Shields

Shields are off-hand devices used to protect the user from harm in combat. Due to the way the game's mechanics are structured, shields are categorized together with weapons in inventory. They increase the wielder's Deflection against ranged and melee attacks, but slow down his attack rate. Heavier more cumbersome shields offer greater Deflection bonuses at the cost of Accuracy penalties. Small shields have no Accuracy penalty.

In Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, all shields have the enchantment Shield Engagement which allows then to Engage one more enemy than usual.

Shield types

Type	Name	Deflection	Accuracy	Description	Modal ability
Small shield	Small shields	8	0	Though they don't offer much protection, small shields do not interfere with a warrior's accuracy at all. Unlike larger shields, which are worn on the forearm, small shields are held in the hand.
	Small shields (Deadfire)	4	0		Binding Block	Self: +25% Recovery Time with weapons, +15 Accuracy with weapons after being missed by a melee weapon attack
Medium shield	Medium shields	12	-4	Medium shields offer a moderate improvement in protection with a small reduction to accuracy. They are the most commonly-used shields in the Dyrwood and come in a variety of shapes.
	Medium shields (Deadfire)	8	-4		Block	Self: 30% resistance against weapons, +25% Recovery Time with weapons
Large shield	Large shields	16	-8	Large shields are used when a warrior needs the best protection possible, even if that means sacrificing some accuracy in exchange. Though they typically taper like an inverted "teardrop", large shields come in a variety of shapes, often emblazoned with heraldry.
	Large shields (Deadfire)	12	-8		The Wall	Self: -50% Damage taken from Ranged weapons, -50% Damage taken from attacks vs. Reflex, Cannot Move

See also

• List of unique shields
• List of unique shields (Deadfire)