Shields block arrows. Originally shields would block projectiles that hit you from the front even if you were walking. However a long time ago Graal was updated that broke that functionality, and it was never fixed. Now they only block if you're standing still. Upgraded shields would block stronger versions of projectiles(fireballs, fireblasts, nukes), but that's a useless addition to iClassic.

That's about as much blocking as you're going to get. This isn't a JPRG. You're not going to get individual armor slots and you're not going to have hitrate and block rates and all that elaborate stuff. Graal has a simple combat design and it's going to stay that way.

Like I said, I'd rather not go the direction of items. It's a path with a dead-end. Eventually ideas will run out, then what? Does that mean mini-dungeons can't have item rewards? No. But the purpose of this thread is to explore the idea of a renewable reward. Zelda had pieces of hearts. Graal currently does not have an equivalent. Ideas would need to work with the current design of iClassic.