PLD for endgame - put everything into VIT ?

[Vod]

Personally I like VIT better, just personal preference. Just do whatever you feel is better. I personally have survived encounters where my HP dropped below the 450 you get from the 30 VIT, and that's good enough for me.

Shield doesn't block magical damage right ?

Correct.

[Cenewulf]

Although I am not finished with the story I will say with current experiences in mind

When I was running with 5 points in strength, 5 in dex, and 20 in vitality yeah I had the health to take some hard hits but when I switched and did a 2:1 ratio of str and vit (20 str 10vit) I only lost out on maybe 150hp and Im doing atleast 50-75 more damage with each hit of my rotations (An upwards of 250 with rage of halone as opposed to 150. And I am also having less occasions where I lose enmity.

[Mugsfaru]

In my opinion Buckler type Shields before Bulwark, after you get that tower shield are the way to go.