticks through the shield. It may be removed with a successful 3d saving throw vs. DX, but otherwise the shield is useless.

[platimus]

Originally Posted by larsdangly

Here's my treatment of the pilum, from my longstanding house rules:
If a shield is used to block or parry a thrown Pilum, roll 1 die; on a 1-3, it sticks through the shield. It may be removed with a successful 3d saving throw vs. DX, but otherwise the shield is useless.

That is good. I may use this but will try the following first:
If a shield is used to DEFEND against a thrown Pilum and the attack fails, the defender must pass 3/DX or drop his shield. The shield can be readied on another turn by passing 3/ST to remove the Pilum from the shield.

[XRaysVision]

Plus, it shouldn't be able to be used twice or as a stabbing type spear. These, of course, are scenario based rules. So, if you have a scenario, or melee, involving a pilum apply as necessary. Likewise if you have a scenario involving a hoplite, you probably don't want to allow him the throw his spear.

As I see it, it's your game, make it do what you want it to. If it makes sense to both players, then you'll not have any arguments (as long as you make the special rules clear before you begin).

[RedLeif508]

Originally Posted by XRaysVision

As I see it, it's your game, make it do what you want it to.

great point

[platimus]

As I see it, it's your game, make it do what you want it to

This is true. I'm tempted to generalize my little house rule to all thrown pole-arms.