Shield (Action)

A shield is a defensive weapon used to prevent enemy attacks by absorbing or redirecting the energy. A good shield can resist weapons of its own Tech level and below and only break on a fumble or damage setback.. A poor shield or a shield used against weapons of a higher technological sophistication is not so sturdy and is Unreliable or even One Round in extreme cases. Shields are listed at the tech levels when they are introduced. They can be made at higher tech levels with identical stats in order to resist more sophisticated weapons. Shield materials develop to match the striking power of weapons; early shields are made of wicker, later they are made of hardened leather or laminated wood, gradually reinforced with metal. High tech sheilas are made of plastic, ceramics, or even fields of energy.

Small Shield

Usually round, a small shield is between 0.2 and 0.5 meters in diameter and often has a spike or knob in the center. So small that it must be used to parry actively, not just take cover behind.

Large Shield

A large shield to take cover behind. Usually oblong or rectangular in shape, some are drop-formed. 1 to 1.5 meters tall and about 0.5 meters wide. Some have view ports or holes for your spear or missile weapon.

Strapped Shield

A shield strapped to the shoulders and one upper arm, the strapped shield is worn rather than wielded. It it protects against missile weapons and was famously used by peltasts and sarissa-wielding pikemen. The strapped shield is about 60 centimeters in diameter, and often has cutouts for vision or weapon use. A crescent shape is common.

Energy Shield

A field of impenetrable energy when deployed. It is used like a large shield, for cover and to tackle opponents. When turned off, it is an oblong disk 5 centimeters in diameter, often worn as a bracelet.