Large / Medium Shield vs Dodge?

[evolart]

I'd like to hear opinions on shields vs dodge....I've almost always played my rogue with shield and sword but is it more effective to just get a hige dodge rating?

Does dodge increase your overall DS like shields do?

[Jolena]

Every 3 ranks of dodge gives you 2 DS. My rogue doubles in dodge, and she still trains in shield and sword. I only single in shield though, and use a smaller shield because of the dodge training.

[evolart]

And shields give you a max of how much DS? Is dodge and minor training in shields better? I'm currently doing 1x in dodge and 2x in shield with a medium mithril shield.

[Anebriated]

heh if you are looking to switch to a small shield ill trade you a small mithril buckler for your medium shield.

[Sylvan Dreams]

You have to consider your character overall. If your character is going to be heavy (heavy armor), then you are probably going to block/parry more than evade - in which case you're likely going to want a larger shield. If your character is light (lighter armor), then you will want to try out smaller shields. My character is heavy (full plate) so a tower shield is the best for her since she parries and blocks more than outright evades.

[evolart]

I guess all I can do is try it out and see how it goes...I'm a rogue so light armor is what I prefer.

What about high dodge and dual wield?

[Sthrockmorton]

Every 3 ranks of dodge gives you 2 DS. My rogue doubles in dodge, and she still trains in shield and sword. I only single in shield though, and use a smaller shield because of the dodge training.

I've tried them all, and this is the path I use now. More than anything, I'd recommend you go with whatever path suits your RP the best. Kontii used to be an archer with 2.5x Dodge, but I got sick of the notion that I couldnt handle hand-to-hand combat. So I went back to the sword/board. Plus I wanted to be more of a badass with a sword. Think "300" Spartan

[Latrinsorm]

If your character is going to be heavy (heavy armor), then you are probably going to block/parry more than evade This isn't necessarily true. Armor penalty (when fully trained) doesn't apply to evade % (though it does apply to evade DS).

I'd say play to your class strengths: a rogue is much more suited to lots of dodge and less shield.

[evolart]

From tests it looks like their is barely any difference between Shields 8 / Dodge 20 vs Shields 20 / Dodge 8. The buckler always seems to be an improvement in DS by atleast a few points no matter if I'm primary shield or dodge.

I am going to test out dual wield (rapier and main gauche or sai) and a little higher dodge maybe 2.5x. Not sure if I will have enough train points per level to be able to keep that up though. We will see.

[AestheticDeath]

Your not going to see a whole lotta difference or benefit from things at a low level.

[Latrinsorm]

To elaborate a little on what AD said, stats and flat penalties are still a very important (even dominant) factor in shield/DS comparisons until well past title.