Shield: Difference between revisions

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(added a warning about the aiming bug for giants with shields)
(Added 'battle shield' to the approved medium shield names. (Also added krytze since it wasn't in there already!))
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'''Shields''' are made out of a wide variety of [[metal]]s, [[leather|hides]] and [[list of woods|wood]]s and an equally wide variety of shapes and sizes. Depending on the material used, the strength and abilities of a shield may differ. The purpose of a shield is simple: a shield provides a physical barrier between an adventurer and his opponent's physical attacks. Shields may be enchanted to provide further defensive capability, however, all shields provided a standard +20 [[Defensive Strength]] (the enchant of the shield+20 is added directly to DS, regardless of stance). This bonus, may, of course, be reduced if a particularly poor material is used.
'''Shields''' are carried in the left hand, and give a natural +20 to [[DS]], plus the [[enchantment]] of the shield. Training in [[Shield Use]] increases the defensive capabilities of carrying a shield by roughly +2 DS (defensive stance) for every three ranks , depending on the size of the shield. Carrying a shield negatively impacts a character's ability to [[dodge]] attacks. The severity of this impact is determined by the size of the shield.


Shields are used extensively during the [[Evade]]/[[Block]]/[[Parry]] portion of combat. If an Evade attempt fails, the next step is the opportunity to block the attack. In order to block, the character must have a shield in their left hand. Shields provide more benefit when blocking missile and bolt spell attacks than they do against melee attacks. It is not possible, however, to block a bolt outright without using a specially enhanced shield.
In addition to increasing a character's DS, shields can potentially outright [[block]] [[melee]] weapon attacks from landing. But shields will not, ordinarily, block [[ranged]] ([[bolt|bolt spells]], [[arrow]]s, [[Thrown Weapons|thrown weapons]]) attacks. However, they will provide greater ranged DS than melee DS. (See [[Block]] and [[Evade]] for additional details.)


[[Shield Use]] is the primary skill relating to proficiency in shields.
Bug warning: A long standing bug (active since late 2016) which appears unlikely to be resolved can have severe mechanical effects on characters of the giantman race with shield+one handed weapon builds, although it will normally only have cosmetic effects on other races. Giants should consider avoiding shields, or avoiding hunting areas with small creatures in them, such as the capped planes of the Rift and Duskruin arena.


== Shield Sizes ==
== Shield Sizes ==
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There are four basic types of shields: ''small'', ''medium'', ''large'', and ''tower''. The size of the shield determines its effectiveness in defense. The larger the shield, the better it defends, but at the same time, the worse it affects your ability to dodge and [[evade]] attacks, potentially lowering the overall defense of a character well trained in [[Dodging]]. Conversely, a small shield doesn't defend an attacker as well as a large shield does, but it allows for a character well trained in Dodging to evade attacks better. Generally, a character that is very well trained in [[Shield Use]] and not well trained in Dodging would benefit more from a larger shield, and a character with more training in Dodging than in Shield Use would benefit more from a smaller shield. When ranks in both Dodging and Shield Use are near equal, there are other factors that may determine what size shield may better benefit a character's defenses.
There are four basic types of shields: ''small'', ''medium'', ''large'', and ''tower''. The size of the shield determines its effectiveness in defense. The larger the shield, the better it defends, but at the same time, the worse it affects your ability to dodge and [[evade]] attacks, potentially lowering the overall defense of a character well trained in [[Dodging]]. Conversely, a small shield doesn't defend an attacker as well as a large shield does, but it allows for a character well trained in Dodging to evade attacks better. Generally, a character that is very well trained in [[Shield Use]] and not well trained in Dodging would benefit more from a larger shield, and a character with more training in Dodging than in Shield Use would benefit more from a smaller shield. When ranks in both Dodging and Shield Use are near equal, there are other factors that may determine what size shield may better benefit a character's defenses.


[[File:Shield1_small.jpg|thumb|left]]
;Small Shield
;Small Shield
:''Alternative names'': buckler, kidney shield, targe
:''Alternative names'': buckler, kidney shield, targe
:Small shields, sometimes called kidney shields or bucklers, are typically worn on the wrist or the back of the hand in a manner that makes the hand less capable of manipulating objects. Small shields typically weigh 6 pounds and lower [[evade]] defense by 22%.
:Small shields, sometimes called kidney shields or bucklers, are typically worn on the wrist or the back of the hand in a manner that makes the hand less capable of manipulating objects. Small shields typically weigh 6 pounds, have a shield size modifier of -15%, and lower [[evade]] defense by 22%.
{{clear}}

[[File:Shield2_small.jpg|thumb|left]]
;Medium Shield
;Medium Shield
:''Alternative names'': heater, heater shield, knight's shield, lantern shield, parma, target shield
:''Alternative names'': battle shield, heater, heater shield, knight's shield, krytze (Half-Krolvin origin), lantern shield, parma, target shield
:Medium shields, also called target shields, are the standard size shield found within Elanthia. They are the base shield used to determine defensive strength and the ability to outright block an attack. Medium shields typically weigh about 8 pounds and lower evade defense by 30%.
:Medium shields, also called target shields, are the standard size shield found within Elanthia. They are the base shield used to determine defensive strength and the ability to outright block an attack. Medium shields typically weigh about 8 pounds, have a shield size modifier of +0%, and lower evade defense by 30%.
{{clear}}

[[File:Shield3_small.jpg|thumb|left]]
;Large Shield
;Large Shield
:''Alternative names'': aegis, kite shield, pageant shield, round shield, scutum
:''Alternative names'': aegis, kite shield, pageant shield, round shield, scutum
:Large, or round shields, are large, bulky shields that are more effective at blocking attacks than smaller shields. Large shields typically weigh 9 pounds and lower evade defense by 38%.
:Large, or round shields, are large, bulky shields that are more effective at blocking attacks than smaller shields. Large shields typically weigh 9 pounds, have a shield size modifier of +15%, and lower evade defense by 38%.
{{clear}}

[[File:Tower_small.jpg|thumb|left]]
;Tower Shield
;Tower Shield
:''Alternative names'': greatshield, mantlet, pavis, wall shield
:''Alternative names'': greatshield, mantlet, pavis, wall shield
:Tower, wall, or great shields are the largest of portable shields. They're typically large enough to provide complete cover from head to toe, allowing the defender to hide behind the shield until they're ready to make an attack. Tower shields weigh 12 pounds and lower evade defense by 46% due to their large bulk.
:Tower, wall, or great shields are the largest of portable shields. They're typically large enough to provide complete cover from head to toe, allowing the defender to hide behind the shield until they're ready to make an attack. Tower shields weigh 12 pounds, have a shield size modifier of +30%, and lower evade defense by 46% due to their large bulk.
{{clear}}

==Shield Defensive Strength Formula==
==Shield Defense==

The first step when calculating a character's shield [[Defensive Strength|defensive strength]] (DS) bonus is to determine the 'Base Value' portion of the formula. It is necessary to truncate (round down) each factor and to truncate the result after each operation.

===Base Value===

*'''Base Value = Shield Ranks + (Strength bonus ÷ 4) + (Dexterity bonus ÷ 4)'''

Example: A character with 55 shield ranks, 23 strength bonus and 29 dexterity bonus would have a base value of:

:55 + 5 + 7 = 67

The second step is to enter the base value and the values for the other factors in the appropriate order.

===Shield DS vs Melee Attacks===

*'''Base Value × Shield Size Modifier × Stance Modifier ÷ 1.5 + 20 (Natural Shield Bonus) + Shield Enchant Bonus = Melee Shield DS'''

<i>'''Note: Perform the operations one at a time, working from left to right, and truncate after each step.'''</i>

Example: With a 67 base value and a large shield with an enchant bonus of +20, the melee shield DS for this character would be:

:Stance OFF: 67 &times; 1.15 &times; 0.50 &divide; 1.5 + 20 + 20 = 65 DS
:Stance DEF: 67 &times; 1.15 &times; 1.00 &divide; 1.5 + 20 + 20 = 91 DS

====Shield Size Modifiers (Melee)====

Replace 'Shield Size Modifier' in the melee formula above with the appropriate value from this table.

{|{{prettytable}}
|-style = "background:#DDD; color: blue"
!Shield Size
!Modifier vs Melee
|-align=center
|'''Small'''
|0.85
|-align=center
|'''Medium'''
|1.00
|-align=center
|'''Large'''
|1.15
|-align=center
|'''Tower'''
|1.30
|}
{{Top}}

===Shield Stance Modifiers (Use For Both Melee and Ranged)===
Replace 'Stance Modifier' in the formulas above with the appropriate value from this table. The same values are used for both the melee and ranged formulas.

{|{{prettytable}}
|-style = "background:#DDD; color: blue"
!Stance
!Modifier
|-align=center
|'''Offensive'''
|0.50
|-align=center
|'''Advance'''
|0.60
|-align=center
|'''Forward'''
|0.70
|-align=center
|'''Neutral'''
|0.80
|-align=center
|'''Guarded'''
|0.90
|-align=center
|'''Defensive'''
|1.00
|}

{{Top}}

===Shield DS vs Ranged Attacks===

Ranged attacks include [[Ranged Weapons|arrows]], [[Thrown Weapons|hurled weapons]] and bolts, both from [[Ranged Weapons|crossbow]]s and magical [[bolt]] spells such as [[Minor Shock (901)]].


:''For more detailed formulas, see [[Block]].''
*'''Base Value &times; Shield Size Modifier + Size Bonus/Penalty &times; Stance Modifier &divide; 1.5 + 20 (Natural Shield Bonus) + Shield Enchant Bonus = Ranged Shield DS


Shields provide a chance to block any [[attack roll]] outright. The odds for an outright block are based on the defender's [[Shield Use]] ranks compared to the attacker's [[level]]. It is affected by [[stat]]s, shield size, and [[stance]].
<i>'''Note: Perform the operations one at a time, working from left to right, and truncate after each step.'''</i>


A character with 1x shield training and a medium shield will block a like-level foe roughly 5% of the time in stance offensive. A character with 3x shield training and all other factors the same would have roughly a 15% chance to block that same attack.
Example: With a 67 base value and a large shield with an enchant bonus of +20, the ranged shield DS for this character would be:


If the attack is not outright blocked (or evaded/parried), then the shield contributes to [[Defensive Strength]]. The defender receives +20 DS just for holding a shield as well as the shield's enchantment bonus. Every 3 ranks of Shield Use additionally provides between +1 DS (in offensive stance) and +2 DS (in defensive stance) vs. melee attacks. Against ranged attacks, shield training is about +50% more effective. Larger shields provide even more block defense (according to their shield size modifier) at the cost of losing more [[evade]] defense.
:Stance OFF: 67 &times; 1.80 + 8 &times; 0.50 &divide; 1.5 + 20 + 20 = 82 DS
:Stance DEF: 67 &times; 1.80 &times; 1.00 &divide; 1.5 + 20 + 20 = 125 DS


Shields do not usually protect against [[warding]] magic. However, if the defender is not wearing armor, then holding a shield will lower [[CvA]] to +15. [[Shield Focus]] and [[Ensorcell]] can also lower CvA when holding a shield (even if the defender wears armor). Some rare shields confer a persistent bonus to [[TD bonus|Target Defense]] (TD).
====Shield Size Modifiers (Ranged)====
Replace 'Shield Size Modifier' in the ranged formula above with the appropriate value from this table.


== Shield Specialization ==
{|{{prettytable}}
|-style = "background:#DDD; color: blue"
!Shield Size
!Modifier (vs Ranged)
|-align=center
|'''Small'''
|1.20
|-align=center
|'''Medium'''
|1.50
|-align=center
|'''Large'''
|1.80
|-align=center
|'''Tower'''
|2.10
|}


{{main|Shield Specialization}}
====Shield Size Bonus/Penalty (Ranged Only)====
{{#section:Shield Specialization|intro}}


== Shield Enhancements ==
Replace 'Shield Size Penalty/Bonus' in the ranged formula above with the appropriate value from this table.


*[[Spikes]]
{|{{prettytable}}
*[[Sanctified]] (made of [[white ora]] or [[eonake]])
|-style = "background:#DDD; color: blue"
*Antimagic (made of [[veil iron]]/[[krodera]]/[[kroderine]], or has been permanently ensorcelled)
!Shield Size
*[[Shield harness]]
!Size Bonus/Penalty
*[[Banshee flare]]
|-align=center
|'''Small'''
| -8
|-align=center
|'''Medium'''
| 0
|-align=center
|'''Large'''
| +8
|-align=center
|'''Tower'''
| +16
|}
{{Top}}


== Resources ==
== Resources ==
*[[Shield Use]]
*[[Evade]]
*[[Block]]
*[[List of woods]]
*[http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Hunting%20and%20Combat/Shields/view Officials folder]
*[http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Hunting%20and%20Combat/Shields/view Officials folder]


[[Category:Combat Mechanics]]
[[Category:Combat Mechanics]]
[[Category: Shields| ]]
[[Category:Shields| ]]
[[Category:Bugs]]

Revision as of 19:18, 18 March 2020

Shields are made out of a wide variety of metals, hides and woods and an equally wide variety of shapes and sizes. Depending on the material used, the strength and abilities of a shield may differ. The purpose of a shield is simple: a shield provides a physical barrier between an adventurer and his opponent's physical attacks. Shields may be enchanted to provide further defensive capability, however, all shields provided a standard +20 Defensive Strength (the enchant of the shield+20 is added directly to DS, regardless of stance). This bonus, may, of course, be reduced if a particularly poor material is used.

Shields are used extensively during the Evade/Block/Parry portion of combat. If an Evade attempt fails, the next step is the opportunity to block the attack. In order to block, the character must have a shield in their left hand. Shields provide more benefit when blocking missile and bolt spell attacks than they do against melee attacks. It is not possible, however, to block a bolt outright without using a specially enhanced shield.

Shield Use is the primary skill relating to proficiency in shields.

Shield Sizes

There are four basic types of shields: small, medium, large, and tower. The size of the shield determines its effectiveness in defense. The larger the shield, the better it defends, but at the same time, the worse it affects your ability to dodge and evade attacks, potentially lowering the overall defense of a character well trained in Dodging. Conversely, a small shield doesn't defend an attacker as well as a large shield does, but it allows for a character well trained in Dodging to evade attacks better. Generally, a character that is very well trained in Shield Use and not well trained in Dodging would benefit more from a larger shield, and a character with more training in Dodging than in Shield Use would benefit more from a smaller shield. When ranks in both Dodging and Shield Use are near equal, there are other factors that may determine what size shield may better benefit a character's defenses.

Shield1 small.jpg
Small Shield
Alternative names: buckler, kidney shield, targe
Small shields, sometimes called kidney shields or bucklers, are typically worn on the wrist or the back of the hand in a manner that makes the hand less capable of manipulating objects. Small shields typically weigh 6 pounds, have a shield size modifier of -15%, and lower evade defense by 22%.
Shield2 small.jpg
Medium Shield
Alternative names: battle shield, heater, heater shield, knight's shield, krytze (Half-Krolvin origin), lantern shield, parma, target shield
Medium shields, also called target shields, are the standard size shield found within Elanthia. They are the base shield used to determine defensive strength and the ability to outright block an attack. Medium shields typically weigh about 8 pounds, have a shield size modifier of +0%, and lower evade defense by 30%.
Shield3 small.jpg
Large Shield
Alternative names: aegis, kite shield, pageant shield, round shield, scutum
Large, or round shields, are large, bulky shields that are more effective at blocking attacks than smaller shields. Large shields typically weigh 9 pounds, have a shield size modifier of +15%, and lower evade defense by 38%.
Tower small.jpg
Tower Shield
Alternative names: greatshield, mantlet, pavis, wall shield
Tower, wall, or great shields are the largest of portable shields. They're typically large enough to provide complete cover from head to toe, allowing the defender to hide behind the shield until they're ready to make an attack. Tower shields weigh 12 pounds, have a shield size modifier of +30%, and lower evade defense by 46% due to their large bulk.

Shield Defense

For more detailed formulas, see Block.

Shields provide a chance to block any attack roll outright. The odds for an outright block are based on the defender's Shield Use ranks compared to the attacker's level. It is affected by stats, shield size, and stance.

A character with 1x shield training and a medium shield will block a like-level foe roughly 5% of the time in stance offensive. A character with 3x shield training and all other factors the same would have roughly a 15% chance to block that same attack.

If the attack is not outright blocked (or evaded/parried), then the shield contributes to Defensive Strength. The defender receives +20 DS just for holding a shield as well as the shield's enchantment bonus. Every 3 ranks of Shield Use additionally provides between +1 DS (in offensive stance) and +2 DS (in defensive stance) vs. melee attacks. Against ranged attacks, shield training is about +50% more effective. Larger shields provide even more block defense (according to their shield size modifier) at the cost of losing more evade defense.

Shields do not usually protect against warding magic. However, if the defender is not wearing armor, then holding a shield will lower CvA to +15. Shield Focus and Ensorcell can also lower CvA when holding a shield (even if the defender wears armor). Some rare shields confer a persistent bonus to Target Defense (TD).

Shield Specialization

Main article: Shield Specialization


Shield Enhancements

Resources