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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Clint_L" data-source="post: 9026926" data-attributes="member: 7035894">So, I'm not following your argument. I'm arguing that shield is more powerful at low levels. Your example reinforces this point. Are we arguing the same point? I think we both agree that being able to pop your AC to 24 at a very low level is more impactful than being able to pop it to 30 at a very high level, yes?Shield is unusual in that it remains a good, useful level 1 spell even at high levels, even though it can't be upcast, but at those levels it is one thing in an arsenal of options, against opponents who also have an arsenal of options - I presume in the example cited above those hyper-optimized PCs are also running into hyper-optimized NPCs, right?I think shield is overtuned, and should be +3 AC, not +5. I don't think it is a game-breaking spell, and I think the fact that 5e has been running just fine with it for a decade without a massive outcry for it to be nerfed indicates that it is more one of those spells that, like fireball, is a little too good.For me, a game-breaking spell or ability is one that fundamentally alters the game in a profound way. Healing word is a game breaking spell - without it, 5e plays completely differently not just in terms of mechanics but in terms of narrative structure. Moon druid wild shape is game breaking at low levels - 5e was not designed for tanks that potentially have almost 100 HP at level 2. Shield isn't like that. It's just a very good spell, probably a bit too good. 5e is not being broken by Eldritch Knights saving their few spell slots for shield; rather, it's one of the things that makes them a competitive sub-class...and I'd still rather have a Battlemaster. Paladins are not all multi-classing willy nilly to get shield.Case in point. Your son is foregoing offence for defence, just as a paladin using up spell slots for shield is doing, or a wizard who takes a bunch of feats to get armour, and so on. Eldritch knights, Bladesingers and melee Bards are not considered S tier builds; everyone is not rushing out to make one. So, again, I don't see how shield is breaking the game. In fact, although I think it needs a bit of a nerf, I am hesitant because of sub-classes like those that kind of rely on it for melee viability.</blockquote>

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