Summary
- When playing D&D, remember that shields are essential for avoiding incoming damage and increasing your AC. Choose wisely based on your playstyle.
- Different types of shields, from magical to animated, offer unique benefits beyond just protection. Consider the added bonuses they bring to your character.
- Some shields, like the Shield of The Hidden Lord, may come with drawbacks, like containing a demon within. Be prepared for the consequences.
There are a lot of important facets to consider when playing 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Dungeons & Dragons, especially when it comes to combat. What spells to use, which weapons to main, and how to work with your team are just a few of the things you'll want to keep in mind. But, doing damage is only half the battle.
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The other half is trying to avoid incoming ⛎damage. One of the best ways to increase your AC and avoid more damage is armor. While suits of plate or scale mail may seem like the priority, walking to battle with a shield should not be overlooked. But, which shields are worth their weight in gold, or even electrum?
Updated on July 23, 2024, by Zackary Wiggs: With the new 2024 version of Fifth Edition just around the corner, there hasn't been a better time to hop into Dungeons & Dragons. Whether you're an old hat at the game, know a little bit about TTRPGs, or are completely new to the games, there is a lot to balance when it comes to protecting your characters.
Thankfully, shields, magic and otherwise, are a great way to do that. Let's look back at some earlier editions' shields too for some more ideas.
15 🐷 Bulwark Shield ꦍ
A Little Extra Protection
Bulwark Shields are fairly simple, but a brutal addition to any player's equipment. They're similar to that of normal shields except far larger (nearly the size of a tower shield). They're best for when a smaller shield just won't cut it.
There are some different ways to build the stats for this shield, with some choosing to just make it a +2 to AC. The more interes♎ting way is to add the ability to shield other characters within five feet of you with a react🍃ion or bonus action.
This is great for Clerics and P♓aladins, or just anyone who wants to be moreꦐ of a team player.
14 Shieꦇld Of Expression ꧟
More Fun Than Practical
Defense, the Shield of Expression doesn't do any more than a normal shield of the same size. This may seem like it is effectively the same as a normal shield, which would be true except for one glaring difference.
That difference is the large animated face on the defensive side of the shield. Which, with any bonus action, you can alter to make another expression. While it won't save your skin any better, it is a lot of fun and is an absolute treat for bards.
13 ♑ Aura Shield
A Little Magical Help
Aura Shields is a broad term for various different shields with inherent💎 magical abilities. The details of which are mostly up to you, but they allow for a wide range of boons, skills, and ranges in which to allow them.
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It's up to you what kind of aura you want these shields to put off. But, a good place to start is the various auras Paladins and Clerics get through leveling up. For higher levels, anti-magic or defense against certain damage types is also good.
This is a great option for adding a little boost to a stat if your party is lacking, especially if they don't have a Cleric or Paladin of their own.
12 Batterღing Shield
Hit 'Em Hard
A Battering Shield is a large metal shield that gives a plus one to your AC. But, that isn't all. For those who don't like to get crowded by your enemies, this shield has a fun little secret.
When pushing a creature with this shield, you can expend one of three charges and push that creature another ten feet on top of the f♓ive feet you would have already moved them. Great for when someone outstays their welcome, and you just need some room to breathe.
11 🍨 🌃 Adamantine Shield
Stronger Than Steel
Adamantine is one of, if not the hardest material in the D&D universes. It's an odd mix of iridescent colors and, oh, it's also super-expensive, but for good reason.
This metal is indestructible. This makes some DMs not even have it in their campaign, but, if yours does, ask them about the price of an adamantine shield. If you have the coin, you surely won't be disappointed in the results.
10 𓃲 Shield Of Farsight
Eldritch Powers
Creating a Shield of Farsight💫 is a gruesome process, but one thඣat creates a piece of armor that is unique and inherently valuable.
All it takes to make one of these is a non-willing humanoid, 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:a Mind Flayer, a normal shield, and a lot of dark magic. The result is a shield that the Mind Flayer that created it can see through and even use some of its magical eye-beam powers through. Coming across a mind flayer with one of these is a definite death wish, but maybe you can use for yourself once it's freed from its owner.
9 Myo-Myo's Gong
Who You Gonna Call?
The shield that once belonged to a famous ghost hunter from the Third Edition is sure to have some fun effects. Myo-Myo's Gong is a shield in the shape of the musical instrument of its name, but it's far from just aesthetic.
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It gives the wielder a solid plus two to their AC, 🍸which is a great start. Beyond that, once per day they can hit the gong, the sound of which acts as a Holy Smite that damages ghosts and similar undead/unholy creatures in the area.
8 Sentineꦅl Shield 🐻
Protection And Wisdom
A simple magic item, but one that will help almost﷽ any character regardless of playstyle. The Sentinel Shield gives any wielder that attunes to it advantage on Wisdom checks and the ever-present initiative rolls.
This means you'll be harder to fool, and you'll always be going earlier in combat. This makes it great for the kind of player who wants to dart in early in combat and do damage quickly before the fight gets worse for wear.
7 Pariah's Shield
Friendship Is Power
This shield has a lot of benefits — if you like staying close with your teammates anyway. For every two comrades within five feet of you, you'll get a plus one to your AC.
This can stack up to three times. In addꦗition, you can also use your reaction when someone within five feet of you takes damage to take that damage yourself. This is great🎃 for tankier builds and those with self-healing.
6 📖 Silver Dragon Shield 🐓
A Draconic Lineage
A beautiful shield with an image of a silver dragon on the front of it. If that alone doesn't scare your enemies away then there are a few abilities it has that will keep your head on your shoulders.
First off, it adds a whopping plus two to your AC. It also adds that same score to your initiative score. This means you'll take fewer hits and hit faster, which is a win-win in any book. You'll look cool as you do it too.
