Synford-Pattern Lockshield

synFord-pattern “loCkshield” The Arbites commonly make use of heavy, ceramite shields during operations of all types􀀎 These are rectangular plates, worn on one arm, which are typically equipped with a heavily armoured viewport that offers protection to the operator􀀎 The Synford “Lockshield” is a relatively standard example of the type, but with one unusual and defi ning feature􀀎 The lockshield, like most Arbites shields, is designed with an armourglass viewport and a fi ring port through which a basic or pistol weapon can be fi red without penalty􀀎 It also contains a powered vox-hailer linked to the vox-torc of the most senior Arbitrator present, allowing that offi cer to rebuke and remonstrate over even the most deafening racket􀀎 It contains mag-strips on both sides, which enable prisoners to be secured directly to the shield by magnacles􀀎 Its most unusual feature is its ability to lock solidly with adjacent lockshields to create an armoured wall behind which Arbitrators can advance as a unit􀀎 A lockshield requires one hand to use and provides +4 AP to that arm and the torso of the user􀀎 The shield is taller than most Arbites shields, and as such can additionally provide the +4 AP protection to the head when the user is in motion, or the legs when stationary􀀎 The shield can be locked using mag-strips to shields adjacent to it; the Arbites use this to create walled “Lockshield” formations during particularly lethal riots, or to advance large groups of Arbites down wide, fi re swept corridors􀀎