So the topic for today is shields.
In D&D (up to 2nd ed) shields gave just a straight improvement to the AC.
In HARP you get a straight improvement, however the improvement is X unless you have "Shield Training" talent, in which case you get Y. You can also do a shield bash
In RM you get a DB bonus, improved by your # of ranks. You can also do a shield bash.
What all of these do is assume that just because you have a shield on your arm you gain roughly the same bonus.
Yes, HARP has 2 tiers for trained and untrained. HARP even offers Weapon & Shield which allows weapon and shield both to attack.
Yes, Rolemaster has increases for every rank earned.
Why isn't the shield treated as a second weapon in your off hand?
Develop shield as you would any other weapon, whether it be weapon group, weapon class, specific weapon, etc.
Use the 2-weapon combo abilities the same way you use a long sword/dagger combination - use a long sword/shield combination.
Give the shield a bonus on it's parry use simply due to coverage.
Give the shield a penalty on it's attack use due to the design being generally defensive.
For balance, make the coverage bonus the inverse of the shield attack penalty.
Buckler gets minimal bonus and minimal penalty.
Wall Shield has a great defensive bonus, but they would suffer huge penalties when used as a weapon in combat.
As a result, someone who has extensively trained and developed their use of a shield, both defensively and as a weapon, can do so. (Images of the battle scenes from 300 come to mind) At the same time, the kid who picks up a shield and hopes to use it defensively gets some benefit, but not much more than cover. The low level soldier who has minimal shield training, but knows the basics can do so; while Captain America can use that shield with incredible skill.
No need for a new mechanic.... use what already exists.
Thoughts???