One of my PCs is playing a sorcerer and would like to spend a feat to gain proficiency in shields. I believe that the only RAW ways for her to gain shield proficiency are through multi-classing or taking the Moderately Armored feat, which requires proficiency in light armor (which sorcerers do not get).
I am considering creating a custom feat to grant shield proficiency, but feel that it should give additional benefits in order to be balanced. Since the Moderately Armored feat gives three things (+1 to STR or DEX, shield proficiency, and medium armor proficiency), I am leaning towards +1 to STR or DEX, shield proficiency, plus 1 more thing.
Any suggestions on what the 1 more thing should be? Skill proficiency in either athletics or acrobatics?
Alternately, please let me know if this is a terrible idea.
Thanks in advance.
This is a great idea, and you are right on track for making a balanced feat.
The simplest way is to combine the ideas you presented. I have worked on a feat called Trained that is a 10-point buy, with an ASI worth 5, shield proficiency worth 3, and a skill worth 2. This lines up nicely with the balance of features of 1st level Cleric domains, and it matches all of the Unearthed Arcana Feats for Skills that were floated a few months ago.
I feel like Athletics fits well with shields, but Acrobatics not as much.
Your simple, balanced feat would be:
Shielded
Increase your Strength or Dexterity by 1, to a maximum of 20.
You gain proficiency with shields.
You gain proficiency with the Athletics skill. If you are already proficient with Athletics, you instead gain advantage on Athletics checks.
Increase your Strength or Dexterity by 1, to a maximum of 20.
You gain proficiency with shields.
You gain proficiency with the Athletics skill. If you are already proficient with Athletics, you instead gain advantage on Athletics checks.