edition 1

Greetings Caid,

I am starting a recurring post called the Marshals’ Corner. Here we will provide rules for armor, weapons, and combat providing clarification to the implementation in Caid. I hope you find this helpful as we work to increase everyone’s knowledge and adherence to the rules.

And so I present to you edition 1…

Center Grip Shield hand protection.

I have received numerous question about the requirement for hand protection on center grip shields. When we look at the rules, this is covered under the Hand and Wrist Armor section.

Note: I have only quoted to paragraphs relevant to shield protection to keep this brief. The entire requirements for Hand and Wrist protection can be found in the Armored Combat Handbook.

The Rule states:

F. Hand and Wrist Armor:

The outer surfaces of the hand, to one inch above the wrist of both arms and including the thumb, must be covered by one or a combination of the following:

• 1. A rigid basket or cup hilt with enough bars or plates to prevent a blow from striking the fingers or the back of the hand. If a basket or cup hilt, shield basket, or center- grip shield is used, a vambrace and or partial gauntlet shall cover the remaining exposed portions of the hand and wrist.

• 4. A shield with a shield basket or equivalent. A shield alone is NOT sufficient, since it covers the back of the hand, but not the fingers, thumb, or wrist. A shield alone may be considered an equivalent to full hand protection only if no part of the gloved hand or wrist is within 4 inches (10.2 cm) of the edge of the shield while the shield is in use.

For center grip shields, #1 is the overriding requirement. This is because the wrist and thumb are many times at a right angle to the shield and subject to strikes by shield hooks and sword blows. 

Next time you grip your shield and hold it like you do for combat, look at how much of your thumb is exposed. What will happen in a shield hook when the edge of your opponents shield hits your thumb. Let me tell you, if it does not break, it certainly hurts like heck!!! 

In addition to a demi-gauntlet, It is highly recommend to have something to protect the exposed part of your thumb. This can be an additional protection like a heavy leather or metal cover, or a ridge inside the shield to prevent impact. There are a few sold by armorers that mount to the inside of your shield that are great added protection.

The second rules gives you leeway for a shield Basket or equivalent , by stating “A shield alone may be considered an equivalent to full hand protection only if no part of the gloved hand or wrist is within 4 inches (10.2 cm) of the edge of the shield while the shield is in use.” But this is in place of a shield basket or equivalent. As stated in paragraph #1 a vambrace and or partial gauntlet is still required. It is still highly recommend to have hand protection, like a hockey glove or better. Even when your fingers are 4 inches from the edge they can get hit by a shield hook.

So there you have it. On a center grip shield “a vambrace and or partial gauntlet shall cover the remaining exposed portions of the hand and wrist.”

So let’s protect those digits and have fun!!!

Yours in Service,
Davin Kinnaird MacAilean
Kingdom Earl Marshal – Caid