## SHIELDS

Shields must be equipped in a character's off-hand slot and further enhance defenses.

Each shield entry uses the format below and contains a variety of information:

Shield | Cost | Defense | M. Defense | Initiative
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Runic Shield (E) | 150 z | +2 | +2 | -
No Quality.

- The shield's name, and whether it is a martial shield (E).
- The shield's cost in zenit.
- The increase to Defense and Magic Defense granted by the shield. This is in addition to any benefits granted by the armor you may have equipped.

For a list of all the basic shields available in the game, see page 133.

## ARMOR AND DEFENSES

Martial and non-martial armors influence a character's Defense and Magic Defense scores in different ways.

Remember that regardless of which armor you are wearing, shields always add to it — if you have a free slot, it's never a bad idea to equip a shield.

- Lighter armors give you Defenses based on your current Dexterity and Insight die sizes plus a small bonus. They are great if your Attributes are already high, but can become less effective if you suffer status effects.
- Martial armors set your Defense score to a fixed value, regardless of your current Dexterity die size. They offer reliable protection, but also take a heavy toll on your Initiative.