One thing I would like to point out. This shield is available at research 2. I enjoy the discussion on how to counter it, but I don't believe this item is all that extraordinary. I employ this item a lot as well as the vine shield. I think both are great alternatives to the shields normally used to kit an SC.
As far as the rest of the gear my guy is wearing. It is just what I had on hand. I am down to just a few provinces, so my resources are fairly limited. I expect that you will topple me due to the fact that two other nations are chewing up my land as well, so this is hardly a dire situation for you. What will be humorous are the blind armies I shall leave in my wake with the fear 9 routing the blind foes. I can only hope so anyway
