Jul 14, 2017 8:33 pm
There are different types and sizes of shields, different designs for a variety of function and utility. Below are rules designed to expand the Shield use in the game, primarily by establishing three sizes of shield (small, medium, and large) and describing rules and options for the use of each.
Small Shield
* Treated as both a shield with +0 bonus to AC and a martial melee weapon with the following stats: Martial Melee Weapon, 10 gp, 1d4 bludgeoning or piercing (pick one when buying the shield), 2 lb., light.
* When wielding a small shield, you may use your reaction when attacked by a melee weapon attack to gain a +1 bonus to AC against that attack.
* You may also use your bonus action to gain a +1 bonus to AC until the start of your next round. The bonuses to AC from using your bonus action and reaction stack, giving you a total +2 AC.
Medium Shield
The standard shield in the PHB.
* When wielding a medium shield, you may use your bonus action to gain half cover until the start of your next round.
Large Shield
This is a very large, heavy Shield, granting +3 to AC at the cost of a -1 penalty to attack rolls due to the shield being somewhat unwieldy and cumbersome.
* Must have 12 Strength or greater to or character's attacks are made at a Disadvantage.
* When wielding a large shield, you may use your bonus action to gain three-quarter cover until the start of your next round.
SHIELD MASTER
In addition to the benefits provided by the shield master feat in the PHB, you also gain +1 AC when wielding a shield.
Small Shield
* Treated as both a shield with +0 bonus to AC and a martial melee weapon with the following stats: Martial Melee Weapon, 10 gp, 1d4 bludgeoning or piercing (pick one when buying the shield), 2 lb., light.
* When wielding a small shield, you may use your reaction when attacked by a melee weapon attack to gain a +1 bonus to AC against that attack.
* You may also use your bonus action to gain a +1 bonus to AC until the start of your next round. The bonuses to AC from using your bonus action and reaction stack, giving you a total +2 AC.
Medium Shield
The standard shield in the PHB.
* When wielding a medium shield, you may use your bonus action to gain half cover until the start of your next round.
Large Shield
This is a very large, heavy Shield, granting +3 to AC at the cost of a -1 penalty to attack rolls due to the shield being somewhat unwieldy and cumbersome.
* Must have 12 Strength or greater to or character's attacks are made at a Disadvantage.
* When wielding a large shield, you may use your bonus action to gain three-quarter cover until the start of your next round.
SHIELD MASTER
In addition to the benefits provided by the shield master feat in the PHB, you also gain +1 AC when wielding a shield.