>>Is shield bash worth all that effort? I was hoping for another alternative.
Since we learn shield at a primary rate (the skill that goes into the attack) and can use shields with heavy+ impact damage I'd say so. Just put together a macro or script to do it.
>>Post 100 ranks, any benefit to holding the shield in the hand?
Yes if you have a shield that exceeds the armworn protection caps (either normally or via DA; the cap is at very impressive protection) and for the aforementioned slamming.
>>Does holding a shield with the straps set to go on the arm have a negative?
>>Is shield bash worth all that effort? I was hoping for another alternative.
If you script it, removing/wearing a shield doesn't add at RT, so in that sense it doesn't really hurt any.
I personally never use slam, I don't really think it adds anything to your average day-to-day hunting. I can kill things fine with my sword, and I learn shield fine by letting things hit me.
