Hit shield on back!

[Zolcos]

I remember MB1 used to make a big deal about it every time a shield on your back protected you from an arrow. Now, in Warband, it doesn't seem like this protection is even there anymore. I've taken damage from arrows to the back despite a shield being there several times. Was back-protection reduced for Warband, or was it removed altogether? or am I just unlucky?

 

[danshyu]

Removed.

 

[Ruthven]

IIRC it reduces damage but doesn't stop it.

 

[HTAPAWASO]

IIRC it reduces damage but doesn't stop it.

Yeah I think that's right.

Which makes sense considering the arrows/bolts go right through the shield and into your back.

 

[HarryCat]

It's there, but it doesn't necessarily stop arrows entirely. It does in some cases and it usually reduces the damage a lot. An easy way to see this is to start a custom siege defense battle against a lot of archers, put your shield on your back, then stand back-first in arrow range of the enemy. You'll see arrows hitting your shield. (The Nord character works well for this, on account of his big round shield.) 

 

[CtrlAltDe1337]

It is still there; hitting the shield on your back reduces damage, just like in M&B.  But it is kinda strange now that shields block projectiles all the time :S

 

[Grunar]

IIRC it reduces damage but doesn't stop it.

Yeah I think that's right.

Which makes sense considering the arrows/bolts go right through the shield and into your back.

Pretty useless shields eh