Shields

Overview

In GnollHack, shields give more AC bonus than in NetHack:

• Small shields: -2 AC
• Medium shields: -3 AC
• Large shields: -4 AC

Non-Magical Shields

• Small shield
• Elven shield
• Great orcish shield
• Orcish shield
• Large shield
• Dwarvish roundshield

All non-magical shields can be mythic or legendary.

Magical Shields

• Shield of reflection

Magical shields cannot be mythic or legendary.

Weapon-Shields

• Spiked shield

Weapon-shields can be mythic or legendary.

Materials

Most shields are made from iron or wood, but some, like small shields and spiked shields, can be generated from various materials including silver, adamantium, and mithril. Material affects weight, color, and interactions (e.g., silver weapon-shields deal extra damage to silver-hating monsters when used offensively).

Armor Quality

All shields, including the shield of reflection, can be exceptional, elite, or celestial/primordial/infernal.

• Exceptional: -3 AC, +1 MC
• Elite: -6 AC, +2 MC
• Celestial/Primordial/Infernal: -9 AC, +3 MC, but can be used only by lawful/neutral/chaotic beings.

On weapon-shields, the armor quality also multiplies the base damage:

• Exceptional: Double base damage
• Elite: Triple base damage
• Celestial/Primordial/Infernal: Quadruple base damage, but can be used only by lawful/neutral/chaotic beings.