Items:Shields:Buckler
A buckler refers to any kind of very small shield. They can be constructed of wood, metal, or even a combination of materials. There are types of animal-hide bucklers, but these are rare. These are usually stretched over hoops constructed of metal, wood, or animal bone. Bucklers do minimal bash damage.
Popular sub-types include banded bucklers, bossed bucklers, and edged bucklers.
Wooden bucklers
Wooden bucklers are usually constructed out of slats of hardwood, such as cherry, redwood, ironwood, or oak. A few, fairly uncommmon specimens are carved of a single piece of ironwood. Theses bucklers are typically carried by elite Forestkeepers or Knights of the Green.
Banded Buckler
Banded bucklers are constructed of wood and then augmented with bands of metal - usually iron or bronze - that are applied to the wood hot and then hammered and cooled. Usually, these bands are arranged in a crossing pattern across the center of the buckler, in parallel to bind the slats together, or arranged in a rim around the edge of the buckler. These bands both re-inforce the buckler
Bossed Buckler
Bossed bucklers are simple wooden bucklers that are adorned at the center with a metallic disk. Many of the bosses one encounters have been hammered, etched, or enameled to add personality. Most bosses are no thicker than the bucklers they are applied to, but some are much more substantial. The large, hemispherical boss is more typical of Humans in the northern lands of Uz. Bossed bucklers, by virtue of the protrusion, provide a bonus to parry.
Metal Bucklers
Metal bucklers are usually constructed of Iron or Steel. Occasionally, one may find an older buckler crafted out of bronze, but these have become more or less obsolete in the age of iron and steel. Metal bucklers may or may not feature a boss or banding.
Edged Bucklers
Edged bucklers are constructed out of wood or metal. They are augmented with bone or metal that allow the shield to be used as a weapon. This skill is distinct from the shield bash skill.