Shields

[Chthonic God]

Thinking about making a war glad that uses a blade and a shield. How effective is this strategy on higher levels like juggernaut and champion? And, if it is good, should I max out the shield skill? Thanks

[Prinny]

http://forum.pitofwar.com/showthread.php?2001-Prinny-s-War-Guide-for-Dummies
Check it out, it has a section on defensive wars.
It's a pretty viable build if you set the gear and strategies up right, but instead of getting shield just max out your blades skill to 10 and train Master of arms to 10

[Pit Lord]

"Higher levels like juggernauts and champions" are low levels. The gladiators in this brackets are in the beginning of their development (juggernaut) and there is not much strategy. It is just a stats battle in the form of exchanging hits until someone drops. There is no developed active skills or any skills at all (except weapon). The bigger stats wins in most cases. The shields provide insignificant defense at this level so don't use it so early. The gladiators in juggernauts have 100-300 matches and progress to champions. If your gladiator is stuck for longer it is a bad omen. He will still progress later when he is more developed than his opponents but may reach his cap before primus and won't be able to retire. You better don't plan long term juggernaut/champion strategy.