Shield Buff

As we all know, shields are used rarely in Nod. Most every melee build revolves around Dual Wield, with some two hand users thrown in the mix. As a shield user myself, I have come to realize why this is after a few clan battles and duels.

Shields suck.

Those of us with the cajones (or lack of intelligence) to use shields often do so for the added AC. Why? Because we plan on being the tanks, we rely on outlasting the enemy simply because we take less damage. But Dual Wielders still beat us regularly. Shields need a buff. My suggestion: new skill(s).

Diversion
Every point in this skill gives you a 1% chance to taunt an enemy for 10 seconds at the beginning of combat if you have a shield equipped. At a skill of 100 you will always taunt at the beginning of combat.

Shieldwarden
Every point in this skill gives you a 1% chance to hit the enemy for 10% of your shield's armor class each time you successfully block an attack. At a skill of 100, every block will do damage.

The percentages are just for show and can be altered... however, keep in mind that in PvP, shield users have to contend with Strikethrough lowering block chances.

Yes, I did change the effect of Shieldwarden from what it initially was as it was initially another version of Bash, the level 40 skill. But we need something to make shields viable against Dual Wield from 20-40. I suggest one of the above be added as a level 20 skill.

Anyone else with ideas to make shields more useful and subsequently increase the value of shield drops, please contribute.

[zachofblades]

good plans and yes i agree with this dual wielders are better then shield users in PvP and shields should get a buff

shields are better for PvE though cause i noticed with my archer that if i equip a shield i can solo purple mobs and without it i cant...but that's for archer not melee user.

good suggestions.

Shields are awesome when it comes to tanking mobs and high lvl bosses when u hit cap they are very important ask good lvl 70s

I recognize that shields are better as you get to higher levels, but at lower levels (especially 20-40) they are much weaker due to a total lack of skills related to them. Not talking about level 70 - talking about level 1-70, the entire lifespan of a character. Also, this is not just PvE, but PvP as well. Please read the first post a little more closely, and you'll see that I did mention PvP explicitly.

The fact that there are so many skills for those focused on doing melee damage but only one high level skill for those seeking to prevent damage is a problem, IMO. The fact that there is a high level skill that allows players to bypass shields (Strikethrough) renders them less effective.

I'd really, really and sincerely love it if aura of thorns took effect when successfully blocking. Wouldn’t ask for more, ever.