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 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. |
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. |