New shields

[Azzy]

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.

Great minds think alike. I made a buckler for my games as well (5 gp, +1 AC, 3 lb.):

Buckler: This small shield is typically made entirely of metal and has a single hand grip in the center of the shield. Some elaborate bucklers have spikes or other blades, an integrated gauntlet, attachment for a lantern or built-in lantern, or other curiosities. Each of these options increase the buckler’s price by 5 gp. Bucklers offer less protection than other shields, but can be used as a light simple melee weapon that deals 1d4 bludgeoning damage (spiked bucklers instead deal 1d4 piercing damage).

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.

Nah, perfect as a 1d5 light melee weapon.

 

[Blue]

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.

Good point. My worry is that it already won't appeal to DEX-based since it's not finesse. I don't see many STR based characters fighting with two weapons in the first place, and if they have the feat then they already get +1 AC (which this would bring to +2) and could use two d8 weapons. Is d8 -> d4 damage worth +1 AC -> +2?

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?

Yes. But I'm hesitant about that restriction. I don't want a "I use a bow AND get shield AC" which is what the decider was, but just the bonus action cost seems enough.

 

[TwoSix]

How do you define "actively used" for the arm strapped shield? Just curious if someone using a longsword and shield could swap to 2h use with the longsword for the 1d10, then drop the hand and take the shield bonus action.

Considering how competitive bonus actions can be for a lot of martial characters, I don't see having a shield with a bonus action only +2 being unbalanced.

I also think d4 for the buckler is fine, -2 damage for +1 AC wouldn't be worth it on a main weapon, but it is for an off-hand that's only giving you one extra attack. That being said, I think having a d6 non-light version would also make sense, so it synergizes better with Dual-Wielder.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Nah, perfect as a 1d5 light melee weapon.

I’m partial to d7 weapons myself.