Doesn't protect characters behind the barrier

Defense is very weird ever since the Enlightenment. With a shield equipped (preferably Medium Shields) and having Defense loaded reduces damage of all types. This continues to reduce damage so as long as the attack you're blocking does not activate/cancel Defense. For instance take a look at this video and you can see that with a Tikka Shield (which is a Medium Shield, ergo same effect as a Kite Shield and whatnot) reduces Adniel's Meteor. Even if it's not 1 Damage, it still reduces damage, so if you're a Shield using Human/Elf don't be afraid to mimic the Vales Shield technique but take note it's not as effective. Also as mentioned in various places, the Vales Shield Defense doesn't work in Duels.