A shield provides protection and can also be used as a weapon in close combat. Its boss and rim can strike an opponent at very short range. Skilled shield work can disrupt an opponent while continuing to cover the wielder. This offensive role is easy to overlook when a shield is described only as protection.
Notable Point · 31:07-31:55
A shield is also a close-combat weapon
A shield's boss and rim let it serve as an active close-combat weapon as well as protection.