In case I didn't clarify, meant bash damage mostly on opponents holding attack. Neutral/holding block not so much.
There is absolutely no reason why a shielder should be able to utilize an unblockable, damage-dealing strike while the other classes can't. They already have the most powerful nudges, being able to nudge from any stance alone is a huge advantage. Why should smacking someone with a shield deal damage while striking them with a pommel, punching them (with a heavy gauntlet on), or whacking them with a shaft (huehuehue) not deal any damage? Heck, the pommel strike is probably the hardest nudge to land, and it would probably be the most harmful in real life as well. Sure, getting hit with a shield wouldn't be at all pleasant, and no mater how much armor I have on (unless perhaps fully-plated) I would most likely try and doge such an attack, from a gameplay standpoint it would be unfair... fast enough 1handers can still land a free hit with the offensive nudge as-is, and now you want to make such a nudge deal damage?
The only thing that needs to be done with nudges now is optimizing their hitboxes, as they are pretty shitty across the board. Removing the capability to land a free hit would also be nice.