Comparing Shields

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No two-handed swords for Mazzy in my game, not because I don't think she can't handle them but lets be realistic. Well what shield is best? Here's the choices (besides the normal shields):

-Reflection Shield +1
(Reflects missles back to their user, AC bonus 2)

-Dragon Scale Shield +2
Not bad resistances (25% to fire, cold, and electricity, AC bonus 3)

-Shield of the Lost +2
(+5% Magic Resist, AC bonus 3)

-Shield of Harmony +2
(Immune to charm, confusion, domination, and hold person--not to be confused with stun, AC bonus 3)

-Saving Grace +3
(AC bonus 4)

-Fortress Shield +3
(+7 AC bonus against missles, AC bonus 4)

-Shield of Balduran
(Reflects Beholder Rays, -1 penalty to strength, AC bonus 4)

-Sentinel +4
(AC bonus 5)

Ok if you stick to the basics then the vote should be for the Sentinel becuase it has the best AC bonus and that's what shields are for intially. But I tend to favor good AC with some bonuses mixed in and the Shield of Harmony seems to do it for me. It's not hard to get and gives a moderate AC bonus as well as some great immunities. What's everyone elses opinion?

**Leave out any ToB shields, enchanted shields with no special name (i.e. shield +2), and Anomen's shield seeing how it's Anomen's I don't care if anyone else can use it (i.e. Keldorn) it's Anomen's shield and I won't take it fron him whether he's in my party or not...unless I was chaotic evil and even then I wouldn't want to be carrying around a shield that belonged to a guy that looks like he fell out of a soap opera

 

It would depend somewhat on who else is in your party or, rather, who else in your party is using a shield. As a general rule, and it may not be a good one, I tend to give the same person the red dragon helm, armour, and shield thus making them utterly immune to fire. Aside from that, though, I would definitely go with the Shield of Harmony since such a high percentage of baddies use confusion and/or hold spells.

 

Ok well it's me a DC/RC who will dual wield so no shield, Valygar who will dual wield so no shield, and Aerie who could use some of the shields and that's where strength factors in. But mainly the shield is for the Mazzmeister. So that's one for the Shield of Harmony. Anyone else?

 

I concur with Blackthorn. If you are going to use a sheild, keep at least two. Harmony is great because it protects from some of the more popular enemy mage tactics. For a good brawl, equip the one that gives you the best AC. Reflecting Beholder rays may be the biggest life saver you will find. Makes a hard battle a cake walk.

I always use two handed weapons so really cant use the great shields in the game.

 

Another 2c.

Mazzy is a halfling AND a fighter. These two things combined give you one of the best saving throws available. SO she can pretty much save against all bad effects if you give her some Ring of Protection +2.

Plus you can always use some Chaotic Commands or Free action.

Its your call, but I say give her the Sentinel.

 

where is the shield of balduran?

 

It's sold by one of the bonus cd merchants. This particular shield is purchased from a lady that is behind Ribald in the Adventurer's Mart on a platform. Here's the link if you don't have the bonus cd:
http://www.sorcerers.net/Games/BG2/index_editors2.php

As for carrying around multiple shields I will just carry Harmony and Sentinel (Modjahed good point about Mazz's saving throws) seeing as how it will be awhile before I can get Sentinel anyway. I don't want to carry anymore than those, I hate feeling like a warehouse


[This message has been edited by Big B (edited August 11, 2001).]

 

Shield of Harmony all the way. Firstly, I tend to rely on hp, not ac, and secondly, there are so many hold/stun/confusion/charm/domination/whatnot affecting things in the game that the shield is worth it's weight in gold. Besides, would you rather have a character with -8 ac who is fighting for the enemy dire charmers or a character with -6 ac who is fighting for you? (Besides, the shield looks pretty good )

[edit: bleh, now I look like I'd been drinking lots of beer and eating too many sausages...]

[This message has been edited by Volar Blackmane (edited August 11, 2001).]

 

I found that the Shield of Baulderon was the most "useful" shields in my inventory. I play a F/M/T duel wielding long swprds/Katanas....so I rarely use shields. However, I also like to play with just this character going off and exploring entire areas, with the remander of the party waiting at the entrance to come to the rescue if I get in trouble. The shield of Baulderan was extremely useful in dealing with the Beholders in the underdark, as well as elsewhere.....I NEVER ecquipped Mazzy with a shield...she was ALLWAYS using her bows...and if it came to Hand to Hand, I wanted her to be able to switch to a sword(2handed) without needing to pause and go to the inventory screen)

 

Well I'm in chapter 2 and doing various things, so far Mazzy has been using the bow about 2/3's of the time. But as the proficiencies come she will also become quite good in large swords and bastard swords. And will need a good shield for the off-hand. Different battles call for different strategies.