Entry Last Update: 04/23/2001
Description: Shield Parry represents the ability to block an attack with a shield (usually held/strapped to the "off" hand). Such "deflected" blows are less damaging.
Who Can Learn It: Anyone can learn shield parry.
What It is Supposed to Do: Allows you to potentically "intercept" with your shield attacks that would normally hit you, thus causing no damage..
What it Does: Allows you to potentially "intercept" attacks with your shield that would normally hit you, but only from a single opponent (the one you last attacked). Shield parry appears to be fully implemented at this time, though it may be redesigned.
Activation: Requires a target to be attacked before you can block blows from them (a process called "setting the shield"). Only blows that would normally hit can be blocked.
Usefulness (Low Levels): Low. At low levels, an opponent will RARELY hit your shield.
Usefulness (Mid-Levels): Moderate. A noticeable number of attacks are blocked by the shield.
Usefulness (High Levels): High. An extremely large number of attacks are blocked by the shield. This can make the user almost invulnerable to the melee attacks of a single opponent.
How to Practice: Find an opponent that can hit you, swing at them, and wait.
Tips: Sit down (to remove "movement" bonuses), attack the opponent, and wait. For best results, have a weapon wielded that you are not skilled in (to gain more skill uses per "hit" against the shield). Often done while practicing First-Aid.
Unconfirmed Rumors (May or May Not Be True): Shield weight may affect how well you shield parry (though up or down is still being debated).