+1 buckler/small, and it’s a free proficiency for everyone. Use one handed enable cast spells.
medium/heavy shield +2. Proficiency can also add a +1 to AC it when you don’t attack or cast a spell that round and all you do is move.
full cover/tower shield. Proficiency gives +4 to AC when...
How about Go gritty DMG rules and put mechanics/food/magic in place that can turn rests into shortER periods, like druids and rangers or others using survival or medicine checks to speed things up. Maybe feats and race, or class features that allow for it. The super hero can get back on his feat...
I use these in my games, for 5th edition. I tried to simplify things but allow for some true grit.
its the cover stuff and danger of using guns that i wanted to emphasis. Its long, and needs more work. but... there it is
FIREARMS SECTION
These rules allow the simulation of firearms and other...
I would rather see bard as loremaster, artist thing. Also I would rather "Bard" be a 5th edition third level archetype choice. Wizards have a Bard option, Fighters get to choose a "Bard" option, or clergy of some kind can choose a "Bard" domain. That way some bards are casters; divine, or...