Is this just bluster, or is it supposed to be the case?

Knights in Achaea are the only ones who can use tower shields now. It's simply stupid, because no one is ever going to stop using their second sword to wield one.

We really need a spec that's sword and shield. Not that warriors really need even MORE options, but it'd fit a nice slot that's been vacant except for Wardancers, and from what I can tell, they're closer to standard IRE monks than they are to knights or warriors.

I totally agree. I'd really like to see a class that used both swords (or spears or whatever) and shields. And wardancers weren't the only ones. Wardens/Amazons used glaives in one hands and shields in the other (when they weren't lighting people up with their bows and arrows)

Aye, that would be nifty... but from what you said it seems like we're meant to be in the same boat. That tower shields are for warriors.

Unless that is just a typo, and we like being different.

Speaking of which how come we don't get artifact shields like the other IRE games, what was it called...Shield of the Protector? Would be pretty nifty

Anyone can use a greatshield currently.

Either it is an AB file bug, or the current functionality of shields is an oversight.

If we had a specialization that allowed us to use shields and lances/tridents/spears, I'd be on that in a second. It might make riding useful.

Wardens always seemed closer to Sentinels to me, or what Sentinels should have been from the start (not that the class isn't cool), and not so much knightly or warriorish.

I'm not sure how'd they really tie it into riding. If it really used it, it'd just be put in guild skills, and then Riding in general would still be useless for everyone else, and if they made it neccessary, it'd be rather unfair; I'm quite glad no one has to spend on Weaponry here like it was a 4th guild skill.

I've always wanted the ebonguard to use spears and shields... Then we could get our theme going better!

I don't think I've sold a greatshield to a warrior yet and Lommy has been a blacksmith for... well, let's just say quite a while.

Looking for a really great shield, anyone forging?

Think of them as warriors that hit twice for 3/4s of the damage of a regular single swing per sword, while dealing afflictions. Even Ssaralar was incredibly nasty with them, and he wasn't a particularly great fighter.

Greatshields should only be usable by warriors (like greathelms) and there should be a defensive combat style with it. I recall warriors wanting a way to protect others - that could be one use of that style.

I haven't used greatshields for a while, but i think i should really start. Its great for sacrifices if you can find someone who can't spell writhe, but i'll give you warriors a tip.

You can shieldstun and hit with a weapon if you are wielding both AND you can't parry while stunned. Hence you can shieldstun/smite down for the finisher on a bashbrains, I however don't do it because it's lame and cheap.

They were only usable by knights to limit the use of other classes. Knights don't need them, but they're too strong for other people. Shields and armor are balanced in Achaea now, that was what it took. It kept everyone from being Tanky McTankster