Shields for VSF figures

[Bullshott]

So in an age of firearms weird technology, if European troops/adventurers were to use shields what would they look like? Would they be based on historic medieval/renaissance styles or more like modern riot shields? Also, what style would look coolest with VSF/steampunk troops?

Discuss ..

[fastolfrus]

Might there be national/regional differences in style - modern riot shields are different shapes in different countries.

[Supercollider]

Maybe a wrist/forearm mounted metal iris or umbrella mechanism?  The wearer could pop it open as needed.

[Dewbakuk]

Depends what they are being used for. I have a design for combat engineers that would be used like mantlets, cover and advance. A duellist/combat shield would be very different to a boarding shield for example.

[Eisenfaust]

On a battlefield populated by Tesla and Galvanic weaponry, I would think there would be lots of Faraday shields, designed to ground or dissipate the energy beams.

[The_Beast]

I liked the gunshields mounted on bicycles, in Robida's Vingtième Siècle.

Doug

[Captain Darling]

I reckon Supercollider is on the right track the shield should have the shape of an open umbrella, includes the benefits of sloped/curved armour and a central spike for offensive jabs...and be available in black only...

[Bullshott]

I'm thinking initially along the lines of shields for a VSF version of one of the orders of crusading knights. Actions involving small groups of such knights in a 19th century context would have a high probability of being in an urban (or equivalent confined) environment where they may well be facing firearms. So do they go for medium sized circular bucklers/traditionally shaped heater shields or for something larger like a riot shield?  Or maybe different ones for knights and supporting troops.

[Dewbakuk]

My knights are in armour, no shields

[Bullshott]

My knights are in armour, no shields

Which Order?

[Dewbakuk]

Knights of Malta, it's a Papal force after all. Not shown yet as I'm not happy with the conversions. They look great... But they look like I've made some figures for a 40k Inquisitors warband... Paint job might completely alter that but I've decided to other things and come back to them.

[Bullshott]

Knights of Malta, it's a Papal force after all. Not shown yet as I'm not happy with the conversions. They look great... But they look like I've made some figures for a 40k Inquisitors warband... Paint job might completely alter that but I've decided to other things and come back to them.

I'm debating whether to also paint mine as Hospitallers, although going for Teutonic Knights is tempting.

[Dewbakuk]

You would get to do horns, wings and other such helmet nonsense.

[Bullshott]

You would get to do horns, wings and other such helmet nonsense.

That would be these then ...

[Dewbakuk]

Yep, wings need to be bigger