After fighting in Dagorhir, it will become quickly apparent that the ability to defend oneself is paramount to allowing the combatant to be alive long enough to do some killing of their own. Some warriors turn to shields.

• Shields are defined as any rigid object that is padded on the front and sides, equipped with handles and used as a defensive device.
• A shield may not be taller than the distance between the wielders chin and their ankle nor wider than 3 feet.
• The minimum dimension on the face of a shield is 12 inches.
• All Red weapons when used two-handed can destroy a shield with two solid blows. Light or glancing hits to a shield do not count.
• When a shield is destroyed, the wielder must immediately drop it. If a third hack is delivered before the shield is dropped, the wielder loses an arm. A fourth hack to the shield results in death. These third and fourth blows may be made with any type of weapon; the shield is already gone.
• A warrior may use only one shield at a time.
• If a person is able to deliver a red hit while wielding a shield, then it counts as a red hit.
• Shield spikes do not count for damage, but are allowed provided the spike passes no more then 1/2" through a 2.5" hole.
• Players are allowed to kick shields, provided the kicker keeps one foot on the ground. (No flying kicks!) Shield kicking must be done with regard for the safety of other players and will be monitored carefully by the Heralds.

While striking someone with a shield does not cause any damage, it can be a useful tactic. Here are the rules for shield strikes:

• A shield bash is defined as using a shield to strike an opponent starting from a distance further than 2 steps away.
• A shield check is defined as using the shield to strike an opponent starting from a distance less than two steps away.
• You may shield bash an opponent in their front or side quadrants. Bashing an opponent in the rear is prohibited. However,
• You may shield check an opponent from any direction.

The information above differs from what is posted at the National site. Not all realms find the same guidelines work for them. Should you participate in a national event, expect to follow the national rules. If you have questions about the national rules, ask on the national forums. If you have questions about why we do things the way we do, feel free to ask us. Remember: the goal is safety and fun for all...