metal shields

[Dangerious P. Cats]

Is there a point where the weight makes the shield unbalanced or unable to be used offensively? Metal shields are pretty heavey once they get past a certain size and overly heavey shields can be restrictive in their use.

[Bruno]

Originally Posted by Dangerious P. Cats

Is there a point where the weight makes the shield unbalanced or unable to be used offensively? Metal shields are pretty heavey once they get past a certain size and overly heavey shields can be restrictive in their use.

Not officially. Unofficially I use BLx2 as a (generous) rule, based on the One Handed Lift value.

I also use lighter base weights for shields though, the existing ones are a bit crazy.

[Dangerious P. Cats]

Originally Posted by Bruno

Not officially. Unofficially I use BLx2 as a (generous) rule, based on the One Handed Lift value.

I also use lighter base weights for shields though, the existing ones are a bit crazy.

That does seem very generious, you're almost getting into D&D weights.

Does anyone have historical examples of metal shields and how much they weigh?

[Bruno]

I should probably go with BL flat up with my reduced shield weights, but 2x BL is basically necessary for normal men to use metal shields with the Basic Set weights.

[Dangerious P. Cats]

Originally Posted by Bruno

I should probably go with BL flat up with my reduced shield weights, but 2x BL is basically necessary for normal men to use metal shields with the Basic Set weights.

You could always have gradients of use measured in weight intervals. At the first interval the shield is used in all the ways a shiled can be, at the second wieght interval the shield becomes unbalanceda at the third interval the shield can only be used to Block or as cover for example. I am wondering what shield rules you use.

[DanHoward]

Originally Posted by Dangerious P. Cats

Does anyone have historical examples of metal shields and how much they weigh?

They weigh the same or even less than a similarly-sized shield that was made of wood/leather. That is the whole point of using metal for protection. It weighs less than any other available material that offers similar protection.

Here are three examples: Iranian Qajar round shields made of steel:
1) weighs 2620g and has a diameter of 51.5cm.
2) 2270g, 39.5cm
3) 1960g, 39cm

Similar shields made of rhino hide with metal bosses:
1) 1880g, 51cm
2) 4500g, 61.5cm
3) 3270g, 51cm.

The problem is that we don't know the thickness and so cannot guess the DR. Obviously any metallic shield that weighs the same as a similarly-sized hide shield will have higher DR and HP.

[roguebfl]

Originally Posted by DanHoward

They weigh the same or even less than a similarly-sized shield that was made of wood/leather. That is the whole point of using metal for protection. It weighs less than any other available material that offers similar protection.

To elaborate on your point Similarly Size refers to protection area, if they were the same volume, they would be heavier. But metal's strength is such it can be done with less material hence lighter, rather metal it self is lighter. (though some are)

[DanHoward]

Originally Posted by roguebfl

To elaborate on your point Similarly Size refers to protection area, if they were the same volume, they would be heavier.

Which was never done. A typical wooden and hide shield would be at least 5 times thicker than an equivalent metallic shield.