Talk:Bloodshield/@comment-1948301-20111025113800/@comment-16497252-20130901023101

The buildup you see is actually the extra resistance you gain. The bars get longer when your resistance increases (just like when your HP or stamina go up), but with this shield and similar effects, the added bar length starts out already filled then fades.

Presumably this is so you can't just use a better shield/weapon until you are nearly bleeding/poisoned/etc. then quick-swap to to increase your resistance with no ill effect.