I am always a fan of games who allow shield holders to have a huge arsenal of offensive weaponry at their disposal. Spells, stances, whatever the game may have. It's an offensive shield, who cares. Why is the bow off handed? It's a two handed weapon... Why is the mithril offhand called a mace? It's clearly a FLAIL.
You guys realize that if you don't like this new equipment, you could always, uhh, not use it? Who cares what it is called or if it has more offense than defense. They are clearly intended to give people options. You know, in case you can't get the bow to drop like I keep hearing people talk about. I for one am glad that there is finally another option for legs. That's all I care about.
I played a D&D character who's only weapon was a shield. It's not only a legit strategy, it's pretty badass, and maybe a little intimidating? It also leaves one hand free. That particular character would disarm his opponents, and typically end up chucking whatever weapon he had taken from said opponent, be it a spear, a sword, or even a bow. Though, I guess maybe that last part is less relevant here. Tl;Dr ever been hit with a shield? It HURTS.
I agree with the previous posts saying shields can be used as a weapon. The reason i made this thread was not to argue the fact that the shield should not have offense. But the fact that its defensive value is virtually non-existant. I mean c'mon if you drew the graphic bases the the stats the shield would look like a hollow frame of a shield, with spikes on it...
Lolol @ the Nokia. I have like 3 of those old bricks in a storage box. Nightmares of the Nokia ringtone will now begin.