Scutum and Pilum Question

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

Uh 27 pounds? I would have said an Imperial Scutum was half that tops, are you sure. As to the longsword thing, aren't you going to break your elbow with that sword crashing into your shield and how are you going to manuver it or do the "face punch" with the boss?

I'm going to get hold of John and ask him about this.

Never mind, from the Ermine Stree Guard Website:

The writer's personal experience of using Legionary shields has shown that although it may, due to its curved shape, appear difficult to carry and use, this is not the case and in fact once one is experienced in its use the benefits of this type of shield for a unit operating in formation become evident. To carry the shield an overhand grip is used and the shield is held vertically at arm's length, as if one was carrying a shopping bag. Although this type of grip may appear awkward it is better than a underhand grip where the weight of the shield is continually trying to straighten the arm against the joint's natural articulation.

Using a overhand grip also has the benefit of making the shield more manoeuvrable, meaning that you can hold the shield away from the body; close in to the body; at arms length at shoulder height; above the head; in front of the body or braced against the shoulder with the top edge of the shield at eye level. Because of its curvature the shield wraps around the user providing a large degree of protection which increases when the carrier is part of a formation. Although as said, the shield is easy to carry and manoeuvre, after prolonged periods of carrying it, the arm begins to feel the weight, despite its lightweight construction.

http://www.esg.ndirect.co.uk/legionary%20equipment.htm

These guys have over 30 years of experience.