The Carthus Shield is a medium-sized, round shield with a dark, weathered metal surface, featuring a prominent skull motif at its center. The shield's edges are lined with jagged, uneven metal, suggesting a history of battle. Its surface is rough and textured, with visible scratches and dents, giving it a worn, battle-hardened appearance. The color palette is muted, primarily consisting of dark grays and blacks, with subtle rust accents around the edges and engravings.