V9: Shields

This page is part of the Official Amtgard V9 Alpha-Playtest Rulebook.

• The Amtwiki is the official home and primary source for Amtgard V9 Rules as of February 25, 2023.
• These rules are currently in Open Alpha Playtest. See the Playtest Disclaimer for more details.
• To learn more about Amtgard V9 Development, please visit Amtgard.com.
• To view the current Amtgard V8 ruleset, please see the Amtgard V8 Rulebook.

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Shields

Shields are used to block strikes from weapons and can only be affected by strikes and effects that specifically affect shields, such as Shield Crushing and V9: Shield Destroying. There are five sizes of shield: Buckler, Small, Medium, Large, and Tower.

1. Players may only ever wield a single Shield at a time, however they can be wielded simultaneously in the same hand as any another piece of equipment except for a Bow or Crossbow.

Shield Curve Limits

1. Must meet the Universal Equipment Requirements.
2. May be made in any style or shape but cannot be constructed in such a way as to mimic the function of worn armor, such as shields that excessively wrap around a limb or shields that are precisely shaped to a body part.
3. Must have a sturdy structural core that will not break or bend significantly during the course of combat.
   • Some acceptable materials are: plywood, high-impact plastics, aluminum, and sturdy, high-density, closed-cell foam.
   • Easily breakable or low-density foams are inappropriate for use as the structural core.
4. The rim and face of the shield must be padded with at least 1” of closed cell foam. Shields made entirely of foam do not require additional padding but must be composed of closed-cell foam that is at least 1” thick.
5. Curved/Domed shields (and similarly recessed shapes) may not curve or recess inwards more than half its width.
6. The rim and face must have an opaque, durable covering. This may be a non-abrasive rubber coating (or non-latex equivalent) so long as it does not compromise the purpose of the padding, such as by making it too firm.

Shield Hole Limits

1. The face of the shield may not have holes that exist entirely within a silhouette of the shield.
2. If required, the handle of a shield must be clearly identifiable as a handle.
3. All rigid or sharp-edged hardware must be filed down or padded. Hard edges may not be exposed on any surface which can reasonably come into contact with another player or their equipment.

• Save time during Shield Inspections: Due to the complexity of area math for some shield shapes, certain measurements may be difficult to reconfirm on field in a timely manner. You can help your equipment inspectors by keeping proof of your math handy in case they need it. Most inspectors will trust you at your word but it is not unfair for them to want to check your math every now and then. Help them help you!