Difference between revisions of "Shield"
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==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | Shields can be [[worn]] by any [[intelligent monster]] that has [[hands]] | + | Shields can be [[worn]] by any [[intelligent monster]] that has [[hands]]. Wearing a shield prevents [[two weapon combat]] and the use of [[two-handed]] [[weapon]]s, and also 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}} |
==List of shields== | ==List of shields== | ||
Latest revision as of 17:03, 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. Wearing a shield prevents two weapon combat and the use of two-handed weapons, and also 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
- ↑ src/spell.c in NetHack 3.6.7, line 1802: extra shield penalty doesn't apply for small shields
