Shields with Barrier

[The Main Man]

I guess this isn't a true "How to Build" thread, since I'm pretty sure I already know where to go with the idea, but better safe than sorry.

 

Anyways, I haven't read Fantasy HERO 6e yet, but the other day I realized that Barrier could possibly be suited to simulating a shield better than a DCV/HA multipower thanks to other certain 6e rules that have been introduced since 5e.

 

First, the DCV bonus provided by a shield simulated the amount of cover that it provided. Back in 5e and earlier, it was arguably difficult to simulate a power that created barriers on as small a scale as a handheld shield because Entangles must be generated, Force Walls have no BODY, and 5e used hexes instead of meters.

 

That all changed with 6e, as the barrier aspect of Entangle was folded with Force Wall to make Barrier, and everything is measured in meters, which is easier to convert to alternate measurements, whether quantitative (half a meter) or systematic (metric versus imperial).

 

So basically, Shields could be built as Non-Anchored Barriers that provide cover, which would account for the bonus DCV as OCV penalties to the opponent, as it would also account for Block bonuses for the same precise reason.

 

Second, the HA slot simulated the fact that a shield is a potential weapon, but 6e's rules for random objects as weapons further facilitate the use of Barrier as a useful power as they provide PD and BODY, which could eliminate the need for an HA slot in a multipower.

 

So all in all, I argue that Barrier could be used as an all-in-one power for Shields. That said, I'm very used to using Shields the other way.

 

So what do my fellow HEROphiles think about this idea?