These foot soldier skeletons spawn with large, round, glowing blue shields from which they derive their names. They carry a sword as well, but use it only sporadically, and not with very great effect. Their chief purpose is as a defensive unit, and a phalanx of these skeletons can usually be found in front of [[Skeletal Archer]]s or a [[Skeletal Summoner]]. They block very effectively, thwarting most attacks launched straight at them, but are very slow to turn and can be flanked or simply run past without much difficulty.

[http://www.diii.net/gallery/showgallery.php?si=shieldman&x=0&y=0&limit=&thumbsonly=0&perpage=24&cat=all&ppuser=0&thumbcheck=0&page=1&sortby=&sorttime=0&way=&cat=all See screenshots and concept art] of the skeletal shieldman in the Image Gallery.

[[category:undead]]

[[category:monsters]]