This shield is composed of overlapping metal plates that spring out of a storage compartment built into a gauntlet or bracer, and rapidly fan out in a circular fashion to result in a round shield that functions exactly as a regular shield. This is not a magic item unless otherwise infused / modified, but has to be expertly constructed by an armourer and an artificer working in close co-operation.
Due to its convenient positioning and extremely rapid pressure-activation, this shield can be equipped as a Reaction by someone otherwise using a versatile weapon 2-handed, when they are attacked in melee or with a ranged weapon, but before knowing if they have been hit. The combatant is then fighting in 1-hand + shield mode until the shield is retracted or released / dropped, which takes a full Action as the parts must be carefully stowed, or the storage compartment removed from the wearer's sleeve.
Whenever the shield itself protects the wearer (an attack misses that would have hit without the shield), roll a D20. On a roll of 1, the shield mechanism becomes damaged, it can no longer be retracted into its compartment, and it becomes less effective (AC bonus reduced by 1). An armourer or artificer must spend a working day, or a cleric of the Forge use Artisan's Blessing, to fully repair the shield.
Shields require the Utilize action to Don or Doff. You gain the Armor Class benefit of a Shield only if you have training with it.
Comments