The Avengers 5th Edition 250 Points

[Cassandra]

Tony Stark

 

Val Char Cost

15 STR 5

18 DEX 24

15 CON 10

12 BODY 4

23 INT 16

11 EGO 2

15 PRE 5

16 COM 3

6 PD 3

4 ED 1

3 SPD 2

6 REC 0

30 END 0

28 STUN 0

Total Characteristics Cost: 75 Points

 

Cost Skills

3 Computer Programming 14-

5 Cramming 

5 Eidetic Memory

3 Electronics 14-

3 FB: Federal Police Powers

3 High Society 12-

3 Inventor 14-

2 Lang: Fluent French

3 Mechanics 14-

15 Money: Filthy Rich

3 Power [iNT] 14-

3 PS[iNT]: Industrialist 14-

2 Rep: Genius Billionaire Playboy Philanthropist 11-

2 SS[iNT]: Chemistry 14-

2 SS[iNT]: Computer Science 14-

2 SS[iNT]: Electronics Engineering 14-

2 SS[iNT]: Mathematics 14-

2 SS[iNT]: Mechanical Engineering 14-

2 SS[iNT]: Physics 14-

3 Scientist

3 Systems Operation 14-

4 Weaponsmith: Firearms, Energy Weapons, Missiles & Rockets

Total Skills Cost: 75 Points

 

Cost Powers

9 Armor +5 rPD +5 rED, 14-, IIF: Concealed Body Armor (-1/4)

5 ES: RPT, OAF: Avengers ID Card (-1)

33 Multiform: 250 Points [iron Man], IAF: Briefcase (-1/2)

53 VPP 40 Points, OIF/IAF (-1/2)

Total Powers Cost: 100 Points

 

Total Cost: 250 Points

 

150+ Disadvantages

5 DNPC: Edwin Jarvis (Useful Normal) 8-

15 Hunted: Mandarin (As Powerful/NCI) 8-

10 Hunted: S.H.I.E.L.D. (More Powerful/NCI/Watch) 8-

20 Normal Characteristics Maxima

10 PsyL: Must Live Up To Family Reputation For Achievement (Uncommon/Strong)

15 PsyL: Overconfidence (Very Common/Moderate)

20 PsyL: Protective Of Innocents (Very Common/Strong)

5 SocL: Famous (Occasionally/Major)

Total Disadvantages Cost: 250 Points

 

 

Iron Man

 

Val Char Cost

15 STR 5

18 DEX 24

15 CON 10

12 BODY 4

18 INT 8

11 EGO 2

15 PRE 5

16 COM 3

5 PD 2

3 ED 0

4 SPD 12

6 REC 0

30 END 0

28 STUN 0

Total Characteristics Cost: 75 Points

 

Cost Skills

2 Bump of Direction, OIF: Powered Armor (-1/2)

3 Computer Programming 13-

3 FB: Federal Police Powers

2 Navigation [Air] 13-

2 Rep: Powered Armor Hero 11-

10 SL: Overall +1

3 Systems Operation 13-

Total Skills Cost: 25 Points

 

Cost Powers

30 Armor +15 rPD +15 rED, OIF: Powered Armor (-1/2)

5 CON +5, NFC (-1/2), OIF: Powered Armor (-1/2)

13 100 END 10 REC, OIF: Powered Armor (-1/2)

10 EC [Nuclear Energy]-15 Points, OIF: Powered Armor (-1/2)

23 1) EB 10d6

9 2) Flight 10", Variable Advantages (+1/2), [Megascale 1km, 1/2 END, or Use Underwater Only (-1/4)]

17 3) STR +40

22 ES: HRRP, 360 Degree Radar, Telescopic Sight +2, UV Sight, OIF: Powered Armor (-1/2)

3 Flash Defense [sight] 5 Points, OIF: Powered Armor (-1/2)

13 LS: High Pressure, High Radiation, Intense Cold, Intense Heat, Low Pressure/Vacuum, Self Contained

Total Powers Cost: 150 Points

 

Total Cost: 250 Points

 

150+ Disadvantages

15 Hunted: Mandarin (As Powerful/NCI) 8-

10 Hunted: S.H.I.E.L.D. (More Powerful/NCI/Watch) 8-

20 Normal Characteristics Maxima

10 PsyL: Must Live Up To Family Reputation For Achievement (Uncommon/Strong)

15 PsyL: Overconfidence (Very Common/Moderate)

20 PsyL: Protective Of Innocents (Very Common/Strong)

10 SocL: Secret Identity [Tony Stark] (Occasionally/Major)

Total Disadvantages Cost: 250 Points

[Christopher R Taylor]

It might be worth putting a dependence on his armor or at least the chest piece, depending on what era.  He used to need it to survive.  Certainly it came into play in all three movies so far, although you're using the comics version  Also Mandarin might be considered more powerful, maybe?  He's really expensive to build in my experience.

[Cassandra]

Black Widow

 

Val Char Cost

15 STR 5

20 DEX 30

18 CON 16

11 BODY 2

18 INT 8

14 EGO 8

20 PRE 10

18 COM 4

7 PD 4

7 ED 3

4 SPD 10

7 REC 0

36 END 0

28 STUN 0

Total Characteristics Cost: 100 Points

 

Cost Skills

3 Acrobatics 13-

3 Breakfall 13-

6 Combat Luck +3 rPD +3 rED

3 Conversation 13-

3 FB: Federal Police Powers

3 High Society 13-

4 Lang: Native English

0 Lang: Native Russian

3 Lockpicking 13-

4 Martial Block

4 Martial Dodge

4 Martial Strike

3 Martial Throw

2 Navigation [Ground] 13-

5 Offensive Strike

3 Security Systems 13-

3 Seduction 13-

3 Shadowing 13-

10 SL: Overall +1

3 Stealth 13-

3 Streetwise 13-

Total Skills Cost: 75 Points

 

Cost Powers

10 Armor +5 rPD +5 rED, OIF: Costume (-1/2)

7 Clinging 15 STR, OIF: Costume (-1/2)

40 EB 8d6, Autofire [2-3 Shots] (+1/4), [32c] (+1/4), OIF: Bracelets (-1/2)

5 ES: RPT, OAF: Avengers ID Card (-1)

6 Running +3"

7 Swinging 10", OIF: Bracelets (-1/2)

Total Powers Cost: 75 Points

 

Total Cost: 250 Points

 

150+ Disadvantages

10 Hunted: Crimson Dynamo (As Powerful) 8-

10 Hunted: S.H.I.E.L.D. (More Powerful/NCI/Watch) 8-

20 Normal Characteristics Maxima

15 PsyL: Feels Obligated To Fight Crime (Common/Strong)

15 PsyL: In Love WIth Daredevil or Hawkeye (Common/Strong)

20 PsyL: Protective Of Innocents (Very Common/Strong)

10 SocL: Secret Identity [Natasha Romanoff/Natalie Rushman] (Occasionally/Major]

Total Disadvantages Cost: 250 Points

[Christopher R Taylor]

Yes, the real Black Widow.  She's so much more interesting a character in the comics, although I admit I liked the interrogation scenes in the movie.  Incidentally: she's very long lived, not sure if immortal.  She was a little kid in WW2 but appears to be in her 20's now.  I'm not sure if they ever explained how that worked.  

 

Since she interacted with the Winter Soldier, its probable that she was just part of their ice cube program

[Cassandra]

Yes, the real Black Widow.  She's so much more interesting a character in the comics, although I admit I liked the interrogation scenes in the movie.  Incidentally: she's very long lived, not sure if immortal.  She was a little kid in WW2 but appears to be in her 20's now.  I'm not sure if they ever explained how that worked.  

 

Since she interacted with the Winter Soldier, its probable that she was just part of their ice cube program

 

I read that comic where Captain America and Logan (future Wolverine) saved young Natasha.  I've elected to ignore it.  An easy way to explain it is to give her LS: Longevity [200 Years] and claim she's a mutant.

 

Regarding your earlier post on Tony's dependence on his chest plate, I know it was a big factor in some early Iron Man stories, and even in the first movie, but I'm sure since then he would have taken precautions to prevent it from being removed again.  Since Iron Man 3 he no longer needs it, and in the comics he got a heart transplant so it's no long an issue.

 

Note that his VPP is the way he built the first set of armor to escape from the cave.  He simply spent 40 Points on a Multiform: 200 Points [iron Man Mk. 1].

[Cassandra]

Captain America

 

Val Char Cost

20 STR 10

18 DEX 24

20 CON 20

12 BODY 4

18 INT 8

11 EGO 2

20 PRE 10

18 COM 4

8 PD 4

6 ED 2

4 SPD 12

8 REC 0

40 END 0

32 STUN 0

Total Characteristics Cost: 100 Points

 

Cost Skills

3 Acrobatics 13-

3 Breakfall 13-

6 Combat Luck +3 rPD +3 rED

8 CSL: Combat +1

2 CSL: EB +1

3 Fast Draw 13-

3 FB: Federal Police Powers

4 Martial Block

4 Marital Dodge

4 Marital Strike

3 Martial Throw

2 Navigation [Ground] 13-

5 Offensive Strike 

3 Oratory 13-

2 Rep: Patriotic Hero 11-

10 SL: Overall +1

3 Stealth 13-

3 Tactics 13-

3 Teamwork 13-

1 Weapons Element: Shield

Total Skills Cost: 75 Points

 

Cost Powers

10 Armor +5 rPD +5 rED, OIF: Costume (-1/2)

25 Multipower (50 Points) OAF: Shield (-1)

2 u) EB 8d6, 1/2 END (+1/2)

1 u) Force Field +10 rPD +10 rED, No END (+1/2)

1 u) HA +2d6, HTH Attack (-1/2), No END (+1/2)

1 u) Missile Deflection [All Ranged Attacks] +5

5 ES: RPT, OAF: Avengers ID Card (-1)

3 KNB Ressistance -3", Linked [Force Field] (-1/2), OAF: Shield (-1)

3 Leaping +5", Requires Skills [Acrobatics] Roll (-1/2)

10 LS: Immunity [Disease]

5 Reduced END on 20 STR, 1/2 END (+1/4)

3 Reduced END on Running 9", 1/2 END (+1/4)

6 Running +3"

Total Powers Cost: 75 Points

 

Total Cost: 75 Points

 

150+ Disadvantages

5 DNPC: Sharon Carter (Slightly Less Powerful) 8-

5 DF: Soldier (Easily Concealable/Noticed)

15 Hunted: Red Skull (As Powerful) 8-

10 Hunted: S.H.I.E.L.D. (More Powerful/NCI/Watch) 8-

20 Normal Characteristics Maxima

20 PsyL: Code Of The Hero (Very Common/Strong)

20 PsyL: Superpatriot (Common/Total)

10 SocL: Secret Identity [steve Rogers] (Occasionally/Major)

Total Disadvantages Cost: 250 Points

[zslane]

A shield as Force Field? What's the sfx explanation for that?

[Cassandra]

A shield as Force Field? What's the sfx explanation for that?

 

While the Shield would technically be Armor, I used Force Field for two reasons.  One, Armor is not allowed in a power framework, and two, it's not persistent (i.e., doesn't work if Cap is stunned or unconscious).  The "Force Field" is actually Captain America deflecting attacks while on the move.  It is useful because he can defend himself against both Physical and Energy attacks without making a dodge maneuver.  Any bigger attack can be dealt with either missile deflection or a dodge.

[zslane]

I guess it represents the four-color tendency of every opponent to unwittingly aim for his shield, rather than an exposed part of his body...

[Christopher R Taylor]

Hey, its painted like a huge target for a reason!

[Hyper-Man]

A shield as Force Field? What's the sfx explanation for that?

 

Technically, HERO Powers should not have a default sfx to begin with (Reason from effect!).  That's part of the reason that Armor and Force Field were combined in 6e into the new Resistant Defense Power.

[Hyper-Man]

A shield as Force Field? What's the sfx explanation for that?

 

 

Here is a more fleshed out and higher active point versioin of the Shield I did a while back.

 

direct link to post:  http://www.herogames.com/forums/topic/68154-captain-america-build-350-pts/?p=1743039

 

Re: Captain American Build 350 pts

 

I've never tried to build Captain America but I have built his shield and Wolverines claws (since their power levels are kind of tied to each other).

 

I posted most of this on another thread as well.

 

30 The Shield - by Whammo! v3.3: Multipower, 75-point reserve, (75 Active Points); all slots OIF Unbreakable (Inaccessable Arm Straps; -1/2), Requires A DEX Roll (No Active Point penalty to Skill Roll; -1/2), Restrainable (-1/2)

[Notes: The Lockout on Frisbee Throw and Ranged instances of Cutting Edge and Deflect only comes into play if those actions fail (miss) or the shield is actively attacked (or deflected) itself. Not all slots are necessary for a character to purchase to begin with (some could be learned with XP). The CSL's within some slots represent the amazing lightness of the Shield. The Requires DEX Roll offsets this somewhat (in the hands of an inexperienced user at least).]

3u 1) Shield Bash: (Total: 75 Active Cost, 26 Real Cost) Hand-To-Hand Attack +4d6, Personal Immunity (Only To Counter Damage Shield; +1/4), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2), Does x1 1/2 Knockback (+1/2), Indirect (Any origin, any direction; Only To Counter Damage Shield; +3/4) (60 Active Points); Hand-To-Hand Attack (-1/2) (Real Cost: 20) plus +3 with HTH Combat (15 Active Points) (Real Cost: 6)

[Notes: Up to 20 STR damage can be added with Advantages. Non-movement based Martial Arts and Haymaker bonus DC's add normally. Multiply velocity divisors by 3. Move By adds +1 DC/15". Move Through adds +1 DC/9".] - END=0

2u 2) Frisbee Throw: Energy Blast 10d6 (vs. PD), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2) (75 Active Points); Lockout (Only If Thrown AND the attack misses OR is Blocked/Deflected; -1/2), Limited Range (Based On STR; -1/4) - END=0

2u 3) Cutting Edge (HTH or Ranged): Killing Attack - Hand-To-Hand 1d6 (vs. PD), Personal Immunity (Only To Counter Damage Shield; +1/4), Range Based On STR (+1/4), +1 Increased STUN Multiplier (+1/4), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2), Armor Piercing (+1/2), Does x1 1/2 Knockback (+1/2), Indirect (Any origin, any direction; Only To Counter Damage Shield; +3/4), Penetrating (x2; +1) (75 Active Points); Lockout (Only If Thrown AND the attack misses OR is Blocked/Deflected; -1/2)

[Notes: Due to Advantages it takes +25 STR to add +1 Damage Class. 75 STR would be needed to reach maximum damage of 2d6k.] - END=0

2u 4) Deflect: (Total: 73 Active Cost, 23 Real Cost) Missile Deflection (Any Ranged Attack), Missile Reflection, Hardened (+1/4), Full Range (+1) (65 Active Points); Lockout (Only If Thrown AND the attack misses OR is Blocked/Deflected; -1/2), Conditional Power Range Based On Strength (-1/4) (Real Cost: 20) plus +2 OCV with any two categories of combat (HTH and Ranged) (8 Active Points) (Real Cost: 3)

[Notes: 2 CSL's can be used towards Missile Deflection or Block.] - END=0

2u 5) Basic Defense: Force Field (12 PD/12 ED/6 Power Defense), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2), Hardened (x4; +1) (75 Active Points); Limited Coverage [61-180] Degrees (-1/2) - END=0

2u 6) Full Defense (Of Others): Force Wall (12 PD/12 ED), Costs END Only To Activate (Bracing; +1/4) (75 Active Points); No Range (-1/2), Limited Coverage [61-180] Degrees (-1/2), Restricted Shape (-1/4) [Notes: Acts as 12" Knockback Resistance] - END=6

2u 7) Land Like A Feather: Leaping 60", Costs END Only To Activate (+1/4) (75 Active Points); Limited Power Only To Stop Falling Velocitiy Damage (-2) - END=6

 

 

50 I've Got Claws!: Multipower, 75-point reserve, (75 Active Points); all slots Restrainable (-1/2)

[Notes: Figured damage totals assume a character with 20 STR.]

5u 1) Slash!: (Total: 75 Active Cost, 50 Real Cost) Killing Attack - Hand-To-Hand 1d6+1 (1 1/2d6 w/STR) (vs. PD), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2), Armor Piercing (x2; +1), Penetrating (x2; +1) (70 Active Points) (Real Cost: 47) plus +1 with HTH Combat (5 Active Points) (Real Cost: 3) - END=0

5u 2) Thrust!: Killing Attack - Hand-To-Hand 3d6+1 (4 1/2d6 w/STR) (vs. PD), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2) (75 Active Points) - END=0

5u 3) Slash! v2: (Total: 75 Active Cost, 50 Real Cost) Killing Attack - Hand-To-Hand 1d6+1 (1 1/2d6 w/STR) (vs. PD), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2), No Normal Defense ([Force Field or Force Wall]; +1), Does BODY (+1) (70 Active Points) (Real Cost: 47) plus +1 with HTH Combat (5 Active Points) (Real Cost: 3) - END=0

 

I'm pretty sure my 350 point version of Batman could easily be modified with the above shield to make a decent Cap'. Note that my Batman only has a 4 SPD but this is keeping in line with the rest of my Justice League who all have 4 SPD except for Flash who has SPD 6.

 

HM

[Christopher R Taylor]

I forgot he's used the shield to absorb falling damage before, since it absorbs energy.

[Greywind]

It might be worth putting a dependence on his armor or at least the chest piece, depending on what era.  He used to need it to survive.  Certainly it came into play in all three movies so far, although you're using the comics version  Also Mandarin might be considered more powerful, maybe?  He's really expensive to build in my experience.

 

Actually, it was reduced from the chest plate to just the mini-ARC reactor.

[Greywind]

 I'm not sure if they ever explained how that worked.  

 

Marvel's sliding timescale.

[Cassandra]

I guess it represents the four-color tendency of every opponent to unwittingly aim for his shield, rather than an exposed part of his body...

 

Batman has that yellow oval with the bat on his chest for the same reason.

[Christopher R Taylor]

Chris Nolan didn't seem to quite understand that concept though.

[Cassandra]

Bruce Banner

 

Val Char Cost

15 STR 5

18 DEX 24

15 CON 10

12 BODY 4

23 INT 16

11 EGO 2

15 PRE 5

16 COM 3

6 PD 3

4 ED 1

3 SPD 2

6 REC 0

30 END 0

28 STUN 0

Total Characteristics Cost: 75 Points

 

Cost Skills

3 Computer Programming 14-

5 Cramming

3 Demolitions 14-

5 Eidetic Memory

3 Electronics 14-

3 FB: Federal Police Powers

3 Lightning Calculator 

3 Inventor 14-

3 Mechanics 14-

3 Paramedic 14-

3 Power [iNT] 14-

3 PS[iNT]: Nuclear Physicist 14-

2 Rep: Nuclear Physicist 11-

2 SS[iNT]: Biology 14-

2 SS[iNT]: Chemistry 14-

2 SS[iNT]: Electrical Engineering 14-

2 SS[iNT]: Mechanical Engineering 14-

2 SS[iNT]: Nuclear Engineering 14-

2 SS[iNT]: Physiology 14-

2 SS[iNT]: Nuclear Physics 14-

3 Scientist

10 SL: Overall +1

3 Systems Operation 14-

3 Weaponsmith: Energy Weapons, Missiles & Rockets 14-

Total Skills Cost: 75 Points

 

Cost Powers

5 ES: RPT, OAF: Avengers ID Card (-1)

2 LS: High Radiation

40 Multiform: 250 Points [Hulk], Concentrate 1/2 DCV (-1/4)

53 VPP 40 Points, OIF/IAF (-1/2)

Total Powers Cost: 100 Points

 

Total Cost: 250 Points

 

150+ Disadvantages

10 Accidental Change When Attacked Or Injured (Common) 8-

10 Hunted: Abomination (As Powerful) 8-

10 Hunted: Leader (As Powerful ) 8-

10 Hunted: S.H.I.E.L.D. (More Powerful/NCI/Watch) 8-

10 Hunted: U.S. Air Force (More Powerful/NCI/Watch) 8-

20 Normal Characteristics Maxima

15 PsyL: Easily Distracted By Scientific Matters (Common/Strong)

15 PsyL: In Love With Betty Ross (Common/Strong)

Total Disadvantages Cost: 250 Points

 

 

Hulk

 

Val Char Cost

60* STR 40

15 DEX 15

25 CON 30

14 BODY 8

13 INT 3

10 EGO 0

20 PRE 10

18 COM 4

27* PD 15

17* ED 10

4 SPD 15

15 REC 0

50 END 0

52 STUN 0

Total Characteristics Cost: 150 Points

 

*Density Increase Characteristics  Added In

 

Cost Skills

3 Breakfall 12-

6 Combat Luck +3 rPD +3 rED

5 CSL: HTH Combat +1

4 CSL: Strike +2

3 Federal Police Powers

2 Navigation [Ground] 12-

2 Rep: Superhero 11-

Total Skills Cost: 25 Points

 

Cost Powers

25 Damage Resistance 25 rPD 15 rED, Hardened (+1/4)

13 Density Increase: Mass 400kg, STR +10, KNB -2", PD +2, ED +2, No END Persistent (+1), Always On (-1/2)

5 ES: RPT, Avengers ID Card (-1)

10 Multipower (10 Points)

1 u) Leaping +10"

1 u) Leaping 3", Accurate, Megascale 1km (+1/4)

20 LS: Extended Breathing [1 END/Turn], High Pressure, High Radiation, Immunity [Disease], Intense Cold, Intense Heat, Low Pressure/Vacuum

Total Powers Cost: 75 Points

 

Total Cost: 250 Points

 

150+ Disadvantages

10 Enraged When Attacked Or Injured (Common) 8-, Recover 14-

10 DF: Large, Green, & Heavy (Easily Concealable/Major Reaction)

10 Hunted: Abomination (As Powerful) 8-

10 Hunted: Leader (As Powerful) 8-

10 Hunted: S.H.I.E.L.D. (More Powerful/NCI/Watch) 8-

10 Hunted: U.S. Air Force (More Powerful/NCI/Watch) 8-

15 PsyL: Overconfidence (Very Common/Moderate)

20 PsyL: Protective Of Innocents (Very Common/Strong)

5 Rep: Rampaging Moster 8-

Total Disadvantages Cost: 250 Points

[Cassandra]

Chris Nolan didn't seem to quite understand that concept though.

 

He also dressed Robin colorfully as a decoy.

[Christopher R Taylor]

The hulk is perfect for a recursive aid loop in 5th edition; some of the points go to increasing Aid maximum; then give him a Strength Aid for 'the madder he gets.'  Hulk should have regenerate too, and Bruce seems a bit buff for a skinny physicist?

[Greywind]

Batman has that yellow oval with the bat on his chest for the same reason.

 

 

Chris Nolan didn't seem to quite understand that concept though.

 

Batman stopped having the yellow behind the plate when he bounced back from the Knightfall storyline.

 

He also dressed Robin colorfully as a decoy.

 

Robin (Dick Grayson) wore his family's circus costume.

[zslane]

Here is a more fleshed out and higher active point versioin of the Shield I did a while back.

 

direct link to post:  http://www.herogames.com/forums/topic/68154-captain-america-build-350-pts/?p=1743039

Your version makes more sense to me; the Force Field slot in yours has the Limited Coverage Limitation, which I would probably insist on if I was the GM...

[Cassandra]

The hulk is perfect for a recursive aid loop in 5th edition; some of the points go to increasing Aid maximum; then give him a Strength Aid for 'the madder he gets.'  Hulk should have regenerate too, and Bruce seems a bit buff for a skinny physicist?

 

I had the Tony Stark "Genius" Characteristics Template and reused it for Banner.  He's closer to the 90s TV Cartoon version.  

 

This version of the Hulk is much more "Stable" regarding his Strength, and more akin to the Avengers Assemble member.

[Christopher R Taylor]

Limited coverage makes sense logically for a shield, but in all media, it does not have that limitation, and ought not in a build that simulates Captain America.  Further, if I had a concept of a character who could use a shield to block stuff, I'd be kind if miffed if a GM insisted it take limited coverage.  Special effects and all; it does what you intend it to and looks how you want it to.

[Hyper-Man]

Limited coverage makes sense logically for a shield, but in all media, it does not have that limitation, and ought not in a build that simulates Captain America.  Further, if I had a concept of a character who could use a shield to block stuff, I'd be kind if miffed if a GM insisted it take limited coverage.  Special effects and all; it does what you intend it to and looks how you want it to.

 

The Limited Coverage slots in my example represent the most 'Passive' defensive use of the Shield.  The user isn't dedicating an Attack Action to its use (like with Block or Missile Deflection) so they CAN attack in the same Phase.  In that context, being vulnerable to attacks from a different direction than currently covered by the Shield makes sense.  If Cap wants to be able to defend from attacks from multiple directions he would choose the Block/Deflect slot anyway.  Any time he uses the Shield for anything other than full defense of some sort or another is always going to be calculated risk on his part.