Shields in GS4

 

Shield Sizes and Weights

 

Note: Actual shield weights vary widely, depending on material and craftsmanship.

 

Small Shield – base weight = 6 pounds

 - buckler

 - kidney shield

 - targe

Medium Shield – base weight = 8 pounds

 - heater shield

 - heater

 - knight’s shield

 - lantern shield

 - parma

 - target shield

Large Shield – base weight = 10 pounds

 - aegis

 - kite shield

 - pageant shield

 - round shield

 - scutum

Tower Shield – base weight = 12 pounds

 - greatshield

 - mantlet

 - pavis

 - wall shield

 - tower shield

 

Shield Conversion

 

Because all shields in GemStone III were one size, many shields with names for other sizes are classified as “medium.”  For those who wish to change their shield to the size matching the name, an automated shield converter has been set up in the armorer (or weaponsmith) in all towns.

 

The conversion will not happen automatically - if a change size is called for, you will be messaged as to what the new size change will be.  If you choose to make the change, you simply put your shield in the portal again.

 

Shields that are sized down to small shields will lose 5 durability, shields that are sized up to large shields will gain 5 durability, and shields that are sized up to tower size will gain 10 durability.  All shields that are changed in size will have their weight averaged between their current weight and the standard weight for a shield of the new size.  All other shield properties will remain identical to your original.

 

For those who aren’t clear, smaller shields provide less of a bonus to Defensive Strength and a smaller chance to block attacks outright, but also hinder dodge skill less.  Larger shields provide a larger bonus to DS, but hinder dodging to a greater degree.