Is it worth giving a second shield to the companions?

[Handel]

Presumably the largest shield available so when they keep it on their backs will it defend against occasional arrows in the back?

 

[Chaingun]

The way it works in MP is that shields on the back protect... the back.

IIRC that's how it works in SP as well (at least, I presume so).

Edit: And by that I imply that since a shield on the back is used indirectly, AI shouldn't have a problem using it.

 

[Aure]

On M&B wikia it says that this feature only works for you (the player), not for npc's. I don't know if this is true or not, but i will test this as soon as i can.

Offtopic: What does IIRC stand for

 

[Handel]

On M&B wikia it says that this feature only works for you (the player), not for npc's. I don't know if this is true or not, but i will test this as soon as i can.

Offtopic: What does IIRC stand for

It seems it don't work indeed. I gave additional shields to several companions and try to shoot them in the backward shield - not a single arrow stopped.

 

[DrZaius]

On M&B wikia it says that this feature only works for you (the player), not for npc's. I don't know if this is true or not, but i will test this as soon as i can.

Offtopic: What does IIRC stand for

IIRC= If I Recall Correctly.

 

[Aure]

It seems it don't work indeed. I gave additional shields to several companions and try to shoot them in the backward shield - not a single arrow stopped.

The function is not designed to stop arrows but to reduce the dmg you receive based on the shields resistance value. So you will not see arrows stuck in the shield even when/if it works.

If you want to test this out do this:
1. Get 2 companions with identical equipment, 1 with a good shield one w/o.
2. In any battle scenario shoot them in the back with a crappy/mediocre bow and look at dmg values.
3. Compare results

Ty DrZaius for the explanation.

 

[Trimaran]

It seems it don't work indeed. I gave additional shields to several companions and try to shoot them in the backward shield - not a single arrow stopped.

The function is not designed to stop arrows but to reduce the dmg you receive based on the shields resistance value. So you will not see arrows stuck in the shield even when/if it works.

If you want to test this out do this:
1. Get 2 companions with identical equipment, 1 with a good shield one w/o.
2. In any battle scenario shoot them in the back with a crappy/mediocre bow and look at dmg values.
3. Compare results

Ty DrZaius for the explanation.

shooting ur own men for an experiment!!!!!!!!!!! 

 

[Handel]

The function is not designed to stop arrows but to reduce the dmg you receive based on the shields resistance value. So you will not see arrows stuck in the shield even when/if it works.

Ty DrZaius for the explanation.

So the steel shield should be the best then. Providing I can force them not to use it.

 

[Landwalker]

So the steel shield should be the best then. Providing I can force them not to use it.

That's pretty easy—just give them two.

 

[Handel]

So the steel shield should be the best then. Providing I can force them not to use it.

That's pretty easy—just give them two.

Small and slow... although I need yet to understand how much the shield speed really matters.

 

[Kawee]

Small and slow... although I need yet to understand how much the shield speed really matters.

Very little when they're on a charger 

 

[Trueten]

If I were an NPC in your party I would put an arrow in your back if you'd try to give me two shields. Really.
First of all - it slows down the unit.
Second - it's really useless on the back.
Third - it looks ugly.

And NPC will have reduced shot in the back with the shield. At least I've checked it with routing enemies - I kill routing Swadian Seargent with one-two arrows in his back with my top-tier bow, and I kill Swadian Skirmisher with two-four arrows in his back, because they wear shields behind.

 

[Ludial]

If I were an NPC in your party I would put an arrow in your back if you'd try to give me two shields. Really.
First of all - it slows down the unit.
Second - it's really useless on the back.
Third - it looks ugly.

And NPC will have reduced shot in the back with the shield. At least I've checked it with rioting enemies - I kill rioting Swadian Sargeant with one-two arrows in his back with my top-tier bow, and I kill Swadian Skirmisher with two-four arrows in his back, because they wear shields behind.

absolutely true. Not to mention that a shield on the back cannot stop a blow to the head from a horse(which is what I often do with routing enemies).
Oh, and no offense, Trueten, but the verb is to rout. To riot is something very different and has to do with angry and anarchic mobs

 

[Trueten]

Oh, and no offense, Trueten, but the verb is to rout. To riot is something very different and has to do with angry and anarchic mobs

Oops, you're right. It was late night for me, I must be slept while I was typing.

Fixed.