Character Creation > General & Martial Skills

Shield Use

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Allows the effective use of shields in game.

For regular shields (i.e. round shields), the maximum height should be approximately waist height.

For larger shields (i.e. tower and kite shields), these should be no higher than approximately shoulder height.

Having the Shield Use skill means that you are able to use the shield effectively in combat, preventing incoming blows whilst also striking with a weapon or using magic skills.

You can only use 1 shield at a time.

Skill Cost:

2 Points

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Prerequisite:

None

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Guide

Weapons and Armour Guide

Additional Shield Rules

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Passive Shield Use

Anyone with the Shield Use skill can carry a shield on their back and receive its protective benefits from any incoming blows to their torso location that instead hit the shield.

For example:

Player A is a Thane with the Shield Use skill and carries their shield on their back when walking between camps. If a monster approaches and strikes Player A’s back, Player A is protected and takes no damage.

NOTE:

This does not mean you can use a shield in your hand and carry one on your back. Obey the 1 shield rule.

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Unskilled Shield Use

If you do not have the Shield Use skill, you are still able to pick up and use a shield to stop incoming blows that hit the shield. However, you are restricted to this activity only, as you do not have the know-how to use a shield effectively in combat.

Shield size doesn’t matter for Unskilled Use.

You must have 2 hands on the shield at all times in order to block blows. You must not use any other skills or have anything else in your hands (including rune cards) for this to be effective. You must not move forward into combat, only stand or retreat.

For example:

Player B is a Seidr who does not have the Shield Use skill. Player B is cornered on a battlefield by a group of monsters, but there is a discarded shield nearby. Player B picks up and holds the shield in both hands, bracing themselves against the incoming blows whilst calling to their allies for help.