Guard

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

Features

Parrying	Parrying allows the user to stop physical attacks from harming them by deflecting, blocking, or locking the target's weapon with their own. Parrying does not work without a weapon.
Counter-attacks	In tandem with parrying, the user can also to retaliate, capitalizing on the target's mistakes. Counter-attacks also allow the user to take advantage of their heightened defense skills to put themselves in better position for attacking.
Disrupting	The user disrupts or distracts the target with various attacks, preventing them from concentrating on other tasks.
Visual Perception	This grants the user heightened visual perception. In combat, it can be used to aid the user in defending themselves. Out of combat, it increases their observation of motion.

Progression

Beginner	You can wave your weapon around; that ought to hit something in front of you.
Novice	You can wave your weapon around more effectively now; it will definitely hit something if your aim isn't off.
Trained	Your attacks have some kind of form now and you're starting to discover some skills and mechanics that you can perform somewhat reliably.
Proficient	You can now proficiently wield a weapon in combat. You have found a particular fighting style that you are most comfortable with. You also have a good set of skills that you can perform with confidence.
Adept	You have the basics down pat and are now starting to explore the more complex skills that require a lot more precise execution. You also unlocked complex skills and are beginning to bridge together attacks to perform basic combos.
Expert	You have mastered basic stances and movements and can effectively execute movesets associated with your weapon. You are honing and making your attack combos more efficient.
Mastered	You now have powerful combos and series of attacks that leave your opponent devastated if not dead. You are now strong enough to use any weapon marked as (Hybrid: Two-handed) with only one hand.