The agile ability requires the character to be unarmoured and unencumbered. The player wants to know if the shield affects the ability, too.

I've been allowing it to apply with a shield (although it's only been relevant maybe once) on the theory that a shield isn't "armor" per se.  Also, I feel barbarian characters who refrain from wearing armor in true "comic book Conan" style deserve a little bonus for it.  I agree this could probably stand to be clarified in the next printing.

That's why I mentioned how I would probably handle it, Benoist. Not an "official" answer, but a gamer to gamer answer. That being said, I do have a finite amount of boxed sets left, so when I do sell out, I'll be making a new printing of the game, and there are some clarifications worth making. Not sure this is one of them, but it's on the "consideration" list, because the rule mentions armour and not shields. Like BA23, I like the idea of a barbarian rushing into combat, armourless, agile as a panther, and wielding broad sword and shield.

Benoist wrote:

I figured that much but apparently came out much more strongly than I thought I would. 

I can see how that can be seen as a shot on my part. Apologies! :D

No worries! I didn't read your reply like that at all, really.