Shattering Shields!

[Tamerlaine]

Does anyone use the 'shield-may-shatter' rule in their games? I am thinking about making this a house rule for my new game here on this forum, Dyson's Delve with Whitebox (still looking for players), and as much as I like the sound of it I worry this rule would unbalance things in combat.

[merias]

I have used it in my games before. It's another way to reduce the fatality rates at low levels, but doesn't seriously unbalance anything by itself. It depends on the type of game you like to run - maybe leave it out if you have a few other things that help out the PCs (like max HP at 1st level, binding wounds, etc)?

[ClawCarver]

I liked the sound of the rule and sought to use it in my B/X games but it never took root because my players gravitate to shieldless magic-users and thieves (and the odd zweihander-wielding fighter) and eventually it was forgotten. I did, however, find a natural home for it in my Old Norse duelling rules/minigame.
https://clawcarver.wordpress.com/2014/11/19/holmganga-duelling-rules-for-old-norse-campaigns/