Fast-Draw (Buckler)

[GURPSFredo]

Would a Fast-Draw (Buckler) be a realistic skill or not?

[Prince Charon]

Originally Posted by GURPSFredo

Would a Fast-Draw (Buckler) be a realistic skill or not?

I'm pretty sure that I've seen bucklers worn on belts in period art (though I'm blanking on specific examples), so I'd say that it plausibly is.

[Gnomasz]

I have no real expertise, but it feels really cinematic to me. It would mean you can draw the buckler and shield bash with it with your opponents not getting a chance to attack or disengage you while you draw it. I can't imagine a holster and grip that would really make it that fast.
Also of note is the fact that such an option isn't discussed in Basic nor in Martial Arts, so the authors probably didn't consider it realistic, either.

[Prince Charon]

Originally Posted by Gnomasz

I have no real expertise, but it feels really cinematic to me. It would mean you can draw the buckler and shield bash with it with your opponents not getting a chance to attack or disengage you while you draw it. I can't imagine a holster and grip that would really make it that fast.
Also of note is the fact that such an option isn't discussed in Basic nor in Martial Arts, so the authors probably didn't consider it realistic, either.

Alternatively, it just hadn't occurred to them. One way to do it would be to have a buckler made with a gamma or 'L' shaped handle, where you hold the long side and the end of the short side is attached to the buckler. This does lead to a single point of failure, but it allows the buckler to be hooked onto the belt, and then drawn and ready in a hurry if needed. Another way to to have a hook on your belt, and use a normal buckler. Either way, Fast Draw would be plausible.

[GURPSFredo]

This is from the book 'Daily Life in Chaucer's England'

'Small round shields called bucklers had a single handle in the center behind a protruding iron boss or spike. One surviving example has a hook in front allowing it to be hung from a belt with the grip outwards, ready for a 'quick-draw'.

Now, I'm not sure if the 'quick-draw' is one ready maneuver or a GURPS Fast-Draw skill.

[Tomsdad]

Given some bucklers were largely civilian kit designed to be carried along some kind of blade when you are out and about in case of trouble (or to start trouble). Yeah I think quick draw is fine. Especially is you going ti allow quick draw for the sword it accompanies.

It going to come down to how it's carried, but since hooked on a belt was a thing then yep definitely

[sir_pudding]

Originally Posted by Prince Charon

I'm pretty sure that I've seen bucklers worn on belts in period art (though I'm blanking on specific examples), so I'd say that it plausibly is.

Famously on the Bayeux tapestry.

[Pursuivant]

Originally Posted by GURPSFredo

Would a Fast-Draw (Buckler) be a realistic skill or not?

Yes, as long as you're willing to wear your buckler on a belt hook or similar and you had a solid grip so you don't have to mess with straps.

In the late Middle Ages, they were typically worn with the straps looped over the sword's hilt as it rested in the scabbard. I can't imagine that did any good for fast-draw skill for either weapon, however.