I think the reason is that usually DEX save spells that target only a creature are usually coming from one direction. So it makes sense to add the shield bonus in those cases. That does not happen for spells which have an area of effect.
At any rate, Shield Mastery grants you different features. I would not change it.
If you do not have proficiency in DEX saves, a bonus of +2 is always good. Maybe it is significant only for tier 1 and tier 2 situation. Still, a bonus is stackable.
DunCullin, I think the reason for the "only you" is as follows:
1) If you aren’t incapacitated, you can add your shield’s AC bonus to any Dexterity saving throw you make against a spell or other harmful effect that targets only you.
2) If you are subjected to an effect that allows you to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, you can use your reaction to take no damage if you succeed on the saving throw, interposing your shield between yourself and the source of the effect.
So, 1) covers single target Dex based spell attacks, while 2) covers AoE Dex based spell attacks.
Benefit #1 being that you *always* get your +2 (AC) to Spell Effects that target you. Since Single Target effects generally do higher damage, this is great.
Benefit #2 being that if you use up your ReAction, you can take zero damage on a successful Reflex Save!
Keep in mind THESE are exactly the kinds of saves which are used to deal massive damage to Fighters... so getting 2 bonuses against them (better half damage on a successful save against single target, or NO damage against AoEs) Eat that DRAGON FIRE!
That being said my personal preference for most classes I want to take Shield Master is to 1st level Rogue, and be Dex Based in damage... wielding a Rapier. (Bonus is you only need 13 Dex to do this, as Sneak Attack works with any Finesse Weapon, not just ones which you are using Dex to attack)
Unless you're a fighter who allows themselves with the choice of protection- (Which allows you to do that "Heroic" block for someone else nearby you) it's generally based as a "learning" system. Another exception would be magic shields with a specific spell/ranged block attack- i don't have much time to type this!! GYAH!
I was thinking there was an simple answer to these questions but then I tried to apply Shield Master to the cantrip Acid Splash. If Acid Splash targets only you, you get your shields AC bonus. But if there is someone next to you, you don’t? Luckily there aren’t many spells worded like Acid Splash.
Question: If you are the only one that would be hit by a DEX-save type Dragon Breath, do both Shield Master effects apply then?
Since the dragon breath is an AoE attack, the first effect would not work, but if you are the only one in its range, it would still target 'only you'.
In that case, you get both effects: a bonus on your saving throw, and if you succeed on the saving throw, use of a Reaction to nullify the damage.
My understanding is that the wording is such that the benefit would not apply to dragon's breath in the same way that it would not apply to fireball even if you were the only one within the area of effect of the fireball. The benefit is limited to things that can only effect a single person--that person being you.
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An AOE effect/spell does NOT target "only you" just because you are the only one in the AOE. AOE's do not target anyone. So you do not get that benefit from shield master feat. Only the "half damage becomes no damage if you succeds on a Dex save" applies.
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I think the reason is that usually DEX save spells that target only a creature are usually coming from one direction. So it makes sense to add the shield bonus in those cases. That does not happen for spells which have an area of effect.
At any rate, Shield Mastery grants you different features. I would not change it.
Great explanation. Makes sense when you think of fireball vs Eldric blast.
It is more useful for those classes that do not have the proficiency in DEX saving throw.
If you do not have proficiency in DEX saves, a bonus of +2 is always good. Maybe it is significant only for tier 1 and tier 2 situation. Still, a bonus is stackable.
And Yes is a bit situational.
The shield style for fighters lets you protect others.
DunCullin, I think the reason for the "only you" is as follows:
So, 1) covers single target Dex based spell attacks, while 2) covers AoE Dex based spell attacks.
Benefit #1 being that you *always* get your +2 (AC) to Spell Effects that target you. Since Single Target effects generally do higher damage, this is great.
Benefit #2 being that if you use up your ReAction, you can take zero damage on a successful Reflex Save!
Keep in mind THESE are exactly the kinds of saves which are used to deal massive damage to Fighters... so getting 2 bonuses against them (better half damage on a successful save against single target, or NO damage against AoEs) Eat that DRAGON FIRE!
That being said my personal preference for most classes I want to take Shield Master is to 1st level Rogue, and be Dex Based in damage... wielding a Rapier. (Bonus is you only need 13 Dex to do this, as Sneak Attack works with any Finesse Weapon, not just ones which you are using Dex to attack)
Unless you're a fighter who allows themselves with the choice of protection- (Which allows you to do that "Heroic" block for someone else nearby you) it's generally based as a "learning" system. Another exception would be magic shields with a specific spell/ranged block attack- i don't have much time to type this!! GYAH!
Question: If you are the only one that would be hit by a DEX-save type Dragon Breath, do both Shield Master effects apply then?
Since the dragon breath is an AoE attack, the first effect would not work, but if you are the only one in its range, it would still target 'only you'.
In that case, you get both effects: a bonus on your saving throw, and if you succeed on the saving throw, use of a Reaction to nullify the damage.
Although if you have a +1 shield, you would get a +3 to Dex saves.
I was thinking there was an simple answer to these questions but then I tried to apply Shield Master to the cantrip Acid Splash. If Acid Splash targets only you, you get your shields AC bonus. But if there is someone next to you, you don’t? Luckily there aren’t many spells worded like Acid Splash.
My understanding is that the wording is such that the benefit would not apply to dragon's breath in the same way that it would not apply to fireball even if you were the only one within the area of effect of the fireball. The benefit is limited to things that can only effect a single person--that person being you.
"Not all those who wander are lost"
An AOE effect/spell does NOT target "only you" just because you are the only one in the AOE. AOE's do not target anyone. So you do not get that benefit from shield master feat. Only the "half damage becomes no damage if you succeds on a Dex save" applies.