Xaelvaen
Stuck in the 90s
I suspect I would like a lot of your houserules
First of all, thank you! I've been considering for a while making a post of all the houserules we use, just to share with everyone.
A solution I seen still kept the reaction cost but allowed it to be done after the subject was hit... and forced a re-roll (it could combine with other sources of disadvantage) But the damage reduction idea how exactly did that work?
As a Reaction when the defender, or an adjacent ally would be hit (so after a hit is declared), the defender can use his shield to reduce the incoming damage by (1d4 for small shields, 1d6 for medium) plus the target's strength bonus. Considerably weaker than monk's deflect arrows, but as a fighting style we thought this lesser version was appropriate for defenders.
With one reaction per round limitation, giving up a potential 1d8+7 (with duelist style instead) on an opportunity attack, 1d6+5 DR felt fair.