Difference between revisions of "Shield"

From NetHackWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Add languages template.)
(for)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{languages}}
 
{{languages}}
A '''shield''' is a form of [[armor]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. It is carried in the off-hand.
+
A '''shield''' is a form of [[armor]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''.
  
Wearing any shield increases spellcasting failure rates, although the penalty is lower for a [[small shield]].{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1802|nethack=3.6.6|comment=extra shield penalty doesn't apply for small shields}} When using a shield, you are unable to [[wield]] two-handed weapons or use the #[[twoweapon]] skill.
+
==Description==
 
+
Shields can be [[worn]] by any [[intelligent monster]] that has [[hands]], and wearing a shield prevents [[two weapon combat]] and the use of [[two-handed]] [[weapon]]s. Wearing any type of shield increases [[spellcasting]] failure rates, although the penalty is lower for a [[small shield]].{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1802|nethack=3.6.7|comment=extra shield penalty doesn't apply for small shields}}
==Generation and usage==
 
[[Valkyries]] start with a +3 small shield, and [[Priests]] and [[Knights]] start with a +0 small shield.
 
 
 
Many humanoid monsters are generated with shields, and will pick up and use them; of specific note are [[Archon]]s, [[Angel]]s and [[Aleax]]es. All Archons are generated with a [[shield of reflection]], whereas Angels and Aleaxes have a 25% chance of having one.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|340|version=NetHack 3.6.6}}
 
  
 
==List of shields==
 
==List of shields==
Line 35: Line 31:
  
 
==Strategy==
 
==Strategy==
Shields get in the way of two-weaponing and spellcasting, making them a poor choice for some late game characters. However, in the early and middle game a few extra points of armor class can be very beneficial. Even in the late game, there are some characters that only need to spellcast in situations where they can take off their shield. There are some [[role]]s that cannot two-weapon such as [[Cavemen]] and [[Ranger]]s. Additionally, some [[conduct]]s may make it difficult to find good armor. In these cases, there are three shields that are worth the weight.
+
Shields are often employed most in the early game and sometimes through the mid-game, where [[AC]] is a higher priority for a majority of characters; most players using [[role]]s that can two-weapon and secure enough AC from other armor slots and sources will most often elect to forego a shield in favor of the damage increase from two-weaponing. Characters in roles that cannot two-weapon, such as [[Cavemen]] and [[Ranger]]s, will typically wear a shield of some kind unless they prefer a two-handed weapon.
  
The shield of reflection is often a candidate for [[ascension kit]]s, and is paired with a source of [[magic resistance]]. Reflection is a crucial property, but other sources of reflection would be preferable for most characters. The shield of reflection is also a good choice for pets that can equip a shield.
+
The small shield is often the shield of choice for roles with a spellcasting focus or low [[carrying capacity]]: they have the lowest spellcasting penalty and the lightest [[weight]], and roles tailored for spellcasting typically cannot perform two-weapon combat. Melee-focused characters that elect for a shield will prefer the small shield for its weight, the elven shield for its weight and ability to [[Scroll of enchant armor|safely enchant them]] to +7, or the shield of reflection to cover the [[reflection]] property and keep slots open for other armor and [[amulet]]s. The shield of reflection is often a candidate for [[ascension kit]]s in general, and works for both melee builds and even some spellcasting builds that do not seek to cast frequently mid-combat; it is also a good choice for pets that can equip a shield.
  
The small shield is a good choice for spellcasters and characters with low [[carrying capacity]].
+
Most of the other shields are overlooked and generally rarely used, though they may be considered for some [[conduct]]s that make it difficult to find good armor.
  
The elven shield can be enchanted to +7 and is still lighter than most other shields, though it still penalizes spellcasting as a large shield.
+
==References==
 
 
The various other shields in the game are usually inferior choices because they are heavy and do not provide any special properties.
 
 
 
== References ==
 
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 
+
{{nethack-367}}
 
[[Category:Armor]]
 
[[Category:Armor]]
[[Category:Shields]]
+
[[Category:Shields| ]]
{{nethack-366}}
 

Revision as of 16:55, 25 June 2024

A shield is a form of armor that appears in NetHack.

Description

Shields can be worn by any intelligent monster that has hands, and wearing a shield prevents two weapon combat and the use of two-handed weapons. Wearing any type of shield increases spellcasting failure rates, although the penalty is lower for a small shield.[1]

List of shields

Shield Unidentified
Description
Cost Weight AC Material Special properties
Uruk-hai shield white-handed shield 7 50 1 iron
Orcish shield red-eyed shield 7 50 1 iron
Large shield large shield 10 100 2 iron
Dwarvish roundshield large round shield 10 100 2 iron
Elven shield blue and green shield 7 40 2 wood can be enchanted to +7
Small shield small shield 3 30 1 wood low spellcasting penalty
Shield of reflection polished silver shield 50 50 2 silver provides reflection

Strategy

Shields are often employed most in the early game and sometimes through the mid-game, where AC is a higher priority for a majority of characters; most players using roles that can two-weapon and secure enough AC from other armor slots and sources will most often elect to forego a shield in favor of the damage increase from two-weaponing. Characters in roles that cannot two-weapon, such as Cavemen and Rangers, will typically wear a shield of some kind unless they prefer a two-handed weapon.

The small shield is often the shield of choice for roles with a spellcasting focus or low carrying capacity: they have the lowest spellcasting penalty and the lightest weight, and roles tailored for spellcasting typically cannot perform two-weapon combat. Melee-focused characters that elect for a shield will prefer the small shield for its weight, the elven shield for its weight and ability to safely enchant them to +7, or the shield of reflection to cover the reflection property and keep slots open for other armor and amulets. The shield of reflection is often a candidate for ascension kits in general, and works for both melee builds and even some spellcasting builds that do not seek to cast frequently mid-combat; it is also a good choice for pets that can equip a shield.

Most of the other shields are overlooked and generally rarely used, though they may be considered for some conducts that make it difficult to find good armor.

References

  1. src/spell.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 1802: extra shield penalty doesn't apply for small shields