Well, well... don't you realize that the quest for THE ULTIMATE thing ever regardless of circumstances is futile? :) But we can at least try to weigh the pros and cons of different designs based on usage (i.e. duels / small melees / largescale battle).

And there sure are many... the Roman Scutum (what DnD would call "tower shield"), Greek Aspis (Argive shield), Viking & AngloSaxon round shield, kite shield, heater shield, rotella, Scottish targe, etc. Plenty of variation in shape, size, construction, and emphasis on either protection or speed & mobility.

The Viking round shield and custom heater shield are made by Vaughn Morphett, the targe and buckler are from Kult of Athena, and the GouRang is from LK Chen:
  / v.m.metalcraft  
https://www.kultofathena.com/product/...
https://www.kultofathena.com/product/...
https://lkchensword.com/gourang

Trying Out the Chinese Hook Shield (GouRang)
   • Trying Out the Chinese Hook Shield (G...  


** Sources / picture credits **

https://archaeonewsnet.com/2017/09/di...
https://thornews.com/2017/08/30/resea...
https://www.ancientorigins.net/news...
https://combatarchaeology.org/newstu...
   • Authentic Viking Age shield replica p...  
http://myarmoury.com/feature_shield.html
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
https://combatarchaeology.org/newstu...
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
https://skaldic.org/m.php?p=kenningpa...
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...


** Music credits **


Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
https://theslantedroom.github.io/stev...
Used with artist's permission


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