So far Shields don't exist for me. No shield block, no "bonk" metallic sound, no high impact alpha shield bash, not even a shield throw.
We really need shield block animations, weapon block animations, and armor block animations since we already have dodge. It would even help relay information. Larian aren't showing any love for melee and are all in on magic. They added weapon abilities and I think thats it? I'm not sure.
Will this change? I can only hope and dream. Not holding my breath though. I just want melee to feel cool for RP. I don't care as much about numbers than I do looking cool for roleplaying.