Here’s the **Shields (Might)** tree, focused on defense, formation tactics, and controlling the flow of combat:

### **Tier 1 (Shields 1+)**

1. **Shield Bash** – Mark a die as **Effectful**; on success, you deal 1 Injury and push the target back 1m.
    
2. **Steady Wall** – When using Block, mark a die as **Persistent**; if it succeeds, gain +1 die on your next defense.
    
3. **Brace** – Once per round, you may reduce forced movement or knockdown effects by 2m without a roll.
    

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### **Tier 2 (Shields 2+)**

1. **Deflecting Guard** – Mark a die as **Lucky** when using Block; on success margin 2+, redirect the attack to another adjacent target.
    
2. **Shield Wall (Shields/Tactics)** – When adjacent to another shield user, you may both mark a die as **Cooperative**; each success adds +1 die to both defenders’ next Block rolls.
    
3. **Stalwart Advance** – When you successfully Block, you may immediately move 2m forward without provoking attacks.
    

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### **Tier 3 (Shields 3+)**

1. **Battering Rampart (Shields/Melee)** – Mark a die as **Powerful** on a Shield Bash; on success, deal bonus Injury equal to the die’s value and knock target prone.
    
2. **Guardian’s Intercept (Shields/Dodge)** – When an ally adjacent to you is attacked, spend 1 APR to Block for them; if you succeed, they suffer no Injury.
    
3. **Bulwark Formation** – When using Shield Wall, allies in the formation gain half your Shields skill as bonus Soak dice when Relying on Armor.
    

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### **Tier 4 (Shields 4+)**

1. **Immovable Bastion** – While braced (spending 1 APR), you cannot be moved against your will and gain +2 dice to all defense rolls.
    
2. **Rebounding Defense** – When you Block a Critical Hit (margin 3+), mark one die as **Exploding**; immediately counterattack with +2 dice.
    
3. **Aegis (Shields/Tactics)** – Once per scene, when you successfully Block, all adjacent allies ignore the next attack made against them.
    

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### **Why It Fits**

- **Defense focus:** Blocks, intercepts, and formations reinforce the shield-bearer as a true protector.
    
- **Synergy:** Links naturally to Melee, Tactics, and Dodge for counterattacks and team defense.
    
- **Escalation:** Tier 4 makes shield users anchors on the battlefield, able to hold positions and protect allies in climactic moments.
    

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🔥 Next up: **Tactics** (battlefield coordination and leadership) or **Throwing** (light ranged control)?