Shield
- Level: 1
- School: Abjuration
- Class: Sorcerer, Wizard
- Casting Time: Reaction, which you take when you are hit by an attack roll or targeted by the Magic Missile spell
- Range: Self
- Components: V, S
- Duration: 1 round
An imperceptible barrier of magical force protects you. Until the start of your next turn, you have a +5 bonus to AC, including against the triggering attack, and you take no damage from Magic Missile.
Tactical Usage
Reactive Defense Mastery. Shield provides excellent defensive reaction that can turn near-hits into misses and completely negates Magic Missile damage.
Reaction Timing Value. The spell triggers after being hit, allowing assessment of whether the AC bonus is worthwhile before expending the spell slot.
Short Duration Efficiency. The 1-round duration provides exactly enough protection to matter without overstaying its tactical value.
Spell Combinations
Defensive Layer Strategy. Combining with other AC bonuses or defensive magic creates comprehensive protection against attack rolls.
Counterspell Protection. Using Shield helps preserve spell slots for counterspelling by reducing incoming damage through improved AC.
Magic Missile Counter. The complete Magic Missile immunity provides specific protection against a common and reliable damage source.
Material Component Details
Component-Free Advantage. Shield requires only verbal and somatic components, making it accessible even when material components are restricted.
Reaction Accessibility. The minimal component requirements enable use even in situations where complex spellcasting might be hindered.
Quick Casting. The simple components allow rapid activation when reacting to incoming attacks.
Creator Notes
Classic Defense Spell. Shield represents iconic magical defense that epitomizes arcane protection through force magic.
Reaction Economy. The spell provides excellent use for reaction economy while offering meaningful defensive value.
Low-Level Accessibility. As a 1st-level spell, Shield remains useful throughout character progression due to consistent AC bonus value.
Environmental Interactions
Force Barrier Manifestation. The spell creates invisible magical force that deflects physical attacks without impeding movement or vision.
Magic Missile Immunity. The spell specifically counters Magic Missile through complete damage negation rather than AC improvement.
Imperceptible Effect. The barrier doesn't interfere with normal activities while providing consistent defensive enhancement.
Common Rulings & Clarifications
Triggering Attack Inclusion. The AC bonus applies to the triggering attack, potentially turning a hit into a miss.
Magic Missile Negation. The spell completely prevents Magic Missile damage regardless of the number of missiles or damage rolled.
Duration Timing. The effect lasts until the start of your next turn, providing protection through enemy turns and opportunity attacks.
Reaction Requirement. The spell must be cast as a reaction to being hit, requiring appropriate timing and awareness.
Alternative Applications
Exploration Protection. Providing defensive benefits during dangerous exploration where unexpected attacks might occur.
Social Encounter Safety. Offering protection during negotiations or social situations where violence might erupt unexpectedly.
Spellcaster Survival. Enabling fragile casters to survive melee encounters through improved defensive capabilities.
Related Spells
AC Enhancement Comparison. Shield of Faith provides longer duration, while Shield offers superior immediate protection.
Defensive Magic Progression. Various spells provide defensive benefits, while Shield offers the most immediate reaction-based protection.
Force Magic Identity. The spell exemplifies force magic through invisible barrier creation that deflects attacks.
Scaling Analysis
Consistent Protection Value. Shield maintains utility throughout character progression as AC bonuses remain valuable regardless of level.
Slot Efficiency. The spell provides excellent defensive value for a 1st-level slot throughout all campaign phases.
Reaction Investment. The spell justifies reaction usage through meaningful protection that can prevent significant damage.
Narrative Flavor
Invisible Force Barrier. The spell should emphasize magical energy that deflects attacks without visible manifestation or interference.
Instant Protection. The reaction timing should create dramatic moments where attacks are turned aside by sudden magical intervention.
Arcane Defense Mastery. The spell represents classical wizard protection through pure magical force rather than physical armor.