>>Why not HX with arm-worn shields? IIRC the shield penalty (vs full effect) was not that terrible since shield is likely to be higher anyways.One of the planned changes they're going to make is using any two-handed weapon with an armworn shield is going to suffer penalties to both the weapon and shield.
http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=20&category=11&topic=1&message=163
- Here is the catch. Arm-worn shields will also apply a hindrance penalty to both the shield and the weapon when used in conjunction with two-handed weapons (with a few possible exceptions). This is being done to offset the many advantages shield has compared to the other two active defenses. Shield use will work best overall with one-handed weapons. While using two-handed weapons while wearing shields will still be perfectly possible, it will come at a cost to effectiveness for both the shield and the weapon. Again, this hindrance can be reduced with training.
- The use of two-handed missiles will likewise be hindered, and will probably have additional restrictions similar to the current ones for bows and arm-worn shields.
- It is very likely (but not completely certain at this stage) that some exceptions to the above will be made for pole arms to give these weapons a bit of a perk. In addition, because they only require one hand, thrown weapons, slings, and light crossbows will be far more viable with shields than bows and heavy crossbows.
~Thilan
