Mar 12, 2017 12:27 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
Light Shield (lightweight, easy to use): AC + 0 (zero base AC bonus, see below for defensive option) / To Hit +0
--Cost 5 gp (10 for Weaponized versions, which require Martial Weapons proficiency to get Proficiency attack bonuses)
--Can use Bonus Action to gain a +1 bonus to AC until the start of the character's next turn (reflecting the need to use/position the Small Shield more precisely/actively, rather than just having a larger one that provides better body coverage in general)
--OR--
--Can use Bonus Action to make an attack that does 1d3 blunt damage (1d6 piercing/bludgeoning/slashing damage if it's a Weaponized shield, with damage bonuses for those who have the Fighter's Two-Weapon Fighting). The Weaponized Shield might have a simple spike protruding from the center, or a dagger length 'punching blade' coming off an edge, an axe-like edge etc. Aesthetic freedom here, as long as it's not stupidly silly (e.g., multiple blades spiraling out from the edges like a over-sized ninja star... I'd only allow that later when the character can cough up the serious gp for some custom made armor like that, and then maybe give it 1d6+1 damage, or something in-line with higher level weapons made of better steel, etc).
--This shield will also count as a weapon for the purpose of allowing users to benefit from both the Dual-Wielder Feat, and the Fighter's Two-Weapon Fighting style, when wielding a Small Shield. This allows the skilled Dual-Wielder to have an AC+1, if they use the shield for a Bonus Action attack that round, or they can have an AC+2 for that round, if they forego the Bonus Action attack and focus on defense.
Medium Shield
Medium Shield (the basic choice from PHB; versatile combo of body coverage and ease of use): AC +2 / To Hit -0
--Cost: 10 gp (per PHB).
--10 STR to use or character's attacks are made at a Disadvantage.
--Option to use Bonus Action to gain half cover, granting a +2 bonus to AC against Ranged attacks, and to DEX saving throws.
Large Shield
Heavy Shield (somewhat unwieldly and cumbersome): AC +3 / To Hit -1 (-1 To Hit balances out the +1 to the AC)
--Cost: 25 gp.
--12 STR to use or character's attacks are made at a Disadvantage.
--Option to use Bonus Action to gain three-quarters cover, granting a +5 bonus to AC against Ranged attacks, and to DEX saving throws.
Small Shield
Light Shield (lightweight, easy to use): AC + 0 (zero base AC bonus, see below for defensive option) / To Hit +0
--Cost 5 gp (10 for Weaponized versions, which require Martial Weapons proficiency to get Proficiency attack bonuses)
--Can use Bonus Action to gain a +1 bonus to AC until the start of the character's next turn (reflecting the need to use/position the Small Shield more precisely/actively, rather than just having a larger one that provides better body coverage in general)
--OR--
--Can use Bonus Action to make an attack that does 1d3 blunt damage (1d6 piercing/bludgeoning/slashing damage if it's a Weaponized shield, with damage bonuses for those who have the Fighter's Two-Weapon Fighting). The Weaponized Shield might have a simple spike protruding from the center, or a dagger length 'punching blade' coming off an edge, an axe-like edge etc. Aesthetic freedom here, as long as it's not stupidly silly (e.g., multiple blades spiraling out from the edges like a over-sized ninja star... I'd only allow that later when the character can cough up the serious gp for some custom made armor like that, and then maybe give it 1d6+1 damage, or something in-line with higher level weapons made of better steel, etc).
--This shield will also count as a weapon for the purpose of allowing users to benefit from both the Dual-Wielder Feat, and the Fighter's Two-Weapon Fighting style, when wielding a Small Shield. This allows the skilled Dual-Wielder to have an AC+1, if they use the shield for a Bonus Action attack that round, or they can have an AC+2 for that round, if they forego the Bonus Action attack and focus on defense.
Medium Shield
Medium Shield (the basic choice from PHB; versatile combo of body coverage and ease of use): AC +2 / To Hit -0
--Cost: 10 gp (per PHB).
--10 STR to use or character's attacks are made at a Disadvantage.
--Option to use Bonus Action to gain half cover, granting a +2 bonus to AC against Ranged attacks, and to DEX saving throws.
Large Shield
Heavy Shield (somewhat unwieldly and cumbersome): AC +3 / To Hit -1 (-1 To Hit balances out the +1 to the AC)
--Cost: 25 gp.
--12 STR to use or character's attacks are made at a Disadvantage.
--Option to use Bonus Action to gain three-quarters cover, granting a +5 bonus to AC against Ranged attacks, and to DEX saving throws.
