The Art of Thuggery

[Fate]

Not very gem efficient, but I believe that Eye Shields cause their check *before* the attack is rolled and on anyone attacking into the *entire square*.

What this means is that three indie commanders + eye shields vs low MR troops = NO hits (except the odd hit that will eventually kill 1 or 2 over multiple combats). Not bad, but still 30 N gems (though it could be only 21 if you have a hammer, which isn't bad if you have lots of N gems and low access to thugs/better gear).