Trying to do the Math: AC vs. -DFE?

[Hammerskjold]

Phew, feel better now. Sorry for ranting, but I had to get it off my chest.
I just wonder, how warriors manage...

lg,
lyyn

This may or may not help, assuming you're still talking about HF.

Reading your original char description, you said this Rogue doesn't really use much offensive spells. Either by choice or circumstance whatever.

But this being D1, 'Spells rules everything around me, mana mana drinks y'all'. I've played a rogue very similar to your description. Mostly bow, S\S, some utility spells but not much offense spells. It can be done, but it can be slower and more challenging.

Brute forcing the odds is possible by simply CLightning in whatever appropriate area that gives you the best odds of finding that shield. Normal difficulty of course, you're there for a fast pinata run.

But, this is not really possible if you don't have access to, or choose not to use CLightning\FBall, aka the major offensive spells.

TL,DR:

One possible but unproven method, is to absolutely swear that you don't really want any fast block shield. Even play a char that doesn't want or can't use one. Not a guarantee, but if my own experience is any indicator, you'll be neck deep in HDefenders. (Or Gnatstings if you're a mage.)