Skeletal Shieldbearer

Shieldmen protect archers.

Skeletal Shieldmen are Undead.

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 Archers 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.

They have slow foot speed and attack speed, and very low hit points, so will usually die in just one or two hits, once their shields are bypassed.

Block?

As of the WWI 2008 gameplay movie, (July 2008), skeletal shieldmen mark their success blocking attacks with the word block, appearing on the screen above the action. The 'block' does not negate all damage, but it does negate most of it. This feature is controversial, with many players disapproving of the word showing up on the screen, as though the action were being narrated in a fighting game. There's no telling if that feature will remain into the final game, as early in development as we are now.

Shield Power

The glowing shield will block the majority of the damage dealt, and as a visual representation, the glow will diminish until the power of the shield runs out. You can easily see how much damage these skeletons will be able to block from direct damage.

Media

See screenshots and concept art of the skeletal shieldman in the Image Gallery.

Skeletal shieldman concept art.