Shields
For the specific weapon items, see also Shields. For the weapon skill, see Shield (Skill). For the category, see Category:Shield.
A shield is a defensive weapon consisting of a shield surface (outer and inner side), a centre-grip handle (on the inner side) and a centrally mounted metal boss (on the outer side).
Usage
Shields are best used in tandem with one-handed weaponry, such as one-handed swords, clubs or spears.
They give a bonus to defense when wielded (as secondary), and can be used to block attacks using the Shield Skill.
Note: According to ingame help in ver. 3.14 shields may be damaged during blocking, so get more than one if you want to use them regularly.
Availability
The player cannot manufacture shields. They must be bought via barter trade or acquired from fallen warriors (preferrably enemies).
Overview of shield types
| Image | Item | Blunt | Edge | Point | Attack Bonus | Defense Bonus | Weight | Value | Val/lbs. | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Roundshield | 2 | N/A | N/A | 1 | 6 | 6 lbs. | 96 | 16 | |
 |
Buckler | 1 | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 | 3 lbs. | 32 | 10.66 | Object reader shows no defence bonus? |
URW Game Encyclopedia description
The official URW in-game encyclopedia (accessed by the F1 key) describes shields thusly:
Shields can be used to block enemy strikes and to protect yourself against missile attacks. In melee combat, merely having a shield wielded allows you to use it for blocking when a defense maneuver is to be chosen. To cover yourself against missile attacks, you need to be holding the shield in protective position.
Shields can be held in many ways to cover different body parts and to protect from varying lines of missile attacks. It also depends on the shield size how much of your body it can cover. When a shield is held in protective position missile attacks to covered body parts are automatically blocked as they hit the shield instead of you.
You get to choose how to hold a shield upon wielding it. The chosen mode can be changed anytime by attack commands keys [1] or [2] - depending on in which hand you're holding the shield. These are the possible shield modes:
CENTER - Neutral position where the shield is held in front of you close to your center. In this position roundshields protect from neck to knees.
HIGH - The shield is held up in front of you. In this position roundshields protect the head and upper body. It's a good way to cover the vital upper body, but your vision is restricted as you have to peek from behind the shield.
SIDE - The shield is held raised by your side. In this position roundshields protect your side from shoulder to knees. If the shield is your primary weapon it's held on your right side, otherwise on the left side.
All of these shield modes make you walk and run slower as the chosen protective grip and stance is carefully maintained during movements. For this reason it's advisable to use protective shield mode only when necessary.
NONE - Shield is carried in relaxed fashion and not held in protective way. As the shield moves freely along with your movements there's no automatic cover provided except for the hand and arm holding the shield.
