A large collection of shields from various factions and species of the Known World.
Shields, though largely a defensive weapon, can be used to bash opponents as well as block their melee attacks. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as round, square, flat and convex. Some are even notched for fighting with spears. So common is their use among the peoples of the Known World, that even the lowliest conscripts carry shields when not called to heft pikes and spears.[1a]
Shields are considered a suitable offering for Myrmidia, the goddess of strategy and war in the southern realms of the Old World.[3a]
Dwarf Shields[]
"Dwarfs excel at shieldwalls. Over the years, the Guilds, at the clans' request, have experimented with interlocking shield designs."
- —Description of Dwarf shields from Total War: Warhammer.[5]
A Dwarfen shieldwall is an intimidating thing to face. The tactic compensates for a Dwarf's stocky, squat and powerful build, allowing a formation of Dawi to effectively create a mobile fastness on the battlefield.[5]
As the enemy is repelled by a curtain wall of shields, the Dwarfs' axes will snap out to lop off limbs and heads. Dwarf shield designs complement this strategy, allowing them to be locked quickly during battle.[5]
High Elves and Dark Elves[]
The shields of the High Elves are tall and kite-shaped, providing cover to much of a warrior's body. Their curved surfaces offer plenty of space for High Elven artisans to create bold designs. Despite the long and bitter enmity between the two cultures, the common roots of High Elf and Dark Elf culture can be glimpsed in the similarity in symbols both Elven kindreds apply to their wargear, such as:[2a]
- The star and flames are common Elven motifs, and are often used to represent Isha and Asuryan respectively.[2a]
- Sea Dragons feature prominently on the arms of the troops of the Ulthuani kingdom of Lothern.[2a]
Notable Shields[]
- Kingshield of Tilea - The kings of Tilea have always carried this magically invulnerable shield into battle.[4]
Sources[]
- 1: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 2nd Edition: Old World Armoury (RPG)
- 1a: pg. 32
- 2: White Dwarf 320
- 2a: pg. 85
- 3: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition: Core Rulebook (RPG)
- 3a: pg. 204
- 4: Warhammer Quest: Treasure Card - The Kingshield of Tilea (Specialist Game)
- 5: Total War: Warhammer (PC Game)
Gallery[]
