You should get the base amount for your shield, and the weapon, then get the skill benefit(either +2/die or base DV/die). So Ricky the Warrior makes a 3 die great sword defense: Weapon Skill = CDV bonus 2 6 = 8 Or Micky the Warrior makes a 3 die shield defense Weapon Shield Shield Skill = DV bonus (longsword) (steel) 1 4 9 = 14 Wright