Shields

Shields are used for blocking incoming strikes depending on a fighter's skill at blocking, and is an alternative to dodging attacks. Blocking is only used when holding a shield and having a block skill which is greater than dodge. All shields have a DR (damage resistance they can absorb) stat which is offset by a to-hit penalty. Any novice can hide behind a tower shield, but the shield strapped to their arm will slow them down and they won't be able to attack as effectively as they would have without the shield. There are times when dodge characters may want to consider using a shield for the defense against critical strikes if gives them, even with the associated dodge and to-hit penalties.

You can also use your shield to bash enemies and push them away.

Shield statistics:

DR, Hardness, Armor penalty, Sneak penalty, To-Hit penalty, Versus critical (vsCritical), and Versus Range (vsRanged).

Armor Penalty - your shield (just like your armor) reduces your mobility.

Versus Ranged (vsRanged) - shields provide superior protection against all ranged attacks, but certain weapons, like pila (plural of pilum) with 40% chance can go through shields, completely ignoring them.

See also: Combat mechanics