Orbs are shields. Tomes are shields. Shields can be used with unarmed combat without losing the unarmed combat bonuses. Just figured that these things needed to be stated somewhere, 'cause I had a hard time finding them on the forums.
I knew these two types of items could be used with unarmed to maintain the bonuses but are they really considered shields?
Generally speaking, anything that doesn't have its own weapon proficiency skill is not a weapon, and thus doesn't stop bonuses from Unarmed from working. They are shields, with changed item class name (via an override).
The code checks to see if you have a weapon in either hand; if so, you are uneligible for claiming your Unarmed Combat bonuses. Tomes and orbs are internally considered to be shields; therefore they're not actually weapons per se. (Remember: it doesn't matter what you hold in your hand; all your unarmed damage in Dredmor is actually done with your feet.)
Shield Bearer procs and buffs (as of now) work regardless of whether you equipped a shield or two halberds.
Ah...so I've been wasting my defensive potential thinking I had to use an actual shield labeled shield...
Well, actually, if the Staves (and sometimes Wand Lore) tree is all about the phallic imagery, the Orb tree could cater to jokes about the fairer sex.
Absolutely. Reminds me of a yonic mage that Harry Dresden met once upon a time. used collars and bangles and such as focuses instead of staves and rods.
HOLY NECROPOST BATMAN! I will never pick Staves or Wand Lore Again. If I happen upon a Wand/Staff, Kudos for my Mage, but I'm not taking the 2 skills. Unfortunately I have to deal with wand lore for another 500 Wand Repairs till I get the stupid Achievement since I'm a completionist.
