Shields

[Ivarenna]

As well as expertise in Sword, Spear and Axe, how about expertise in Shield too?

Or is the expertise in Sword effectively expertise in the use of Sword with a Shield?

[Erik]

The original En Garde is set in Paris in the 17th Century, a period when shields were no longer really used, and certainly not during duels. We have moved it to Glorantha and I agree, shields would seem to fit with the setting. However, how could we introduce them without making too much work for the GM?
One possibility is giving a minus to the duelling ability for someone who's weapon skill was lower than the opponent's shield skill (and a bonus if higher). But would it add enough to the game?

[Ivarenna]

The original En Garde is set in Paris in the 17th Century, a period when shields were no longer really used, and certainly not during duels. We have moved it to Glorantha and I agree, shields would seem to fit with the setting. However, how could we introduce them without making too much work for the GM?
One possibility is giving a minus to the duelling ability for someone who's weapon skill was lower than the opponent's shield skill (and a bonus if higher). But would it add enough to the game?

It sort of fits in with the combat system which has an attacker and a defender. Maybe when you're defending you use your shield expertise rather than your main weapon. Thematically, as you point out, it makes sense. I think the main reason for doing it would be flavour. Not sure how much work it would be.

[Rufus]

Sounds like a lot of work for only a small gain in flavour. Use of shields can already be assumed to be a factor in determining campaign battle outcomes. Likewise, an appropriate shield can be assumed to be used in duels (and armour too) - unless there is a societal convention against forms of protection. The choice the duellist would have to make would be what weapon they took.

If you want to get technical, spear is a proper weapon. Swords are sidearms, more convenient but decidedly inferior to a spear in a battle (think of a Webley 0.455 revolver and a Lee Enfield SMLE rifle) . Of course, if you are Clint Eastwood/Man with No Name in "a fistful of dollars", then a pistol can beat a rifle! .

[grumbold99]

I can see it being interesting to have different approaches to training up skills if we had a shield stat and a weapon stat in play for duels. That said, duelling has been very uncommon so far. It currently feels like a lot of work defining a balanced and fun system for little gain.