Minea

Ok very similar to some there but i'll add them now. EDIT: The heater and the typical Heraldic shield are basiclly the same thing, rephrased Heraldic shield to Heater as its more commonly known.

Recently I overheard some people discussing the OOC implications of roleplaying with a shield, so as my character uses a shield I thought I should create a guide on the way I roleplay (note this isn't a universal server guide/rule base, this is simply the rules I follow when roleplaying using a shield). 1.0 Awareness of your shield. One of the biggest thing i've seen players do is randomly change the shape weight and material of their shield in game. The biggest thing you need to know first is the type of shield you have and the limits of said shield. I get really annoyed sometimes when I hear players emote "*lifts shield to protect his face" sure this is fine halfway through a fight, but it is pure roleplay courtesy to let your opposition know the material of your shield and the size, this allows them to deduce whether your are roleplaying your shield correctly and not powergaming. For instance if I were using a steal roundshield it'd be a lot harder for me to wield with speed instead of say an oaken buckler with an iron boss (see 1.1 parts of shields). So first things first, pick your shield and follow the general element of said shield, (See simple types of shields for your combat style). 1.1 Basic components of a shield I couldn't find any actual diagrams of shields online so i've taken a basic shield and labelled its various components. Note that these parts are subject to change depending on style of shield but the parts are the usual get go for most shields. A- This is known as a "Boss", the idea of this rounded protruding object is simple, it is made for deflecting blows away from the centre (main area of contact) of the shield as well as reinforcing the most hit contact patch. Without a boss a shield bearer would get the full brunt of swings instead of allowing the swings to be deflected and thus lessening the damage. Also the lack of a boss would lessen the general strength of the centre of the shield as most shields are rounded and not purely flat. Note that a boss CAN be used as an offensive weapon, it was custom for warriors to sharpen the boss rather than rounding it, a good shove with a rounded boss can be as effective as a mace swing. B- The "enarmes" of a shield (unseen) sometimes called simple straps, this component is EXTREMELY important to the shield bearer, it basically allows the shield bearer to strap said shield to his/her arm creating a comfortable fit. This is usually made of treated leather or in some cases banded iron. Without these straps a shield is little more than a tabletop, if enarmes are slashed in a battle the shield would be unable to be held. C- The "Cut rim", this part of the shield has a variety of uses. its first and foremost use is to stop the edge of the shield (most times heavy wood) from "fraying' or chipping, it acts as a sturdy reinforcer. The second use which a lot of roleplayers seem to miss is that this metal edge or band was used to "catch" edged weapons, if a broad sword hit that straight on it usually became wedged into the cut rim while biting deep into the hard wood centre, a sharp twist of a skilled shield bearers arm was all it took to disarm said opponent. Note however that this action usually forced the shield bearer to drop the shield as it became unbalanced with his opponents stuck weapon. D- The "Flat" of a shield, the main structure of a shield, basiclly the self explanatory area, the flat area, usually hit with arrows as the boss provides little protection against ranged weapons, however depending on shield size the flat was usually the second most hit contact patch after the boss. Skilled shield bearers usually could wield their shield in a way that made an opponent almost always hit the boss saving the weaker "flat". 1.2 Basic types of shields Before I continue I would like to point out that this is a BASIC structure, if I leave out a specific shield created in the thirteenth century by a specific person in europe then dont try and point out that I missed out. This guide is for complete noobs who dont know the mechanical components and uses of a shield, those of you that do are probably perfectly aware of your shield and what it can and cannot do. A Heater Shield: Typically known as being used to display a family's coat of arms this shield is a shield without the usual boss, it is what some would call a hybrid between a buckler and Scutum. Fairly light weight and typically made out of hard wood with an iron cut rim. Usually wielded by light cavalry or infantry duelers its design is made to fit the shape of a torso. In roleplay one could use this shield with a bit of agility but note that without its boss this shield (ifmade from typical hard wood) would not last long against a northerner wielding a two handed battleaxe. As I said a light weight shield typically used against ranged weapons. A Buckler: This is probably one of the most famous shield types of all time with varying ranges in sizes an materials. The characteristics of a buckler are it being circular in shape with a boss and metal cut rim. This form of shield is widely used by infantry ranging from the dinner plate sized shields used by scottish highlanders and desert nomads to the wheel carted round shield used by vikings and heavyily built warriors. Once again guys there is a huge variety of uses and roleplay uses depends on material, character build, size and weight. A Scutum: Famous as being used by the romans to form one of the most successful infantry formations of all time the tortoise. A very large rectangular shield very very heavy and not ideal for duels but rather infantry formations, offers a very high rate of protection. Usually made out of heavy wood with iron fittings. There are varying names for this shield as well as ranges in sizes and materials, once again roleplay of this shield is subject to material, character build, size and weight. A Mantlet Shield: This shield is famous for being used by defenders in a siege, it was far to heavy to be held in one hand and was instead carried on backs until it could be deployed. Basiclly a large shield covering ones whole body and propped in front of the user, really only used as cover in sieges by crossbowmen or archers when they were reloading, you shouldnt really see any of these shields in game unless at a siege or a good old White rose checkpoint melee ;) Kite Shield: A kite shield is a shield either used by infantry or cavalry depending on size and weight, its shape is either a reverse tear drop or a flat top shape much like a heater shield, in fact historically kite shields were later replaced by the smaller triangular heater shields. Usually made out of heavy wood with a metal cut rim this shield depending on style is without a boss, its enarmes were created in such a way that it allowed the shield to be strapped to the bearers arms in a variety of angles. If used by simple infantry or men at arms the bearers shield possessed their liegelords sigil or coat of arms. If of noble birth then ones own sigil or coat of arms was present on the shield. The shields above once again are EXTREMELY basic, i've missed a lot of shields out because this is a guide on the rough uses. 1.3 Rough guide on agility of shields. I cant put it more simpler than this, more durability= less agility. If its completely made of metal expect to roleplay it as being a little cumbersome. Bigger Size/protection= Less agility, its common sense guys go back to step one and outline the pros and cons of your chosen shield before dueling. 1.4 Shields in game As far as I have seen shields and weapons in game are usually imagined, you cant wield both at the same time, I have seen exceptions where the weapon is imagined and the shield (door/trap door) are seen. Either way you must follow the same mechanics of your shield type. DO NOT power game by carrying around a massive solid steel round shield and wielding it as if its a pinewood buckler the size of a dinner plate. Anyway I hope this helps some players, any criticism (constructive) is appreciated, I'm sure i've missed some things.

*A message is sent to Aldari* Hail friend and perhaps future brother in arms. Your application to join the order of grey shirts was received. A test of your skills with blade or bow will be undertaken when an opportunity for both parties presents itself, the Ildician order has recieved its first mission so this must be preferably soon. I wish you the best of luck in the test. Your lack of military experience might be a disadvantage in your test but your extensive knowledge in the healing arts is greatly smiled upon. We will arrange a time for a test of arms and skill of military knowledge. Sincerely and with luck, Starke McHaryn, clan elder of the McHaryn clan and Ordhu commander of the Ildician Grey shirts.

Reserved ((Please no OOC comments, even if its a compliment, if you have issues with this thread or want answers simply send me a message over the forums I always answer PM's))

"Grim Garbed soldiers marching off too war, grim garbed soldiers fighting evermore, Pledged until death they do withstand great pain, Forever in service to our leader and his Thanes" -A Poem sung by Adunian women in referrence to the grey shirts of the Ildician Order. Formation: The Ildician Order was formed shortly after the Great War. Lord Rydel had lost faith in his people after the betrayal of his High Thane Icarian Delmar and so rounded up a selection of surviving Adunian Regiment officers who had thought their skill-set unfit for the Rangers. Rydel named these men the Ildician Order. The Order’s purpose was the act as the bodyguards of the Adunian Lord and his Council of Thanes. They also had the job of rooting out traitors and rebels within Adunian society to prevent another event like the Great War. The Order’s sigil is a grey bear and they are often called the ‘Grey shirts’ by members of Adunian society. In modern times under new leadership the Ildician order was formed into the first and only knightly order of Adunia, unlike other nations however the Grey Shirt knights have the title "Sir" in Adunian fashion. Purpose and Duties: The purpose of the Ildician Order is to protect the Adunian Lord, members of Clan Elendil and the Adunian Council of Thanes. They seek out those who would harm the holders of these positions, eliminate any threats to the Adunians in these positions, prevent rebellions and seek out those who would cause them. The Ildician Order give their full loyalty to the Adunian Lord, members of Clan Elendil and the Council of Thanes. They are an elite task force purely devoted to the betterment of the Adunian nation. Ranks: The Order is an extremely elite group of Adunian Knights. We have no initiate class as we do not enlist any unworthy of the skill to protect the Council of Thanes, the Adunian Lord and the Elendil Clan. There is no ‘learning’ class, you either have what it takes or you are denied entry, we do not just accept anyone into the order. Orhdú - Commander The man who holds this position must have the utmost loyalty to the council of Thanes and the Adunian Lord. The Orhdú man must be able to lead men and must have exceptional experience in warfare as well as skill in arms. He is looked on with respect by the Council of Thanes and has pledged his life in the service of the Adunians. None within the order may question his leadership, this office is for life unless said Ordhu is outvoted by the Council of Thanes. Aerd/Sir - Leftenant This position is second in command of the Order. Once again experience in warfare as well as skill in arms is required of this position. Second in rank only to the Orhdú, the Aerd’s word is respected and valued by all other members of the Order. Once again, loyalty and devotion must be present in any Aerd of the Ildician Order. Laochru/ Sir - Elite The base rank of the Ildician Order. Holders of this rank are extremely skilled in arms and warfare, eloquence of speech is also common but not entirely necessary. Holders of this rank have passed the tests to be permitted into the ranks of the Ildician Order and as such are a fully fledged Ildician Grey Shirt Knight, as such their military experience grants them the right of a respected opinion when discussing military topics. Loyalty to the Council of Thanes, Clan Elendil and Adunian Lord is required and expected. Fheum- Squire/Apprentice The word Fheuam literally translates into "useless", although the holders of this rank are in no way useless they are not treated as Grey Shirts or brethren of the cloth until they pass their knightly trials to advance to the Laochru rank and bear the title "Sir" a knight of the Ildician Order. They are not subject to our ways but are encouraged to participate, all must start as a Grey Shirt Fheum until they pass the knightly trials. To become a Grey Shirt Fheum one MUST find a master to serve for, if there are no Ildician Knights taking on squires then one must wait before joining. SPECIALIZED RANKS (Specialised Rank) Aermid - Medic This knight must have skill in arms but also skill in the field of medicine, sometimes acting as the Adunian Lord's/Council of Thanes'/House Elendil's personal physician. This rank is equal to that of a Laochru when in the field but is far higher than even the Orhdú when on the talk of medical subjects. This set rank is extremely respected by all members of the Ildician order as one must have extensive healing knowledge to it. (Specialised Rank) Maighstir- Master at arms This knight is the "teacher" in hand to hand combat for the Ildician Grey Shirts, although this knight only bears the rank of Laochru he is treated with great respect and is highly valued for his military experience and combat skill. This rank will sit on the panel of judging when a Fheum attempts to advance to the rank of knight. Order Values: -Loyalty is the key to success. Through patience and loyalty the Ildician Order will win back the trust broken by the traitors of our kind. Loyalty to the Order and the Adunian leaders above is expected. -Devotion to the cause is first and foremost. Marriage is acceptable but any physical intercourse between unwed beings is punishable by expulsion from the order. We must not allow weaknesses of the flesh to interfere with our duties. -Respect to the citizens the Adunia is a must, we serve the Adunian Lord and we must respect his citizens. -Any member of society harbouring said citizens of unholy thoughts will be punished accordingly; treachery and unholy resolve to harbour criminals will not be tolerated. -The Adunian Lord, Clan Elendil and Council of Thanes are the pinnacle leaders of our race; to them we owe everything so protection of these people is our highest priority. - Any brother of the order who is assaulted or killed without proper reason will be avenged. Loyalty to ones own fold is a must. -Do not gratify verbal insults or barbs with an answer, ignore their ignorance and continue. You are not so weak as to react to a verbal barb. Oath of the Ildician Order: I, [name], do solemnly swear to serve the Ildician Order until death or release from the binds of this vow. I shall use my skill to protect the grand leaders of the Adunia and in turn the people they lead, I shall bring honour to my race and my Order, and I shall prove myself worthy to hold a position among it. If I am to forsake this oath, may my head be swept from my body and my remains left to rot, never to join my forefathers in the lands beyond. I swear this oath upon my life and all that I hold dear, before the leaders of our race and the [god/gods] above. Order Mount: The Ildician Order ride a specific breed of Adunian coursers known as Northern Apollos. They are a medium sized mount standing anywhere between 14-16 hands high. Because they are not as heavy set as other military chargers or destriers they are more faster and able to handle mountain terrain a lot more ably than typical Oren knightly mounts. They are bred as a hybrid Garron and courser (war horse), this means they have more stamina than the usual charger but less strength. Nothern Apollos are trained to come to the call of a Grey Shirt member. Order Garb: The Knights of the Order The order knights wear a simple wool spun grey tabard depicting a roaring bear, the sigil of the Ildician Order. We do not wear bright colours or expensive materials. We are an order of humility, wearing simple tabards with light chainmail is enough for us. The Squires of the Order: The order squires wear a white smock bearing a grey roaring bear and leather armour, the white symbolizes innocence of an untested soldier. List of available knights willing to take on squires Application: [OOC: If you wish to join simply post at the bottom of this thread, you will be tested and required to have a predetermined knight to take you on as a squire and please no hating if you’re denied entry, also it would be wise to read up on Adunian lore so you see how important this order is to the clans http://www.lordofthecraft.net/forum/index.php?/topic/83903-30-adunian-thread/]

Is this an official server religion?

I agree entirely, Henry V actually led a massive force of longbowmen to France and although heavily outnumbered conquered an opposing french force that was bigger, better armed, more healthy/fresh and had the HUGE advantage of morale. He decimated these guys with his peasant welsh longbowmen. What i'm saying is that although the longbowmen were peasants they were literally forced to train with the long bow at an early age, each village in wales depending on size was forced to maintain a force of X amount of longbowmen. To put a long story short it took ages to master the longbow and even then it was trajectory and firing in groups, to actually use a longbow in military as a sniper like weapon would take YEARS of practise, literally.

Hmm definitely good, PEOPLE READ THIS. I roleplayed my ex-sailor using a normal bow, and although he is poorly trained it was almost point blank to a soldier's who's back was turned. EVEN then the soldier thought it likely he could dodge an arrow, I think not buddy. Thanks mate should really help the server.

((Mate I commend the effort, but be prepared to be hated on with all this Katana and Samurai stuff, as far as I know only the Shinzawai clan of Oren has any ties to ancient japan, there was a culture but the users have been banned and/or left))