This is not the first time we've argued over shields. Are they Weapons? Armor? Something different? Can I put a weapon style run one my Shield even though there is a separate Shield category for the Rune? Blah Blah Blah.
Seems to be two separate Questions. What do I get as a martial archetype vis-a-via shields? And do I really get all shields if I take Shield Proficiency?
Number 1:
SamhainIA wrote:
I should add that there are other places in the rules that are similarly murky, but the intent is clear that you only get the shields that are listed in your national description.
I totally agree with Josh here. If you are a Martial Archetype, but you come from Altheria or you are Kio then I just do not believe you automatically start off trained in Tower Shields. They don't use them.
Number 2
Yes the Shield Talent gives you access to all Shields...which includes weapon training with all shields. Yes this is more than you get with WT talent. Why is it done this way? I don't know. But I also point out that talents just aren't equal. Some are totally awesome and some are decidedly less so. Don't believe me? Consider this show down of matched pairs: In the Red corner we have the following contenders:
Arcane Spell Casting, Leadership, Loyal Companion, Political Maneuvering and Smite Infidel. Facing off against them in the Blues corner are:
Learn Spell, Healing Hands, Animal Affinity, Judge of Character and Infernal Heritage: Massive Horns. You spend a precious talent. Just enjoy your shields.