Organized by James "Tao" Murphy
How long have you had your shield?
A little over 2 years now. I made it in early 2023 when the weapon length rules changed to give 1 paths a combination length of 5’2”. This allowed a full length single short and an 18 inch buckler rather than a 16 inch one, which made it a perfect time to craft a new shield.
Is this your preferred shield style?
As a one path, I don’t have many other options, but even at limited practices I prefer it over anything larger. It weighs almost nothing and has minimal air resistance compared to a “fighter shield”.
Have you ever tried a different style of shield?
I have always enjoyed round punch shields, though anything too large and it tires me out more than it keeps me alive. Strap shields and large punch shields feel too passive for me.
Who made it?
I made it myself, using EVA foam, craft foam, a wood burner, and paint. I had never made anything like it before, and it probably is the longest I’ve ever put into a single crafting project that wasn’t chainmail.
Have you ever had to fix/repair/refoam it since it's original creation?
Thankfully no, It has held up remarkably well for how I’ve used it. I don’t even know how I’d begin to repair it when the time comes.
What is your favorite move with the shield?
Quick active blocking with a light buckler sometimes feels a lot more like parrying with a weapon. You can’t rely on such a small shield to protect all of your vitals at once the way a larger shield can, so you have to be predictive and reactive about where you want it to be. Nothing feels better than winning a fight after blocking a series of incoming shots coming from many different angles by timing all of your active blocks perfectly.
Do you have any interesting stories about the shield?
When designing the runes for my shield, I came up with a full 26 letter rune set and the letters around the outside ring spelled out something, but I lost the only piece of paper that had the translation and have since forgotten what it said.
