Shield Proficiency

Obsidian has not stated if shield proficiency will be included in NWN2, however it is core to the combat mechanics and was included in NWN1.

Shield proficiency
Type: General

Benefit: You can use a shield and take only the standard penalties.

Normal: When you are using a shield with which you are not proficient, you take the shield’s armor check penalty on attack rolls and on all skill checks that involve moving, including Ride checks.

Special: Barbarians, bards, clerics, druids, fighters, paladins, and rangers automatically have Shield Proficiency as a bonus feat. They need not select it.

NWN comparison

 * A character in NWN who did not have the shield proficiency could not equip shields at all.