Supernatural Monster Hide Shields:

Shields are carried by many warriors, from common mercenaries to knights. In some cases they are even carried by civilians. While swords can last for generations, shields often do not survive more than a single battle. There are enchanted shields which are indestructible but they are extremely expensive. Usually such shields are sold by the name of the creature used to make the shield.

There are a number of different options with regards to making tougher shields. One of these, which is in a similar fashion to leather and scale armor, is to make shields using the hides and scales of various supernatural monsters. The hides of these creatures are extremely tough and make incredibly durable shields. As one might expect, shields made using exotic hides and scales are far more expensive than normal shields. Even so, many adventures and wealthy soldiers consider these shields to be well worth the additional cost.

Similarly to armors, the most common hides used include Beast Dragon, Chimera, Peryton, and Manticore hides. In comparison to armor, the layers of hide can be thicker because the shield does not need to be flexible. For even stronger shields, a layer of scales can be used to reinforce the shield. In such cases, the most common materials used for those shields are Beast Dragons and Chimera scale.

As with similar armors, the hide and scales of intelligent beings is rarely used. One is often considered barbaric using such materials in a similar fashion to wearing clothing made from human skin. While less common than other hides and scales, those from dragons can be used for shields as well. Because of issues with such hides, such shields are limited to specialized alchemists. Such shields have special properties as well. Of course, Dragons without scales cannot be used for scale shields.

In some cases, the hide may be backed by a thin layer of wood but more frequently is made simply from layers of monster hide. Often the hide will be held together by metal strips and studs. Scales are layered on the top of the hide on some for an even stronger shield.

There are some leather workers who specialize in making shields in this fashion. Some combine it with making armor in a similar fashion. In addition, some adventurers specialize in the hides of such monsters. Other parts of these creatures may also be sold to alchemists.

In game terms, the supernatural monster hide shields will have five times greater S.D.C. than a normal leather shield. A scale covered shield will have eight times the normal ability to withstand damage as a normal shield. For example, a hide buckler would have 150 S.D.C. and a scale buckler would have 240 S.D.C. At game masters option, the shield can be treated to have half its S.D.C. in M.D.C. in Rifts.

For cost, shields will usually cost 500 to 1,000 gold more than a standard shield depending on the size of the shield and rarity of the materials. Smaller shield tend to cost less than larger shields. If the adventurer can provide the material, the leather crafter may charge 200 to 500 gold to make the shield. Scale shields are more with costs of around 1,000 to 2,000 gold depending on the size of the shield and rarity of the materials. If the purchaser provides the materials, the shield would likely cost between 400 and 1,000 gold.

`Double cost of the shield is made using dragon hide or scales which give additional properties. Magical repairs by alchemists costs 40 gold per point repaired (80 gold per point for Fire, Great Horned, Ice, Kukulcan, Lo-Dox, Night Stalker, Serpent of the Wind, Thunder Lizard, and Wooly Dragon Armors. Wizard spells such as “Mend the Broken” can also be used to repair the armor.

Shield Types and Average Costs:

Small “Monster Hide” Shield (Buckler): S.D.C.: 150. Cost: 550 Gold.

Small “Monster Scale” Shield (Buckler): S.D.C.: 240. Cost: 1,050 Gold.

Small / Medium “Monster Hide” Shield (Heater): S.D.C.: 225. Cost: 700 Gold.

Small / Medium “Monster Scale” Shield (Heater): S.D.C.: 360. Cost: 1,350 Gold.

Medium “Monster Hide” Shield (Round or Kite): S.D.C.: 300. Cost: 875 Gold.

Medium “Monster Scale” Shield (Round or Kite): S.D.C.: 480. Cost: 1,675 Gold.

Large “Monster Hide” Shield (Tower / Wall): S.D.C.: 450. Cost: 1,100 Gold.

Large “Monster Scale” Shield (Tower / Wall): S.D.C.: 720. Cost: 2,100 Gold.

Note: Recommend that players / game masters use the optional rule where weapons inflict 10% of their normal damage to shields when shields are being used to parry weapons.

Special Dragon Shield Features:

Fire Dragon Shield: Shield is impervious to fire.

Great Horned Dragon Shield: Shield takes half damage from fire and cold.

Ice Dragon Shield: Shield is impervious to fire and cold.

Kukulcan Dragon Shield: Shield takes half damage from fire and cold.

Lo-Dox Dragon Shield: Shield takes half damage from fire and cold.

Night Stalker Dragon Shield: Shield takes half damage from fire and cold.

Serpent of the Wind Dragon Shield: Shield takes half damage from fire and cold.

Thunder Lizard Dragon Shield: Shield takes half damage from fire and cold.

Wooly Dragon Shield: Shield takes half damage from fire and cold.

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Writeup by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

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