Scabard instead of Shield?

[Dastion]

I can't help thinking how odd Swordmasters will look with a huge shield, we've already seen some screenshots..it sort of overshadows the "Sword" bit. I was thinking that instead of a shield, wouldn't it be interesting of the 1h Swordmaster fought in a sort of "Einhander" fashion, wielding his scabbard in his offhand.

Since swordmasters are supposed to be the more "magical resistance" based tank, it makes sense to have Enchanted and Blessed Scabbards of the Swordmasters of Hoeth which not only provide magical protection, but can be used to block incoming attacks.

Now, the real "Sword Experts" please don't pipe in with real life examples of why this would be a bad idea and how it could never really work..it's magic and it makes sense for a scabbard of a Swordmaster to be blessed by the mages of Hoeth.

Anyhow, the idea was inspired by some of the screenshots we've seen of a Swordmaster wielding only 1 sword. At first we thought he was dual wielding, until someone pointed out that that was his Scabbard in his offhand. If nothing else, a scabbard "option" would be interesting for a swordmaster who would rather giveu p some physical defense for magical defense. I remember hearing awhile back about a "Cloak" which actually looked like a Shield that was strapped on your back.

[Velryn]

I can't help thinking how odd Swordmasters will look with a huge shield, we've already seen some screenshots..it sort of overshadows the "Sword" bit. I was thinking that instead of a shield, wouldn't it be interesting of the 1h Swordmaster fought in a sort of "Einhander" fashion, wielding his scabbard in his offhand.

Since swordmasters are supposed to be the more "magical resistance" based tank, it makes sense to have Enchanted and Blessed Scabards of the Swordmasters of Hoeth which not only provide magical protection, but can be used to block incoming attacks.

Now, the real "Sword Experts" please don't pipe in with real life examples of why this would be a bad idea and how it could never really work..it's magic and it makes sense for a scabbard of a Swordmaster to be blessed by the mages of Hoeth.

Anyhow, the idea was inspired by some of the screenshots we've seen of a Swordmaster wielding only 1 sword. At first we thought he was dual wielding, until someone pointed out that that was his Scabbard in his offhand. If nothing else, a scabbard "option" would be interesting for a swordmaster who would rather giveu p some physical defense for magical defense. I remember hearing awhile back about a "Cloak" which actually looked like a Shield that was strapped on your back.


Actually there have been certain eastern Short Sword styles, particularly Togakure Ryu, a short sword style used by the Omnitsu Shinobi or as you know them the Ninja, they would draw there short sword from an over sized Scabbard, with blinding powder on the bottom to blind the opponent, then fight with both scabbard and Sword in different hands, the scabbard's primary function as defense from samurai with big swords. Sorry i had to go there. But yea I would like this way more than shields, allthough at this point I can't see it happening.

[Samurai Cowboy]

I rather like this idea. I've never seen shots of swordmasters with shields though. If shields somehow did make it into the game I'd be rather upset. If there is a 1H option I would definitely prefer keeping a scabbard in the off hand over a shield.

[Delolith]

I rather like this idea. I've never seen shots of swordmasters with shields though. If shields somehow did make it into the game I'd be rather upset. If there is a 1H option I would definitely prefer keeping a scabbard in the off hand over a shield.

Err actually for SMs shields are pretty much a given. If you check the video for the SM class analysis you will see that they have a whole tree devoted to shields.

Imo scabbard is a bit meh....what they could do is actually give them dual wield...and make second sword mainly a parry sword. But I guess they don't want to give tanks a dual wield option as it seems. So I guess sword + board it is.

Delolith

[Samurai Cowboy]

Err actually for SMs shields are pretty much a given. If you check the video for the SM class analysis you will see that they have a whole tree devoted to shields.
Delolith

I'm sorry, could I bother you for a link? I don't know which one you mean.

[Delolith]

I'm sorry, could I bother you for a link? I don't know which one you mean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5yv_-DVzeY

It is around 2 minutes and something...when he is talking about Masteries. He says that path of Khaine is the offenssive path with Greatsword abilities in it while path of Vaul is more shield specific.

Delolith

[CaptainAwesome]

Yeah a shield is a given seeing how one of the masteries may need the use of a shield instead of a great sword. Remember that the SM is more of a great weapon specialist compared to to the other tank careers so it's not all that bad

My 2 Awesomes

[Samurai Cowboy]

"he might not absorb damage against a boss monster or other players because he doesn't have a shield"

"Allowing him to be good with a Greatsword He gets Wall of Darting Steel. As opposed to a Shield Tank..."

I've seen this video before not only does it not show a shield in his hand but it mentions no shields in his gameplay in fact it discredits shields in the SM gameplay. The only thing I can think that might give people the idea they he can carry shields is the defensive buffs of Path of Vaul. Vaul is an amazing smithy who can do wonderful things with metals. He doesn't need to encumber the warriors with shields to give them a little extra Defense. I'll be needing a video with more proof then that one to believe a SM can carry a shield.

[Delolith]

"he might not absorb damage against a boss monster or other players because he doesn't have a shield"

"Allowing him to be good with a Greatsword He gets Wall of Darting Steel. As opposed to a Shield Tank..."

I've seen this video before not only does it not show a shield in his hand but it mentions no shields in his gameplay in fact it discredits shields in the SM gameplay. The only thing I can think that might give people the idea they he can carry shields is the defensive buffs of Path of Vaul. Vaul is an amazing smithy who can do wonderful things with metals. He doesn't need to encumber the warriors with shields to give them a little extra Defense. I'll be needing a video with more proof then that one to believe a SM can carry a shield.

I just pointed at you the specific phrasing at 2 minutes something when he is talking about the masteries that he is saying about shields....At 2:42 exactly he mentions that Path of Vaul has shield specific "stuff".

Delolith

[Estebar]

Sword + Scabbard reeks a little too much of Samurai to me. Particularly in a Kill Bill-esque O-Ren Ishii (http://www.trueswords.com/images/prod/c/kill_bill_oren_sword_black_2sm_540.jpg) sort of way.

I'm not even sure Swordmasters use scabbards. Looks to me (http://topbob.net/warhammer/swordmaster.jpg) like they keep their gorgeous, personally-designed Greatsword out on display for all to see.

[Samurai Cowboy]

So he Did use the word 'Shield' while explaining the path of Vaul. But I'd like to believe, and I will reserve my judgment until I see some more Videos, that the word 'shield' was a verb and not a noun. Here's why. Any time you hear these guys talk about the different characters they use the word 'iconic.' They Strive for iconicsism(I don't think that's a word but you get the idea) When you put a shield in a Swordmasters hand it will then Bring him from Iconic, down to generic. That is something I do not want to see.

[Dastion]

Sword + Scabbard reeks a little too much of Samurai to me. Particularly in a Kill Bill-esque O-Ren Ishii (http://www.trueswords.com/images/prod/c/kill_bill_oren_sword_black_2sm_540.jpg) sort of way.

I'm not even sure Swordmasters use scabbards. Looks to me (http://topbob.net/warhammer/swordmaster.jpg) like they keep their gorgeous, personally-designed Greatsword out on display for all to see.

In the case of greatswords they do, but from the concept artwork we've seen they do seem to use Scabbards with their 1handed swords. I am referring to the pictures in the career overview on warhammer online where they are all wielding a sword and scabbard. I can't link to the pictures because of how they have redesigned the site, but here is the direct link so you can click them yourself:

http://www.warhammeronline.com/armiesofWAR/highelves/Swordmaster.php

I definitely think that looks better than the little elf running around with a shield the size of him... they just seem like too agile of a tank. Kill Bill or Samurais never entered my mind, it was these concept pictures that made me think about how interesting it would be to have a tank that fought that way, especially since they are supposed to be a more agile and magical resistant based tank.

[Dastion]

So he Did use the word 'Shield' while explaining the path of Vaul. But I'd like to believe, and I will reserve my judgment until I see some more Videos, that the word 'shield' was a verb and not a noun. Here's why. Any time you hear these guys talk about the different characters they use the word 'iconic.' They Strive for iconicsism(I don't think that's a word but you get the idea) When you put a shield in a Swordmasters hand it will then Bring him from Iconic, down to generic. That is something I do not want to see.


I'm certain shields are in for Swordmasters, we've seen screenshots of it even. I just think that the scabbard would be a good option, since the only real difference is stats, graphics, and the "block" animation would seem more like a parry. Though, it being beta, they might not even have block/evade/parry animations in yet.

[Samurai Cowboy]

I'm not even sure Swordmasters use scabbards. Looks to me (http://topbob.net/warhammer/swordmaster.jpg) like they keep their gorgeous, personally-designed Greatsword out on display for all to see.

Thank you for the link if you don't mind I'll use it (http://topbob.net/warhammer/swordmaster.jpg) to further help my point.

Tank-
DEFENSIVE MELEE
-centuries... -swords, swords, SWORDS

I pray this is accurate

[Misanthrope Prime]

When I was at comic-con the swordmaster had the choice of greatsword or sword-and-board, though I only equipped the shield (a kite shield) very briefly before realizing how much damage a swordmaster could do.

[Samurai Cowboy]

I'm certain shields are in for Swordmasters, we've seen screenshots of it even.

I would honestly shut up about this if someone could provide a screenshot of a SM, in game with a shield. I'd like to think I've kept up on everything about the class. but Please, if there is some video or some shot in which he's carrying a shield, do show.

[Delolith]

Thank you for the link if you don't mind I'll use it (http://topbob.net/warhammer/swordmaster.jpg) to further help my point.

Tank-
DEFENSIVE MELEE
-centuries... -swords, swords, SWORDS

I pray this is accurate

Ok for one last time...please next time use the search button...you will find a thread already dedicated for SM and shields...

Beta update #4

"To stick with our hypothetical Swordmaster, for example, let's rejoin him after he's spent several of his specialization points to gain further Mastery of his defensive path (Path of Vaul). Once his Mastery increases sufficiently, he'll see that a new attack has become unlocked called Crushing Advance. This ability is a shield slam that not only does damage and interrupts casting but also briefly increases his chance to block attacks further bolstering his defense. In order to purchase it, he'll need to divert his next point away from increasing his Mastery further, and spend it to gain the attack instead. This is only one such example of an additional supplemential Skill, players will also have access to improved tactics and a powerful Level 4 Morale in their MasteryFor the astute you’ll have also noticed that the Path of Vaul seems to have a focus on using a “Sheild” instead of a “Greatsword” tricky eh?"

Grab Bag:

Q: Swordmasters appear to be different from other tanks in that their defense is based on avoidance. How do you ensure that they will be able to compare to their tank counterparts even against the most difficult enemies?

A: The Swordmaster possesses the same basic core tools that every other tank does for avoiding damage. They are in heavy armor like all tanks, can equip shields, and should have no issues performing in the traditional tank role if they choose that play style. The avoidance aspect of the career comes more from the fact that they are generally more effective when using great weapons than other tanks. They take less of a defensive hit when doing so. The trade off here is that they may not be as good as the shield specialist tanks when they choose to go with that play style.

I hope this helps to clear a few things...

Delolith

[Samurai Cowboy]

When I was at comic-con the swordmaster had the choice of greatsword or sword-and-board, though I only equipped the shield (a kite shield) very briefly before realizing how much damage a swordmaster could do.

Misanthrope I know you to be reliable, you've provided us with many videos and information from your comic con adventures. but I'll let you know. You've just ruined my day. I'm sure these others thank you for shutting me up.

[Samurai Cowboy]

I hope this helps to clear a few things...

Delolith

It does as well. You've all thwarted my denial. :(

[Delolith]

When I was at comic-con the swordmaster had the choice of greatsword or sword-and-board, though I only equipped the shield (a kite shield) very briefly before realizing how much damage a swordmaster could do.

Btw Misanthrope...you know ΚΑΛΛΙΣΤΗ or καλλίστη (lower case) is a village near my hometown in Greece;)

Delolith

[Dastion]

There was a decent screenshot on the HEDE Thing on the Herald, but they've changed up the screenshots now. Swordmasters, as current, have shields..that's a fact. My point was just that I'd like to see the option to use a scabbard instead for a more agile and magically defensive option.

[Samurai Cowboy]

like I said before. I'd rather see a scabbard in their hand the a shield. It offers for a more iconic character.

[Misanthrope Prime]

Btw Misanthrope...you know ΚΑΛΛΙΣΤΗ or καλλίστη (lower case) is a village near my hometown in Greece;)

Delolith

Ah, you're greek too? My family's from Samos. The words in my signature are actually taken from the myth of Eris, goddess of discord and thus, Chaos. You know, with the apple "for the prettiest one" and all. I equate discordianism- a real life religion honoring chaos, with actual chaos worship in Warhammer.

[Delolith]

Ah, you're greek too? My family's from Samos. The words in my signature are actually taken from the myth of Eris, goddess of discord and thus, Chaos. You know, with the apple "for the prettiest one" and all. I equate discordianism- a real life religion honoring chaos, with actual chaos worship in Warhammer.

Aha....now I made the connection...nice concept;)

Delolith

[Scirrocco]

I love the idea of SM using Scabbards instead of shields. In fact i never liked the idea of SM using a shield, but like others have posted its pretty much confirmed.

But theres no reason they couldn't use scabbards too, sort of as an alternative to shields. You couldnt' block, but you're parry rate would go up.

[Eien]

yea that will be cool, instead of the typical sword and board measures we all have seen till death in wow, besides bear-cow and bear-elf

[Ceyl]

Sword + Scabbard reeks a little too much of Samurai to me. Particularly in a Kill Bill-esque O-Ren Ishii (http://www.trueswords.com/images/prod/c/kill_bill_oren_sword_black_2sm_540.jpg) sort of way.

I'm not even sure Swordmasters use scabbards. Looks to me (http://topbob.net/warhammer/swordmaster.jpg) like they keep their gorgeous, personally-designed Greatsword out on display for all to see.

I agree, it would be too Samurai-like. But I do sympathize with the idea that SM should be more than just Sword-n-board guys - even in their defensive Vaul-spec.

btw, damn Estebar! Why did you have to pick THAT new avater?;)

EDIT: I believe we see an SM with a shield around 1:50 http://warhammervault.ign.com/View.php?view=Movies.Detail&id=141
I have seen other videos with shield SM, but can`t seem to find them right now.

[Estebar]

btw, damn Estebar! Why did you have to pick THAT new avater?;) Because, I'm going to be playing a fancy Archmage, Mr. Swordmaster! >:O

[Velryn]

Because, I'm going to be playing a fancy Archmage, Mr. Swordmaster! >:O


He's got ya there, Teclis is an Archmage.

[KingWrynn]

I agree, it would be too Samurai-like. But I do sympathize with the idea that SM should be more than just Sword-n-board guys - even in their defensive Vaul-spec.

btw, damn Estebar! Why did you have to pick THAT new avater?;)

EDIT: I believe we see an SM with a shield around 1:50 http://warhammervault.ign.com/View.php?view=Movies.Detail&id=141
I have seen other videos with shield SM, but can`t seem to find them right now.
Too samurai-like? They pretty much are samurai elves. I've seen the comparison in other threads and it looks right to me. Very ornate armor (looks more like samurai armor than knight-ish armor to me), use of 2h swords, plus their stance with holding their sword behind them. If anything i would think anything making them look more samurai-ish would just complete the look more.

[Gemini]

You think this (http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/culture/images/samurai.jpg) and this (http://www.knightsedge.com/samurai/samurai-akira-6937g.jpg) look anything like Elven (http://www.worldofwarhammer.ru/images/info/large/sword4.jpg) Swordmasters (http://www.worldofwarhammer.ru/images/info/large/sword5.jpg)?

[Dastion]

You think this (http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/culture/images/samurai.jpg) and this (http://www.knightsedge.com/samurai/samurai-akira-6937g.jpg) look anything like Elven (http://www.worldofwarhammer.ru/images/info/large/sword4.jpg) Swordmasters (http://www.worldofwarhammer.ru/images/info/large/sword5.jpg)?

The guy had a point, they do already seem samurai-ish. Their armor is more similar to samurai wear than any other, that being, ornate cloth gi or robes with overlapping ornate armor combined with a unique "as one" sword fighting style.

Anyhow, I just thought the Scabbard option would look much better and more iconic to the Swordmaster. They are slim and agile fighters who epitomize swordfighting..using a "shield" just seems odd, whereas, using a scabbard fits since it's a part of your sword.

[Ceyl]

Because, I'm going to be playing a fancy Archmage, Mr. Swordmaster! >:O

That`s fair (and I was only kidding). I just picked my Avatar because it was the only High Elf not already taken by a regular poster. I guess I will have to look again...

btw I might end up with an Archmage as main/main alt if there is a problem with the swordmaster.

The guy had a point, they do already seem samurai-ish. Their armor is more similar to samurai wear than any other, that being, ornate cloth gi or robes with overlapping ornate armor combined with a unique "as one" sword fighting style.

Anyhow, I just thought the Scabbard option would look much better and more iconic to the Swordmaster. They are slim and agile fighters who epitomize swordfighting..using a "shield" just seems odd, whereas, using a scabbard fits since it's a part of your sword.

And I agree your last statement. A shield is not befitting for a MASTER of the sword. However, the scabbard is a bit too ninja/samurai for my taste, although the right animations could make up for that. Just don`t want a "Jet Lee" Swordmaster.

EDIT: (nerd discussion but..) Samurai preferred two-handed katanas, the scabbard+sword thing is more of a ninja thing I think.

[Delolith]

That`s fair (and I was only kidding). I just picked my Avatar because it was the only High Elf not already taken by a regular poster. I guess I will have to look again...

btw I might end up with an Archmage as main/main alt if there is a problem with the swordmaster.



And I agree your last statement. A shield is not befitting for a MASTER of the sword. However, the scabbard is a bit too ninja/samurai for my taste, although the right animations could make up for that. Just don`t want a "Jet Lee" Swordmaster.

EDIT: (nerd discussion but..) Samurai preferred two-handed katanas, the scabbard+sword thing is more of a ninja thing I think.

Actually katanas were pretty much used as swords meaning they were both used 2h or 1h...depending on your strike. Those katanas used with the scabbard were really smaller between the size of a normal katana and a tanto (ninja sword).

Delolith

[Ceyl]

Having read the Wikipedia entries on Katana, Japanese swords, Samurai and Ninja, I`m pretty sure that fighting with scabbard has never been a commen practise, though it didn`t mention that fightingstyle at all.

Katana is just one type of Japanese sword. As a rule of thumb; shorter than 1 foot=dagger, 1-2 foot=short sword, 2-3 ft=long sword, 3+=Great sword.
Here are other names/models:

Large swords Nagamaki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagamaki) · Nodachi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nodachi) · Ōtachi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8Cdachi) · Ōkatana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8Ckatana)
Long swords Chokutō (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chokut%C5%8D) · Dōtanuki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C5%8Dtanuki) · Katana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katana) · Ninjatō (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninjat%C5%8D) · Shin guntō (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shin_gunt%C5%8D) · Tachi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachi) · Tsurugi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsurugi) · Uchigatana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uchigatana)
Short swords Chisakatana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chisakatana) · Kodachi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodachi) · Shikomizue (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikomizue) · Wakizashi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakizashi)
Knives/Daggers Hachiwara (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachiwara) · Tantō (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tant%C5%8D) · Yoroi tōshi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoroi_t%C5%8Dshi)
Practise weapons Bokken (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokken) · Iaitō (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iait%C5%8D) · Shinai (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinai) · Suburitō (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suburit%C5%8D) · Tanren bō (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanren_b%C5%8D)
Fictional swords Daikatana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daikatana_%28sword%29) · Zanbatō (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zanbat%C5%8D)
Other Naginata (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naginata) · Yari (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yari)

Anyways, this is not relevant for Swordmasters and has nothing to do with Dastions suggestion.

[murkrow]

I love high elven shield design

so I would really be unhappy if no one got to use one.

While Swordmasters are called swordmasters, theres a few places in the fluff where it says they train with all types of weaponry, they're only called SM because they use the ceremonial hoeth greatsword when they go to war.

and when they go to war is in 20 man square regiments, an adventuring swordmaster would use whichever weapon combination suited his situation, and when he's trying to stop a bgi chaos guy from busting his pal's head in, that's a perfectly crafted elven shield.

[Dastion]

I love high elven shield design

so I would really be unhappy if no one got to use one.

While Swordmasters are called swordmasters, theres a few places in the fluff where it says they train with all types of weaponry, they're only called SM because they use the ceremonial hoeth greatsword when they go to war.

and when they go to war is in 20 man square regiments, an adventuring swordmaster would use whichever weapon combination suited his situation, and when he's trying to stop a bgi chaos guy from busting his pal's head in, that's a perfectly crafted elven shield.

Which is why I thought a scabbard option that gave up a little physical defense in exchange for heavier magical resistances would be interesting, since a scabbard could ideally be an item highly enchanted and runed. (I realize a shield could be too, but it's an excellent way to differentiate the items.)

[checkthis5000]

Sword + Scabbard reeks a little too much of Samurai to me. Particularly in a Kill Bill-esque O-Ren Ishii (http://www.trueswords.com/images/prod/c/kill_bill_oren_sword_black_2sm_540.jpg) sort of way.

I'm not even sure Swordmasters use scabbards. Looks to me (http://topbob.net/warhammer/swordmaster.jpg) like they keep their gorgeous, personally-designed Greatsword out on display for all to see.

I've never figured out why you always see ninjas/samurais/ whatever using the scabbard in movies. It always gets cut in half in like 15 seconds and then they throw it away.

I'd like to see a movie where they actually make use of their scabbard. But yeah it's definitely too samurai-ish. I'd rather them use a shield.

[murkrow]

Which is why I thought a scabbard option that gave up a little physical defense in exchange for heavier magical resistances would be interesting, since a scabbard could ideally be an item highly enchanted and runed. (I realize a shield could be too, but it's an excellent way to differentiate the items.)

I'd rather the swordmaster's magical defenses be based on his own sword dance and meditation than on the use of an oh-so-human enchanted scabbard.

[Delolith]

I'd rather the swordmaster's magical defenses be based on his own sword dance and meditation than on the use of an oh-so-human enchanted scabbard.

Actually it is based on his magical training since it follows the mastery path of Hoeth and his ability to channel spells/effects through his blade.

Delolith

[murkrow]

potato potato... oh wait.


I assume that his sword dance and meditation methods are part of the training he had at the white tower.

regardless you seem to agree with me that it shouldn't be based on whatever he's holding in his offhand.

:D

[Delolith]

potato potato... oh wait.


I assume that his sword dance and meditation methods are part of the training he had at the white tower.

regardless you seem to agree with me that it shouldn't be based on whatever he's holding in his offhand.

:D

Indeed...I agree on that one.

Delolith

[Ceyl]

potato potato... oh wait.


I assume that his sword dance and meditation methods are part of the training he had at the white tower.

regardless you seem to agree with me that it shouldn't be based on whatever he's holding in his offhand.

:D

Second to that opinion.

Path of Vaul does, however, seem to indicate something item-based...

[Oddwin]

"he might not absorb damage against a boss monster or other players because he doesn't have a shield"

"Allowing him to be good with a Greatsword He gets Wall of Darting Steel. As opposed to a Shield Tank..."

I've seen this video before not only does it not show a shield in his hand but it mentions no shields in his gameplay in fact it discredits shields in the SM gameplay. The only thing I can think that might give people the idea they he can carry shields is the defensive buffs of Path of Vaul. Vaul is an amazing smithy who can do wonderful things with metals. He doesn't need to encumber the warriors with shields to give them a little extra Defense. I'll be needing a video with more proof then that one to believe a SM can carry a shield.

it says while a certain tree will focus on greatsword, another tree will focus on shields and then later it says teh 3rd tree will focus on magic and anti-magic.

[Ris Aulendrel]

If any of you still have doubts about them using shields, read this

"Path of Vaul
The Path of Vaul is primarily focused on defense, and a Master of this path may very well be temped to lay aside his Greatsword in favor of an elegant Elf-crafted shield instead. The Swordmaster who specializes in this path will be the core that the lines of battle form around."
Taken from the official warhammer online swordsman clicky thingy!

[Ymrar]

EDIT: (nerd discussion but..) Samurai preferred two-handed katanas, the scabbard+sword thing is more of a ninja thing I think.

Miyamoto Musashi invented the dual-wield style before at the start of Tokugawa era. Although he used wakizashi and katana (short sword and long sword), but as the fellow was a really improvising kind of guy (according to history/legend) i wouldn count out using scabbard in the heat of battle.

At that time (and even after) using two weapons didn't go well with many samurais, but as he was very effective with that when fighting multiple opponents (not that he was bad against single target also..;)), he was regocnised a master.


Elves already have very lot samurai-like qualities, so using scabbard as shield wouldnt hurt my eyes. As good idea as the scabbard would be I think its too late for that though..


Also:

"The Swordmaster possesses the same basic core tools that every other tank does for avoiding damage. They are in heavy armor like all tanks, can equip shields, and should have no issues performing in the traditional tank role if they choose that play style. The avoidance aspect of the career comes more from the fact that they are generally more effective when using great weapons than other tanks. They take less of a defensive hit when doing so. The trade off here is that they may not be as good as the shield specialist tanks when they choose to go with that play style."

This could of course mean that they are talking about paths, but i hope they are talking about Swormaster using greatsword when tanking, because shield tank is not very iconic for a swordmaster. Using 2-hander would also highlight the centuries of experience they have against other races.

[Harlequin70]

I think everyone was either expecting the Swordmasters to be more close to the fluff in which case they would have had 2 styles, Greatsword, 2 Swords or the Mage Fighter style thats really only in the fluff and not the game.
Instead we got Sword and Shield which there has never been any indiction of, Shadow Warriors make more sense having a sword and Shield option given that before 6th Edition SW were actually equipped and trained to use Bows and then drop them drawing a sword and the shield slung over their back.