In RL, either the arrow hits the shield or the arrow hits you. But most games just use shields as damage sponges. Shields have a blocking ability if you block the blow you do not take damage. Players will probably not be able to have more than one pet with them at a time. If it is not done that way I think the system would end up shooting its own foot as they say.
Most races have unique abilities that no other race has.
I think my name is a great roleplaying name that means honorable warrior.