Shield Skill

neofit · Post by **neofit** » February 12th, 2008, 12:21 pm

Hello,

I've bought the game a few days ago, got to level 6, and now am wondering about how to develop my character next.

I am playing a warrior-type of character, so I've been pumping up Swords and Heavy Armor. I am wondering whether it would be useful to put a few points into Shield too. The way I see it is that inside a dungeon I need a torch so I cannot use the shield. Outside the second hand is free, but then I can use a two-hander for more damage. And the skill description doesn't even say what the Shield skill does at higher levels anyway.

So it is worth spending skill points for a combat skill that can't be used half the time, i.e. indoors?

Thanks.

acoustibop · Post by **acoustibop** » February 12th, 2008, 1:39 pm

It's often effective with armour skills, neofit, to just enable the basic skill but no more. This means you no longer incur the Unskilled Armor Penalty, but you'll get whatever benefit the armour gives, even if there's no additional enhancement.

jfiemmpa · Post by **jfiemmpa** » February 12th, 2008, 2:58 pm

Also there are other ways to provide yourself with light.

The Catseyes spell, catseyes potions, the gravediggers flame spell, a gravediggers flame ring, or since most dungeons I have been in have at least some light sources in them you could always try backing up from an enemy until you are within the light again.

dancingplanet2 · Post by **dancingplanet2** » February 17th, 2008, 9:20 pm

I find the best approach is to cast cat's eye and fight at night or underground with a shield. I appreciate the defensive bonus a shield gives and I use one whenever possible. Besides, with cat's eye cast the enemy has a serious penalty in trying to hit you because they are fighting in the dark while you can easily see them!

acoustibop · Post by **acoustibop** » February 18th, 2008, 6:52 am

Predator Sight is probably better for seeing and successfully hitting enemies, dancingplanet2, but doesn't let you see much else than them. Cat's Eye and Predator Sight makes a good combination if you need to see your surroundings as well.

Odium · Post by **Odium** » February 18th, 2008, 9:31 am

If you wish good visibility without a torch, cast gravediggers and catseyes ... the effects multiply *g*
Hide in Shadows is obsolete then, of course

acoustibop · Post by **acoustibop** » February 18th, 2008, 12:04 pm

I find Gravedigger's by itself gives excellent vision - but, of course, as you say, Odium, you're not hidden using it, which makes it a bit useless for exploring unless you're going to steamroller it.

Great for wandering round dungeons after you've despatched the opposition, though - and you can use the amulet, which means you don't even need Mana.

Odium · Post by **Odium** » February 19th, 2008, 12:22 pm

Rumor says there are people of proud and noble mind, that despise the sneaky aspects of adventuring ...

Hard to believe, but that's what I've heard ...
*mumbling*

Head on into the crowd, that's not brave but foolish ... but why should I care? another fool whose pityful remains i can loot later

acoustibop · Post by **acoustibop** » February 19th, 2008, 2:36 pm

They obviously haven't discovered the joys of whacking out opponents who would marmalise them in broad daylight, Odium!

Maelstrom · Post by **Maelstrom** » February 25th, 2008, 2:41 pm

acoustibop wrote:They obviously haven't discovered the joys of whacking out opponents who would marmalise them in broad daylight, Odium!

Amen brother! Amen.

revjwh · Post by **revjwh** » February 26th, 2008, 9:12 am

So boosting Armor Skill doesn't make the armor more effective?!?!?

Argh, I have a 6 in my heavy armor b/c I thought it would offer more protection.

J

Krafen · Post by **Krafen** » February 26th, 2008, 5:26 pm

Increasing armor skill increases the chance that if you are hit, you will be hit for half damage.

The Shield skill does not claim to have any affect beyond allowing the use of shields, whether it does or not is unclear.