5. CALL FOR BACK-UP

Each fighter was accompanied by a Shieldbearer, who carried two spare shields for resupply when their partner’s flimsy offering shattered. He could even directly intervene with a shield to protect his fighter — and, with a bit of quick thinking, seriously affect the outcome by twisting and breaking a sword stuck in the wood. For this reason, fighters often prioritised smashing their opponent’s shields and forcing the Shieldbearer out of play.