Are (non-unique) shields ever worth it?

Orrus · March 18, 2015, 20:50

Are shields ever really worth it? Since there is no block mechanic, all a shield does is add a measly amount of AC. This hardly seems worth the trade off versus 2h-ing or specializing in dual wield. I could see a shield of reflection, or of resist, or a unique being a good alternative to get some extra stats, but what about in early game?

Also, I'm surprised I haven't seen any variants with a shield based class, or more involved block mechanics.

What are people's thoughts on shields?

Derakon · March 18, 2015, 20:57

Um, I'm guessing you aren't actually talking about Vanilla; are you playing PosChengband?

In Vanilla, shields of Resistance or Elvenkind often come in handy, and there's no dual-wielding or option to wield your weapon with two hands.

Orrus · March 18, 2015, 21:01

Oh whoops, guess I'll move this post to the variants forum.

Nick · March 18, 2015, 21:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orrus

Also, I'm surprised I haven't seen any variants with a shield based class, or more involved block mechanics.

What are people's thoughts on shields?

O/FA have shield bashing, where the player sometimes gets a shield bash in melee, depending on stuff like class, stats and weight of shield. Also Neoband has a Shieldmaiden class, although I don't know what they actually do with shields.

IIRC Sil does stuff with shields too.

MattB · March 18, 2015, 22:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick

Neoband has a Shieldmaiden class, although I don't know what they actually do with shields.

It's probably best not to ask - you know how maidens are...

Ingwe Ingweron · March 19, 2015, 01:05

As far as Vanilla shields go, I find Shields of Preservation quite useful and am (was before ego squelching in 4.0, at least once bugs are worked out) chagrined that they aren't classified "Splendid".

Timo Pietilä · March 19, 2015, 08:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattB

It's probably best not to ask - you know how maidens are...

All black and brown and covered in hair?

Rydel · March 19, 2015, 12:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orrus

Also, I'm surprised I haven't seen any variants with a shield based class, or more involved block mechanics.

Poschengband's Weapon Master can focus on shields, gaining a shield bash, the ability to treat their weapon as two-handed while using a shield, reflection, large melee damage reduction, and activated invulnerability.

Orrus · March 20, 2015, 16:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rydel

Poschengband's Weapon Master can focus on shields, gaining a shield bash, the ability to treat their weapon as two-handed while using a shield, reflection, large melee damage reduction, and activated invulnerability.

Wow that sounds awesome, I'll give it a try!

March 18, 2015, 20:50	#1
Orrus Scout Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 26	Are (non-unique) shields ever worth it? Are shields ever really worth it? Since there is no block mechanic, all a shield does is add a measly amount of AC. This hardly seems worth the trade off versus 2h-ing or specializing in dual wield. I could see a shield of reflection, or of resist, or a unique being a good alternative to get some extra stats, but what about in early game? Also, I'm surprised I haven't seen any variants with a shield based class, or more involved block mechanics. What are people's thoughts on shields?

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March 18, 2015, 20:57	#2
Derakon Prophet Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 9,022	Um, I'm guessing you aren't actually talking about Vanilla; are you playing PosChengband? In Vanilla, shields of Resistance or Elvenkind often come in handy, and there's no dual-wielding or option to wield your weapon with two hands.

March 18, 2015, 21:01	#3
Orrus Scout Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 26	Oh whoops, guess I'll move this post to the variants forum.

March 19, 2015, 01:05	#6
Ingwe Ingweron Veteran Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Manhattan Beach, CA Posts: 2,127	As far as Vanilla shields go, I find Shields of Preservation quite useful and am (was before ego squelching in 4.0, at least once bugs are worked out) chagrined that they aren't classified "Splendid".

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