Does a defending unit gain the Might bonus from Shield if it receives Shield 2 from Fortified Position's 'When I defend' trigger during combat?

Ruling: Yes, the defending unit immediately gains +2 Might from Shield 2 when Fortified Position resolves during combat. Shield is a passive ability that is always active in combat, not a trigger, and applies as soon as the unit gains it.

Sequence:

• Combat begins and defending units with Shield have their Might modulated
• The Initial Chain is created and populated with triggered abilities like "When I defend"
• Fortified Position resolves, giving a defending unit Shield 2
• That unit immediately gains +2 Might from the Shield 2

Nuances:

• Shield and Assault are clarified to be active before the Initial Chain at the start of combat, but they also activate immediately whenever a unit gains them later during combat
• Shield is a static combat ability, not a triggered ability