go the crpg route
Make shields a fair bit weaker/warband lvl and give shield wall bonus's so if your standing next to a team mate your shield is stronger, the longer the wall the better it is! crpg did it by adding 1 shield skill per person up to 7, was a pretty interesting mechanic and increases the tactics you can use
Make shields a fair bit weaker/warband lvl and give shield wall bonus's so if your standing next to a team mate your shield is stronger, the longer the wall the better it is! crpg did it by adding 1 shield skill per person up to 7, was a pretty interesting mechanic and increases the tactics you can use