Defensive equipment plays a crucial role in safeguarding adventurers from the myriad dangers they face. Among the most common and essential pieces of defensive gear are shields. A shield is a protective item carried in one hand, designed to intercept attacks and provide an additional layer of defense beyond standard armor.
Function and Utility:
The primary function of a shield is to improve a character's Armor Class (AC), making them harder to hit during combat. By deflecting or absorbing blows, shields can be the difference between life and death in a fierce battle. Depending on their design and magical enhancements, shields may offer extra protective benefits, such as resistance to specific damage types or additional bonuses to AC.
Types of Shields:
- Tower Shields: These large, rectangular shields offer maximum protection, covering most of the wielder's body. They are ideal for defensive formations and holding chokepoints. However, their size and weight require significant strength and training to use effectively.
- Kite Shields: Shaped like a teardrop, kite shields are designed to protect the wielder's body from shoulder to knee. They are especially favored by mounted knights and are effective at deflecting blows from a wide area.
- Heater Shields: Named for their resemblance to the bottom of a flatiron, heater shields provide substantial protection while remaining relatively light. They are a common choice among infantry soldiers and offer a good balance between coverage and mobility.
- Round Shields: These shields are circular and often used by warriors who favor mobility and versatility. They provide a balanced approach to defense and can be made from a variety of materials, including wood and metal.
- Buckler Shields: The smallest of the shields, bucklers are lightweight and easy to maneuver. They are typically used by duelists and adventurers who require quick reflexes. While they offer less protection, their minimal encumbrance makes them popular among agile fighters.
Armor Class and Protection
Shields generally add a standard bonus to a character's Armor Class (AC), typically +2. However, certain types and rarities of shields come with additional protective features. For example, a magical round shield might grant resistance to fire damage, while an enchanted tower shield could provide an even greater AC bonus or protect against spells.
Proficiency and Wear Requirements
Not all shields are created equal in terms of usability. Smaller shields, such as bucklers, can be used by anyone regardless of strength or training, making them accessible to a wide range of characters. Larger shields, like tower shields, require specific proficiencies and a higher strength score to wield effectively. Characters must be proficient with shields to use them without penalty, and certain classes or backgrounds may grant this proficiency as part of their training.