Shield

Preface

Shields greatly increases its user defensive capability. More than just a wall between the user and their enemy, shields seamlessly integrate into physical combat. Shield strategy can go further than simply blocking damage. If used in the off-hand, shields do not require Dual Wield.

Shields feature movesets that allow the user to block incoming damage, disrupt the target, to assist in parrying, or to attack. Larger shields are more difficult to wield and limit the user's mobility, but offer more protection.

Strengths: Defensive, disruptive, compliments physical combat
Weaknesses: Limit mobility, low damage

Weapon Types

Small Shield	(One-handed) Does not offer much in terms of protection other than assisting in parrying, but it is light and can be strapped to the belt; often great in duels.
Standard Shield	(One-handed) Offers more protection, but is bigger and can't be put away easily.
Great Shield	(One or two-handed) Its large size covers most of the users' body, making it a great choice for defense, but is incredibly heavy.
Ultra Great Shield	(Hybrid: Two-handed) Its size nearly dwarfs the user, requiring a massive amount of strength to wield, but offers incredible offensive and defensive options in combat, particularly charge attacks.

Progression

Beginner	You can hold the shield somewhat properly.
Novice	Your shield reflex is not quite up to par, making you only able to block some attacks while you eat the rest.
Trained	You can block incoming attacks now and fend for yourself. You are starting to be able to get a handle on how to use shield offensively.
Proficient	You can do a lot with the shield whether it is defense or offense.
Adept	When you are fully alert and able, attacks should be blocked, leaving you in better positions to retaliate. You are slowly uncovering crafty ways to use your shields.
Expert	You have honed a number of advance shield techniques and can seamlessly weave shield skills into your movesets.
Mastered	Regardless of what kind of shield you wield, you can block most if not all physical attacks and if you chose, go on full defensive with your shield. You can also wield great shield with one hand.

Physical Combat

Weapon mastery allow you have game-like skills which you can discover and tweak to fit your fighting style as well as allowing you to wield said weapons. Players may come up with complex skills as their respective mastery increases.

Keep in mind that each weapon type has a unique move set, speed, weight, impact, strength and weaknesses. Certain weapons are better suited depending on different situations.

Combat Modes

In your settings, you have two combat options: Assist Mode and Free Mode. You may freely switch between them, but only out of combat.

Assist Mode

To execute a skill, simply start the motion and your body will automatically carry through with the complete skill. This is similar to how Mages have to open their UI and tap a spell to cast it.

Free Mode

In this mode, you must memorize all of the motions of a particular skill to execute it. This mode gives you a lot more movement options, allowing you to transition into other skills or perform combos more easily. If you mess up a motion, your skill won't be as effective and you open yourself up to retaliation. This is similar to how you can cast magic without opening the UI by memorizing the incantation and reciting it correctly.