Warband WIP and some questions

[racm32]

So I have started assembling my first warband, pictured below, and have some questions.
Q1: If I want to arm Infantry with a one handed weapon and shield should there be a gold cost involved?

Q2: What do you all think about shields having effects on combat? I was thinking that they could effect shooting, acting like light cover or adding +1 to roll in addition to other covers. Maybe only if shooting is from front of target. And something similar in hand-to-hand.

Both from School of Sigilists


2 men-at-arms and a knight. Though I'd like to make them infantry with one handed weapon and shield to make them cheaper.