New shields

[Blue]

Playing around with the feel for a specific setting and I'd like feedback on equipment. This is for a specific setting and a specific table - I'm more interested in balance then if it's adding too much complexity for general usage.

All require Shield proficiency, and do not stack with each other.

Center-grip shield
As Shield (PHB)

Arm strapped Shield
Hand is free. If hand is not actively used, bonus action to gain +2 AC until the start of your next turn.

For example, you could be holding a spell focus in the hand and take the bonus action as long as you didn't use the spell focus.

Buckler
Shield proficiency: Grants +1 AC when wielded
Simple Melee weapon proficiency: d4 Bludgeoning, Light
Both are active at once - can make attacks and still gain +1 AC.

Yes, if you invest in the Dual Wielder feat you have a total of +2 to AC. Not worried, that's an investment. And it's not a finesse weapon.

Worried that d4 makes it just too inferior to ever see use at a table. Switch to Martial Melee prof and d6? The d6 light martial weapons have finesse which this doesn't, so they have a different use-case.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Is your hand free when using a buckler? If so, I don't find a d4 damage inferior because you get AC and a weapon simultaneously. Even if your arm isn't free, you kind of get your cake and eat it.

I'd like to see a shield that can be strapped on as a bonus action instead of a regular action. Your Arm Strapped Shield kind of plays that role. But to clarify, I could hold a focus in that hand and as long as I don't cast a spell with the focus, I get the +2 but if I cast a spell using the focus, I don't get the AC bonus?

 

[jamesstreissand]

Funny, I made something similar awhile ago. Great for players who use multiple fighting styles.

https://www.ashofcreativity.com/posts/2018/8/6/bucklers

 

[Tales and Chronicles]

I have in mind for a future campaign to add the shields in the weapon table instead of armor so they could have damage die and a special trait like some weapon: Parrying (+1 AC), Shielding (+2 AC) and Warding (+2 AC, +4 vs Range). Then S&B PC could have an incentive to go dual-wield style instead of just Protection/Dueling or Protection.

Defense Gears:
Parrying Dagger: 1d4 Piercing, finesse, light, Parrying
Parrying Gauntlet: 1d4 Bludgeoning, light, Parrying
Shield: 1d4 Bludgeoning, Shielding
Tower Shield: 1d6 Bludgeoning, Heavy, Warding, Str 15, Dis. Stealth

New proficiency:
Fighter: all gear
Paladin: all gear
Rogue: parrying dagger,
Cleric/Druid: shield

Feat:
Lightly Armored: Parrying gauntlet/dagger
Heavily Armored: Tower shield

 

[Shiroiken]

I'd like to see a shield that can be strapped on as a bonus action instead of a regular action.

I've just house-ruled it that way in my game for all shields. It hasn't really broken the game, but it has increased the number of sword and board characters since you aren't screwed if you don't have it ready.

 

[Laurefindel]

Playing around with the feel for a specific setting and I'd like feedback on equipment. This is for a specific setting and a specific table - I'm more interested in balance then if it's adding too much complexity for general usage.

Worried that d4 makes it just too inferior to ever see use at a table. Switch to Martial Melee prof and d6? The d6 light martial weapons have finesse which this doesn't, so they have a different use-case.

Everyone can TWF for 1d6/1d6 with two light weapon. You are proposing 1d6/1d4 +1 AC. I think making the buckler 1d6 damage would obsolete all other weapons.

I'm also curious if you have rules for an oversized shield, wall shield, pavois or whatever it is called.

On a semi-related (and inconsequential) note, have bucklers ever been used strapped on a arm (other than in D&D)? I remember seeing triangular "targes" on the left shoulder of knights during 2-handed sword duels, and other images of archers with a buckler strapped to their left arm, but i always was under the impression it was mostly a convenient place to store it until they had to grab it in one hand like a central-grab shield.

 

[Shiroiken]

On a semi-related (and inconsequential) note, have bucklers ever been used strapped on a arm (other than in D&D)? I remember seeing triangular "targes" on the left shoulder of knights during 2-handed sword duels, and other images of archers with a buckler strapped to their left arm, but i always was under the impression it was mostly a convenient place to store it until they had to grab it in one hand like a central-grab shield.

I used to do stage sword-fighting, and my partner built a "buckler" based on the 3E design (unaware of the actual buckler's history). Strapped to his arm, he was able to block several of my strikes successfully while holding his claymore in both hands... but after a 15 minute practice bout, his arm and hand were a bloody mess. Every time I struck it, the metal rim would cut into flesh. Admittedly it was less damage than an actual strike would have dealt, but he would have been far better off just parrying with his claymore.

While I suppose a better design may actually exist, I somehow doubt that such a thing was ever used historically. The only real use I could think of would be to block arrow fire while charging into melee, where you would then fight normally (with the extra weight on your arm, however).

 

[Horwath]

Buckler; light armor proficiency, +1 AC, hand is free, but if you attack with weapon in that hand(off hand attack or bows) AC is not calculated that round. Cannot bash or be used with and features that require a shield.

Large shield(tower); heavy armor proficiency; +3 AC, -5ft movement, disadv, acrobatics, stealth,

 

[CubicsRube]

I had always thought of putting a buckler in 5e with 1d3 damage and +1ac. 1d4 is also fine and i think a viable alternative.

It better represents a very real shield type that was used for a long time. Definately held in the hand though and used to either trap or strike, kind of like a large brass knuckles.

It has always bothered me the d&d concept of a buckler just being a little shield you strapped on your arm.

 

[Satyrn]

Playing around with the feel for a specific setting and I'd like feedback on equipment. This is for a specific setting and a specific table - I'm more interested in balance then if it's adding too much complexity for general usage.

All require Shield proficiency, and do not stack with each other.

Center-grip shield
As Shield (PHB)

Arm strapped Shield
Hand is free. If hand is not actively used, bonus action to gain +2 AC until the start of your next turn.

For example, you could be holding a spell focus in the hand and take the bonus action as long as you didn't use the spell focus.

Buckler
Shield proficiency: Grants +1 AC when wielded
Simple Melee weapon proficiency: d4 Bludgeoning, Light
Both are active at once - can make attacks and still gain +1 AC.

Yes, if you invest in the Dual Wielder feat you have a total of +2 to AC. Not worried, that's an investment. And it's not a finesse weapon.

Worried that d4 makes it just too inferior to ever see use at a table. Switch to Martial Melee prof and d6? The d6 light martial weapons have finesse which this doesn't, so they have a different use-case.

I'd keep it a d4 but make it light.

I'd also drop the "if the hand isn't used" restriction from the arm strapped, letting the player use a bonus action for the AC regardless. Of this works out too well with polearms, I'd reduce the AC bonus to +1 when the hand is used.