“If the line must break, let it break where we choose.”
Description
Forged for the Republic of Aurimundus’ elite shock troops, the Sunburst Shockplate is a very rare suit of plate armor designed to take the first brutal impact of battle and keep moving through it. Its mirrored steel is polished to a battlefield-bright sheen, framed with warm gilded trim and embossed with the Republic’s sunburst and laurel motifs. The artistry is unmistakably Aurimundan: ceremonial beauty built atop ruthless practicality.
The cuirass is thicker at the sternum and collar, where pikes and bullets seek purchase. The pauldrons are layered in tight, overlapping plates that roll impacts off the shoulder rather than into it. The vambraces and cuisses are ridged to deflect blades, while the inner harness is strapped with broad leather banding that distributes weight low and tight, allowing a trooper to surge forward without the awkward sway of lesser plate.
To the untrained eye it looks like a parade harness. To anyone who has seen a shieldwall explode, it looks like permission to advance.
Magical Properties and Features
1) Republic-Forged Aegis
- You gain a +2 bonus to AC while wearing this armor (this is a +2 set of plate mail).
2) Shock Trooper’s Drive
Aurimundus built this harness for forward motion and controlled violence.
- Your Strength increases by 2, to a maximum of 22.
- You gain a +2 bonus to Initiative.
3) Breachmaker’s Momentum
Once you commit, the armor helps you stay committed.
- When you take the Dash action, you gain temporary hit points equal to your proficiency bonus (minimum 1). These temporary hit points last until the start of your next turn.
- Additionally, once per turn when you move at least 10 feet straight toward a creature and then hit it with a melee weapon attack on the same turn, you deal an extra 1d6 damage of the weapon’s type.
4) Linebreaker Brace
The straps and plates lock into a braced stance with a thought.
- You have advantage on saving throws and ability checks made to resist being pushed, pulled, knocked prone, or forcibly moved.
- Proficiency Bonus times per Long Rest, when you would be forcibly moved, you can use your Reaction to reduce that forced movement by 15 feet. If this reduces the movement to 0, you may remain in place and gain resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage until the start of your next turn (you become a briefly immovable bulwark).
5) Sunburst Rally
Aurimundus shock troops fight as a weaponized unit, not as lone heroes.
- Once per Short Rest, when you roll initiative, you can choose up to two allies within 30 feet who can see you. Each chosen ally gains a +1 bonus to AC and a +10-foot bonus to speed until the end of their next turn.
Armor Bonuses
- Attribute Bonus: Strength +2, Constitution +1
- Armor Bonus: +2
- Skill Bonus: Athletics +2, Intimidation +2
- Proficiency Bonus: None
Drawbacks and Risks
The Republic’s armor assumes you will stand where it hurts.
- No Quiet Glory: You have disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks while wearing this armor.
- Breach-Instinct: If you begin your turn with no hostile creature within 30 feet, you take a –1 penalty to attack rolls until you move at least 10 feet that turn (the enchantment “wants” forward pressure; it is happiest when the fight is close).
Lore and History
The Sunburst Shockplate was developed after Aurimundus’ generals learned a hard truth: disciplined lines win wars, but shock troops decide where the war is fought. Each suit is assembled in republic arsenals where master smiths and arcanists work side by side. The sunburst embossing is not mere patriotism, it is a focusing lattice for the armor’s momentum wards.
Veterans say you can recognize Aurimundan shock troops before you see them. The light catches their cuirasses like a row of advancing suns, and then the front line starts to come apart.
Additional Roleplay Features
- Gilt Heat: In the moments before a charge, the gold trim warms against the air, like a coin heated in a fist.
- Rallying Glint: Allies who can see you in bright light find it easier to keep their eyes up and their feet moving.
- Breach Echo: After you trigger Linebreaker Brace, a faint bell-like hum lingers in the metal for a heartbeat.
Armor Information
- Armor Type: Plate (Very Rare)
- Armor Class: 20 (18 + 2)
- Weight: 65 lb.
- Market Value: 19,000 gp
- Black Market Value: 34,000 gp
Summary of Armor
The Aurimundus Sunburst Shockplate is a Very Rare +2 plate built for the Republic’s elite breach troops. It enhances Strength, initiative, and forward-pressure damage, grants strong defenses against forced movement, and provides rally utility for nearby allies at the start of battle. It is a shining declaration of Aurimundan doctrine: advance, break, and hold.
Plate consists of shaped, interlocking metal plates to cover the entire body. A suit of plate includes gauntlets, heavy leather boots, a visored helmet, and thick layers of padding underneath the armor. Buckles and straps distribute the weight over the body.
Notes: Bonus: Armor Class, Bonus: Strength Score, Bonus: Initiative, Bonus: Constitution Score, Bonus: Athletics, Bonus: Intimidation, Buff, Combat, Str. 15 Required, Stealth Disadvantage
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