>>1. Why don't we get shield experience for blocking a spell?

I believe Combat 3.0 addresses this.

>>2. When using my quarterstaff, SLAM used the shaft of the staff. Anyone know more about SLAM as a command? What exactly does SLAM do?

Slam is like a pommel-bash. You're punching while holding a weapon, or trying to smack your opponent with a part of the weapon not intended to be the weapony part. So for a quarterstaff that'd be smacking them with the middle of the shaft, between where you hold it.

Killing you softly with his song,
- Stormsinger Shavay

---

"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams"
- Arthur O'Shaughnessy

>>I also read elsewhere that slam was entirely based on shield skill. Does that mean I can slam with my qs based on shield skill? Also, what determines the damage if you slam without a shield in hand?

Sorry, got a little confused earlier. "PUMMEL" is the pommel-strike, "SLAM" is a shield slam. The damage from pummel is based on weapon weight; slam damage can be appraised on a shield. You shouldn't be able to shield slam without a shield in hand (or worn).

Killing you softly with his song,
- Stormsinger Shavay

---

"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams"
- Arthur O'Shaughnessy

>>You shouldn't be able to shield slam without a shield in hand (or worn).

>Slam turns into pummel when you're not wearing a shield.

Ah ha! That explains it. Thanks, Pureblade.

Killing you softly with his song,
- Stormsinger Shavay

---

"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams"
- Arthur O'Shaughnessy