Dragonscale

Dragonscale is an elite Zakarum Shield exclusively for Paladins that commits entirely to fire damage. This highly specialized shield enables fire-focused hybrid builds, particularly when combined with Conviction aura to break through Hell difficulty's abundant fire immunities.

Fire Specialization

Dragonscale centers around fire with +211-371 Fire Damage, +15% to Fire Skill Damage, +10 to Hydra, +5% to Maximum Fire Resist, and 10-20% Fire Absorb. The Hydra oskill is particularly interesting, as it's the only item in the game that grants this skill to non-Sorceresses. While the damage won't match a Sorceress with synergies, it provides utility for hybrid Paladins who can cast Hydras and then switch to their main skill.

Hybrid Paladin Builds

The shield's best application is on Holy Fire Paladins or Fist of the Heavens builds seeking additional fire damage. When paired with Conviction aura maxed via +skills gear, few enemies retain high fire resistance, making the massive fire damage actually useful. The +15-25 to Strength helps meet equipment requirements while the +170-200% Enhanced Defense provides survivability.

The Fire Immunity Problem

Hell difficulty is notorious for fire-immune enemies, making a pure fire shield risky. Dragonscale works best when you have a secondary damage source or can break immunities through Conviction. The relatively low 52% base blocking chance is another limitation, forcing players to invest heavily in dexterity or accept reduced block effectiveness.

Niche Appeal

Dragonscale falls into the category of "fun but impractical" for most players. The Hydra skill adds variety and enables lazy gameplay where you summon Hydras before engaging, but the lack of +skills to Paladin trees and the fire-only focus make it inferior to Herald of Zakarum or Exile for serious endgame content. It's best viewed as a build-enabler for players seeking something different rather than an optimal choice.