The manual states "units have to take a Defense - (fatigue/10) check against 10" to reduce trample damage to 1. But is shield Defense taken into consideration in this calculation? Because it shouldn't be unless done for some kind of weird and unrealistic balance consideration.
Scenario A:
An elephant charges at you. You get out of the way. You survive with a few scratches and bruises.
Scenario B:
An elephant charges at you. You
block it with your shield and hope for the best?