A true oddity in armament, the Lantern Shield

"It is a small shield in the shape of a buckler
and generally about a foot in diameter. And this basic shield was
turned into a veritable swiss army knife of a weapon by the addition of
a variety of other things such as a gauntlet with serrated blades.
These serrations were theoretically used to break an opponent’s blade.
There was also a long blade attached to the shield that ran parallel to
the users shield arm. This could be used to thrust at an opponent. The
shield also often had spikes protruding from it which could be used as
piercing weapons. But the most unusual thing about this weapon, and the
thing that gives it its name, is the lantern. It had a hook in the
middle of the shield where a lantern could be attached and often times
there was a leather flap covering this lantern. The theory was that if
attacked the wielder could throw open the flap and the light from the
lantern would dazzle and confuse the attacker."



That is one nasty looking weapon! Here one can find more pictures and a discussion, and here is a very entertaining historical account of its use.

It is thought to be a mugging deterrent or curiosity of the wealthy weapon collector, rather than a practical weapon though. But just for the sake of creativity, let's pretend it is practical for a moment; how could this be represented in Mordheim?

Lantern Shield
Cost 60+3D6
Rare 13

This foppish weapon is a gauntlet, buckler, lantern, sword breaker, and various and abundant protrusions of blades all wrapped up into one intimidating, and quite rare, package.

Range: Close Combat
Strength: as user
Special Rules
Lantern: A model that is in possession of a lantern shield may add +4"
to the distance from which he is able to spot
hidden enemies.

Blind and Brandish: In the first turn of close combat, all enemies fighting the bearer of the lantern shield must pass a leadership test or they will strike last. The bearer of the lantern shield may not use it to attack or parry this turn.

Parry: The Lantern Shield allows the wielder to parry just like a buckler, provided it is not the first round of combat.

Trap Blade: Whenever you make a successful parry roll a D6. If you score 4+, you break the weapon your opponent was using. The weapon is now useless and they must use another one, or if they have no weapon, resort to unarmed combat.

Now imagine a gromril of ithilmar version...

That's ridiculous and totally awesome at the same time. You must need at least half a dozen permits for that bad boy.

It seems that when it comes to weapons, mankind's creativity knows no boundaries.

Seems more dangerous to use than to face ^_^

Maybe you should add:
unwieldy: The lantern shield is heavy and hard to wield, all attacks with the lantern shield are at -1 to hit, though if a hero has the skill Strongman this rule does not apply.

- popmouth

I've read about this before, and the first thing I thought was: 'that must be the most useless weapon ever devised'. Apart from being the world's clumsiest weapon: You can't stab AND slash AND parry AND block you can slash OR parry OR block. Also, many oil lanterns burst into flames if they're tipped on their sides, would a candle-lantern dazzle someone? It's ver doubtful don't you think?

You know, this is exactly the type of frippery the Marienburger fops would love! (Just like the Hochlanders making the double-barrelled guns for the drooling Ostlanders.)

Thoughts:
- The cost should be more outlandish: 100 + 3D6 gc. "It's a one-of-a-kind weapon, made by the master artisans at Nuln, sir! Just look at this unique craftsmanship, and see here how carefully it was designed to make sure the lantern oil wouldn't splash on you!"

- Let the rarity come down to 12. If someone wants such a contraption, someone else will make it for them.

- This should be listed as a weapon, on no warband's equipment list (meaning that only a model with Weapons Training could use it).

- I like the Parry as is - it's a weaponized buckler, after all.

- Since the Blind and Brandish is only in the first round of HtH, it's real use would be against being charged. However, giving Strike Last might be a little harsh - make it remove opponent's First Strike instead. This could be as much of a "what the hell is that?" reaction than any real blinding result.

- I would replace actually breaking the weapon with Disarm - the model cannot use the disarmed weapon until after his next Recovery phase. Of course, I hate the Sword Breaker itself, so there's my prejudice.

- Gotta keep the Lantern rule - very Mordheim.

- As an attack, the sword is crap (realistically), though the shield spike might be useful. Even so, yeah, let the attack suffer a -1 to hit (and any other DW/offhand penalties you use).

Pathfinder Dubstyles wrote:

But just for the sake of creativity, let's pretend it is practical for a moment...

I agree, it's got to be impossible to both use for offense or defense in real life! I think it was more of a psychological weapon than anything else on dark Spaniard streets.

I'm not making this available for my own games, more of a what if brainstorming. And yes Wyldhunt, you need that skill to use it!

Also your version of brandish is better, provided the penalties are removed (no attacking or parry the first turn. Cost was basically a guess, took the price of a sword breaker, lantern, and buckler then added a combo surcharge!

Popmouth: there are already several versions of unwieldy rule, i hink it would be better to make the following rule.

"Careful with that thing": The Lantern Shield can only ever be used for a single off-hand attack, and if you roll a 1 to hit you have managed to injure yourself! You take a strength 3 hit with normal saves allowed.


Also i highly recommend the historical account i linked above, a good read.

The careful with that thing rule seems to be a great compromise! ^_^