Kalmi
Explorer
Part of the issue with shields is using them has nuances D&D isn't set up well to deal with. Virtually every character would realistically get a massive bonus vs. ranged attacks when using a shield, regardless of proficiency. It's not too hard to understand the concept of holding up a big object between you and a predictably-fired weapon. Using one in melee combat is an entirely different thing.
There's also the counter-intuitive reality that the benefits of shields are bigger the less armor you have, which again is not how D&D works. Worlds Without Number is kind of interesting here, where shields provide a base AC like armor does, but if your armor exceeds that number the shields give you a +1 bonus instead.
There's also the counter-intuitive reality that the benefits of shields are bigger the less armor you have, which again is not how D&D works. Worlds Without Number is kind of interesting here, where shields provide a base AC like armor does, but if your armor exceeds that number the shields give you a +1 bonus instead.