Earth shields1, also called hammer shields2, 3, 4, 5, were jackhammer-like tools carried by Nuhvok. They could blow up rock and blast passages through the earth2, 5, and they could tunnel through any surface.6 Nuhvok used them to dig tunnels underground and weaken structures from below, causing them to collapse.7, 8, 1, 9, 10 Each Nuhvok carried two earth shields, one on each arm. Earth shields were detachable weapons, but they needed to be connected to a Nuhvok supplying them with elemental energy to work.11, 12, 13