Is there any possibility of using shields and Flintlock Pistols together? As far as I see, shields forbid me from using weapons with threat range +1 or more but the Rulebook is ambiguous about the semantic of Threat ranges, using +1, +2 etc. sometimes and 1, 2 etc. the other times. Is there a difference or is it the same and if so, can I circumvent the restriction with traits? My Goal would be to create a unit carrying a Shield in one hand and a Flintlock pistol in the other.
Thank you for the answers.
-Denco13
There is a distinct difference between a weapon that grants a +2 enhancement to Threat Range or one that has a threat range of 2.
+2 adds to your current threat range, While a Threat range of 2 is just a base threat range.
So a weapon with a Threat Range of 1 does not increase your threat range if it is already 1 or higher (take your highest threat range). Although a +1 will increase it a threat range of 1 to a 2.
So as long as you are not adding to the Threat range of a weapon +1 or higher (like longspears and pikes do) then you are good. Notice that a Heavy Lance for instance has a threat range of 3 and thus could be used with a shield. (but must be mounted)
The purpose behind this really is the use of multiple hands being needed for some of these extended reach melee weapons to be used effectively in combat.
Thus the since the weapon has a threat range of 2 (your pistol). You could use it melee combat with your shield. Load up an extra pistol or two (like the pirates of old) and you wont even have to worry about reloading- just grab the next pistol.
In the second age, when riot shields and more guns come into play you will see this more... although guns with a higher strength basically ignore the personal shields. (like a Cannon).