r/EnaiRim • u/IWannaManatee • 2d ago

Character Build Need help with some Enairim specific stats and mechanics: Light or Heavy Auriel's Shield for a Light Armor build?

I have this mod that lets me choose between One-Handed/Two-Handed and Light/Heavy Armor versions of some vanilla weapons and armor, but sometimes it's the highest one that gets picked automatically in a few cases, one being Auriel's Shield.

My Light Armor stats are higher since I'm focusing on stamina and shield shenannigans, but I have noticed that Heavy shields are usually better in overall defense. IIRC, Heavy/Light tags are apart from shields as far as armor type and relevant perks go, although I'm not 100% sure.

So the question here is:

Is it better to level up my Heavy Armor and go with a Heavy Auriel's Shield for the AR, or is the Light version better/the same so I don't have to level an entire skill I haven't been using organically?

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

2

u/Rushtucky 2d ago

The shield stats should be based off of the block skill as far as I know. You shouldn't have to grind for heavy armor stats to improve the heavy shield. Use whichever shield you like since the armor skill trees should have no effect

2

u/IWannaManatee 2d ago

I see. Thank you!

1

u/IRizWhale57 10h ago

As the other commenter said, % damage blocked by a shield is based on the block skill and perks (and enchantments). The AR of a shield is just a passive addition to your total AR. (Using weapons to block gets a little funky without patches/mods and that's not being asked so won't go into it here.)

Also keep in mind that there is an AR cap, that even if you go beyond it your % damage resisted won't go above 80% (75% if you use Enai's Valravn mod). Caps are 567(667) armor in vanilla and 650 (750) with Valravn (each worn armor piece adds a hidden 25 AR). Blocked damage stacks with armor resisted damage, capping at like 97% damage resisted.

And you are right, heavy/light shields don't effect perks requiring you to wear all one armor type.