Jhandar Posted November 29, 2013 Share Posted November 29, 2013 I am curious about the spell 'Sorcerer's Bulwark' (pg 133 of the big yellow book), it indicates that it 'adds +1 armor protection value of shields and any objects used as shields' (per rank). This makes think that the use of a shield provides bonus AP to a wielder's armor, but in reading the shield skill it makes it fairly clear that shields are a vehicle to parry with (and thusly do not provide the passive AP that armor does when an attack gets through). The section on Slung Shields points to a shield (not being wielded) providing some passive AP if the GM is using hit locations and the strike hits where the shield is currently slung, with damage being subtracted from the shields AP/HP, with the example of blocking an arrow to the back which normally would not be possible. So, my question is; Does Sorcerous Bulwark just provided bonuses to AP to a shield and I am misunderstanding how defenses are gleaned from the use of a shield, or is the intent of the spell to provide additional AP in the form of hit points to a shield to help it resist the erosion of combat? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seneschal Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 For a second I thought we had another fantasy monograph in the works: "Shields and Sorcery." Re-reading the paragraph in my copy of the BGB, I think you've got it right. The spell boosts the effectiveness of shields as they work as deflection devices but doesn't surround the caster with some sort of all-encompassing force field. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spellslinging Sellsword Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 The Sorcerer spells I think are imported from the Elric line. The spell in Elric reads: Hell's Bulwark (1-4) Range is touch. Adds that many hit points of protection to shields and objects used as shields. Each cast of the spell is on a single shield. So I would assume the intent is that it adds hit points to the shield to reduce chance of breaking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jhandar Posted November 30, 2013 Author Share Posted November 30, 2013 Thank you for the clarification guys, I appreciate it. And Seneschal I am whipping up a campaign world, although I would go another title than 'Shields and Sorcery'. Not sure it would ever be publication worthy, but it keeps me busy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1d8+DB Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 With the use of Hit Locations some shields (tower/hoplite shields and riot shields) do simply provide protection due to their massive size; they're more like 'portable cover' that you carry along with you than a parrying tool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.