Why don't Warriors use axes and Barbarians shields?

[aleeque]

I suppose it would be bad somehow. But what is the exact mechanic preventing this from happening?

I know Warrios have Shield Wall, but you can easily swap weapon sets to use it. There has to be something else, some other reason.


Edit: oh, and since I'm making a topic anyway, there's also another question: does the "% damage absorbed by mana" synergize with Mana Shield in any way?

[DacianDraco]

Any character can use any weapon or armor piece if they meet the requirements to equip them. It's just that Barbarians have better attack speed with Axes and Warriors with 1h weapons, so they can also use a shield.

"% damage absorbed by mana" is a component of Mana Shield, if you have Mana Shield active all damage is taken from mana (and you also have some % physical reistance), not just a % like the affix.

[aleeque]

Oh, I see. Thanks!