What Madcrimson was getting at is when you click on sheild handling a description of the skill comes up in the info window. In the description of this skill it states that in order to use a shield you must not only have the shield handling skill but you must also have one of the correct armor skills to weild a shield correctly.
Hypothetical example:
A small wooden shield would require the \"shield handling\" and the \"light armor\" skills in order for you to use it.
A metal kite shield (shield that covers the torso) would require the \"shield handling\" and the \"medium armor\" skills in order for you to use it.
A metal tower shield (shield as tall as a man) would require the \"shield handling\" and the \"heavy armor\" skills in order to use it.
Being that shields do not work at the moment the point is moot. However, once shields do work it would be helpful if the item description listed which skills were required to use the item.
Shield Trainer Harrow says: \"Young squire, take this shield so that you may defend thyself.\"
Squire says: \"Thank you sir, but how do I use it in my defense?\"
Shield Trainer Harrow says: \"Your guess is as good as mine young squire. Let us train in all manner of skills until one seems to work.\"
Seems kinda silly eh?
