A shield affords extra protection at the loss of use of one hand.

A shield affords extra protection at the loss of use of one hand.

Shields serve two useful functions: first, they provide a bonus to [[AC]] against the hexes you are facing, either one or two as per the rules of [[Facing]]. This bonus only applies as long as at least one point of [[Combat Ability]] is spent on [[BDB]].

Shields serve two useful functions: first, they provide a bonus to [[AC]] against any enemies you are [[Facing]]. This bonus only applies as long as at least one point of [[Combat Ability]] is spent on [[BDB]].

Second, a shield is the best defense against arrows and other ranged attacks. When a character is aware of an incoming arrow or other ranged weapon (he does not need to actively observe its being fired, merely be aware that the person who is firing it is present), he may spend 2 [[AP]] and make a shield check. If successful, the arrow is blocked and negated. A shield check is:

Second, a shield is the best defense against arrows and other ranged attacks. When a character is aware of an incoming arrow or other ranged weapon (he does not need to actively observe its being fired, merely be aware that the person who is firing it is present), he may spend 2 [[AP]] and make a shield check. This is an [[Immediate Action]]. If successful, the arrow is blocked and negated. A shield check is:

  D20 + Dex + Reflex modifier + [[BDB]] + [[Facing]]

  D20 + Agility + Reflex modifier + [[BDB]] + [[Facing]]

Each shield has a different DC to successfully block an arrow, representing the difference between shields with which it is very easy to block (tower shield) and those with which it is nigh impossible to block (buckler). Any condition that would make you lose your shield bonus to AC makes blocking a projectile in this manner impossible.

Each shield has a different DC to successfully block an arrow, representing the difference between shields with which it is very easy to block (tower shield) and those with which it is nigh impossible to block (buckler). Any condition that would make you lose your shield bonus to AC makes blocking a projectile in this manner impossible.