Because i tried using a shield just now; i was able to block some of their attacks ( i used guards as experiments) by looking when they raise their weapons, but sometimes they seem too fast or something. Does this come with practice?

Even if it comes from practice, what do you look for when blocking? For me, i blocked whenever the guard had a movement with his arms, and i managed to block some. Not all though, Annoyed.

Hold block, wait til they strike the shield. When they stagger, strike them back. Rinse and repeat till they're dead. That's the most basic tactic using a shield. Using shield bash on top of the basics can make any melee fight go entirely your way without your opponent ever getting a single hit in. You need a good bit of stamina to pull off unlimited shield bashes though.

If you're surrounded, that's a different story. That's when you use the enviroment to your advantage and bottle neck them if possible.

Your problem is you are trying to block as the blow is incoming (you attempt to parry with the shield) but (correct me if I'm wrong) the idea with a shield is you keep it raised pretty much most the time and only drop it to strike when you see an opening.

Here's a question, do different weights affect the speed of raising different shields into the block position?

Don't know about shield weight but a few times I've been using a shield I tap block right as it hits so just for a second there is a quick clang. I'm not a fan of permanently blocking, and I only shield bash 2H weapon users. They are so slow.

I was of the opinion that if you raised your shield at the exact moment the opponent strikes, he staggers, otherwise he just keeps hitting your raised shield until you do something. I found the game very easy when I did that, however when I first used shields, I did as you suggested and only staggered the person with a shield bash. Try experimenting, you might find your not using a shield to it's best abilities.


Edit: This video contains everything you need to know about blocking and shields (including perks). I found it very useful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOKgNkufZAI

If I max out say all the shield perks, would all block damage with a shield be nullified? Or will some still seep in like it does in the beginning?

Some will still seep through (like arrow damage, the deflect arrows perk is a lie). But it's mostly insignificant since by the time you have enough perks to max it out, you'd be fairly high level and hopefully well geared.