Mount&Blade/Shields

The bigger a shield is the slower it is to respond to blocking, however the better the blocking it provides. A kite or tower shield will even protect the legs, which a round shield cannot (even if it visually appears to).

As with other items, shields are available in varying qualities; Cracked and Battered shields provide less protection but are cheaper, while Thick and Reinforced shields offer more protection but cost much more.