Seventh Kingdom IGE

The Seventh Kingdom’s combat system is designed around boffer weapon combat, which can include the use of shields for both defensive and offensive attacks. There are a few things to cover when talking about shields in Seventh Kingdom IGE.

What 'kinds' of shields are allowed?

- We allow both homemade shields (often made of bread trays or plywood) and most commercial latex shields. However, more importantly we ask, is a shield safe to use in boffer combat? A shield should have padded edges, and be free of any sharp or pointy objects that may damage weapons or injure fellow players. Shields that are easily breakable, or are made of dangerous materials when broken will also not be allowed to enter the game. It is for this reason that all shields are subject to the same inspection rules as weapons: In order to be used, the shield must be inspected at least every other event, and providing the shield is deemed safe at its first event, it will be given an item tag.

How do I use a shield and what can it protect me from?

-To use a shield in combat you must have the appropriate shield proficiency and wear it on your arm; if a shield is on your back or chest it will not protect you. A properly worn shield will protect you from melee weapon, thrown weapons, or ranged weapons (unless there is a feat used specifically against the shield). A shield will not defend against magical attacks, explosives, falls, walls, or ceilings.

What shapes/sizes of shields are allowed?

- We allow everything from round shields, to tear drop shields, to bucklers. However, punch bucklers (shields that don't strap to your arm) are illegal. The arm using a shield is also unable to wield a weapon. All possible shields should fit into the dimensions listed at the bottom of the page.

Illegal combat moves with a shield include:

• 'Turtle-ing’ or ‘hiding’ is a practice in which shield users duck behind their shields leaving only their heads available to strike, so please don't intend to use a shield that covers more then shoulder to knee.
• ‘Shield Bashing’ or slamming with a shield is unsafe due to the fact that the shield faces are not properly padded for shield to body contact.

How do I make a boffer shield?

- You can find the official Seventh Kingdom Shield How To here.

Shield Sizes: (All Measurements are in inches)

If a shield is in-between dimensions listed, round up to the next biggest shield.

Important note about shield sizes: A shield can be too big for a person to use if it only leaves open "illegal" targets for an opponent to swing at. For example, Bob the warrior can not use a shield that when held standing covers all but his head and feet. With this shield, Bob the warrior would always be 'Turtle-ing' and would be encouraging opponents to commit illegal weapon strikes on his head or feet. Therefore, a good rule for shields is as follows, "More then shoulder to knee, too big for me".