So, after much searching, I can't figure out what the hell is causing this incredibly odd problem. I'm hoping that I just missed something simple which is causing this abnormality, otherwise it could mean some potentially big issues to work through...

Now, hear me out. This will probably sound crazy, but it's 100% truth, and I'll even fire up FRAPS and record a video of this strangeness if need be...

All CTs, both bots and players, get what appear to be invisible shields. For free. Every round. With no penalty to movement speed, and they're allowed to carry primary weapons.

My installation process went like this: I set up MetaMod with the MetaMod dll from their official site. I then installed the RealBot AI and did not run the initialization batch job. I then unzipped RealBot WIP #9 to the RealBot dll directory, added the entry for MetaMod, and got everything loading without a hitch.

After that was all said and done, I fired up dust, ran around for a bit, and then added 3 bots. I immediately rushed to the CT base and proceeded to empty an entire clip directly on the chest/head area of a CT. Even though the CT's visible model wasn't holding a shield, I still heard the "tink" sounds, and after unloading 20 rounds I had absolutely zero damage to him.

So, from there, I set the bots to the lowest skill, added a ton of them, and methodically took test shots at each CT. 5 straight rounds in a row, none of the CTs could be hurt by direct frontal shots, and they always made the telltale shield hit "tink" sound. I then joined the CTs myself, purchased absolutely nothing, and ran into the T base... and found that my view was kicking around after being shot as though I had a shield, and I was sure enough taking no damage.

And I honestly have no elegant way to end this off, so... Any ideas? :S