Tuesday Magic Item – Gelert’s Shield

“The Commander’s new bodyguard did sterling work during the battle,” said Voddick.  “Without him things would have gone badly.  I saw him catch a spear that would have skewered the Commander on his shield.”

“You are among the few who noticed,” replied Gollaon pouring himself some wine.  “Not only in the bearer a selfless warrior but the shield itself make it harder to recognize their heroism.”

“How odd,” Voddick said before taking a swallow of ale.

“It is said that the court magician that build the first of these shields was jealous of the bodyguard and insured that they would never get the recognition they deserved.”

“Typical.”

Gelert’s Shield

These shields are solidly built and usually decorated with the arms or symbols of the patron who ordered it made.  They were custom fitted to their original user and would have fitted them comfortably.

Gelert’s Shield is a +3 Heavy Shield that can share its shield’s bonus with one adjacent ally against one attack per turn or against all attacks if the wielder possesses three or more Shield feats.  Up to thrice a day, the shield’s wielder can take half the damage from an attack (including magical attacks) that targets an adjacent ally.

However, the user is doomed to not get proper recognition for their acts of bravery and any flaw of character or mistake will be interpreted in the worst possible light.

Aura strong abjuration; CL 13th
Slot shield; Price 25,157; Weight 15 lbs
Construction Requirements
Craft Magic Arms and Armor, bestow curse, heroism, shield, vampiric touch; Cost 12,500 + 157 for the shield

For D&D 5E:

Armor (shield), very rare (requires attunement)

First and third paragraph as above.

Gelert’s Shield is a +3 Shield that can impose disadvantage on the attack roll against one adjacent ally against for one attack per turn or against all attacks if the wielder possesses the Protection fighting style.  Up to thrice a day, the shield’s wielder can take half the damage from an attack (including magical attacks) that targets an adjacent ally.

Notes: Inspired by the legend of Gelert, the faithful hound mistakenly killed.

Image is by Byam Shaw – Who Knoweth the Spirit of Man, Public Domain, Link.

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