Arrow-Catching Shield

• Category: Armor (Shield)
• Rarity: Rare (Requires Attunement)

You gain a +2 bonus to Armor Class against ranged attack rolls while you wield this Shield. This bonus is in addition to the Shield's normal bonus to AC.

Whenever an attacker makes a ranged attack roll against a target within 5 feet of you, you can take a Reaction to become the target of the attack instead.

Tactical Applications

Combat Strategy: Provides superior protection against ranged attacks and allows protection of nearby allies. Most effective when positioned strategically to intercept attacks on vulnerable party members.

Class Synergies:

• Paladins and Fighters: Natural tank builds that benefit from enhanced defensive capabilities
• Clerics: Enables protection of other party members while maintaining healing/support roles
• Any Frontline Class: Valuable for characters who position themselves between enemies and squishier allies

Build Considerations: Most effective in parties with vulnerable spellcasters or when facing ranged-heavy enemies. The reaction requirement limits to one interception per round.

Acquisition Methods

Crafting Requirements: Requires masterwork shield, protective enchantments, and materials associated with deflection magic. Typically costs 8,000-12,000 gp in materials.

Common Sources:

• Elite military units specializing in protecting important figures
• Rewards from successfully defending against siege warfare
• Inheritance from bodyguards or sworn protectors
• Commission from enchanters specializing in protective magic

Alternative Acquisition: Some military academies loan these shields to advanced students training in defensive tactics and ally protection.

Value & Trade

Estimated Value: 10,000-15,000 gp, with higher prices in regions frequently under siege or with active archery units.

Trade Considerations: Highly valued by bodyguards, military officers, and adventuring parties. Often commissioned by wealthy individuals seeking personal protection.

Character Integration

Roleplay Elements: Carrying this shield suggests a protective nature and willingness to put oneself in harm's way for others. May attract requests for protection services.

Character Concepts:

• Professional bodyguard with noble clientele
• Military officer responsible for protecting troops
• Sworn protector with oaths to defend specific individuals
• Veteran who has learned the value of teamwork and sacrifice

Adventure Hooks

The Assassin's Target: A high-profile individual needs protection from skilled archers, requiring the party to serve as bodyguards during a dangerous public event.

The Siege Defense: A city under siege by archers and siege engines desperately needs defenders with arrow-catching shields to protect key positions.

The Shield Tournament: A competition challenges participants to demonstrate their protective skills, with arrow-catching shields as both tools and prizes.

The Oath of Protection: An ancient order of protectors seeks to recover their lost shields to resume their sacred duties defending important locations.

Variants & Customization

Greater Arrow-Catching Shield (Very Rare): Provides +3 AC against ranged attacks and can intercept attacks against targets within 10 feet.

Spell-Catching Shield (Legendary): Can intercept certain ranged spell attacks in addition to mundane projectiles.

Reflecting Shield (Very Rare): Intercepted ranged attacks have a chance to be reflected back at the attacker.

Specialized Variants:

• Guardian's Shield: Can protect multiple allies simultaneously with reduced effectiveness
• Archer's Bane Shield: Provides additional effects specifically against bow and crossbow attacks
• Siege Shield: Enhanced protection against siege weapons and larger projectiles

Lore & History

Origins: Developed by elite guards protecting important figures during times of increased archery warfare and assassination attempts.

Historical Significance: Several famous political figures and military leaders survived assassination attempts thanks to guards wielding arrow-catching shields.

Cultural Impact: In many military traditions, these shields are symbols of selfless service and are often awarded to guards who have saved lives.

Tactical Evolution: The design has influenced military formation tactics, with shield-bearers positioned strategically to protect vulnerable personnel.

Balancing Notes

Introduction Timing: Best introduced at levels 8-12 when ranged encounters become more frequent and tactical positioning matters more.

Campaign Impact: Encourages tactical thinking about positioning and protection of party members. May reduce effectiveness of ranged-focused encounters.

Reaction Economy: The single reaction limitation prevents overwhelming defensive capabilities while maintaining meaningful protection.

Encounter Design

Recommended Challenges:

• Encounters with multiple archers or ranged attackers
• Situations where protecting specific NPCs or allies is crucial
• Mixed combat scenarios where positioning and protection matter
• Encounters that test the party's tactical coordination

Tactical Adjustments: Enemies may focus on spell attacks, area effects, or attempts to separate the shield-bearer from protected allies.

Related Items

Defensive Equipment: Other shields and armor that provide specialized protection against different attack types.

Protective Magic:

• Items that enhance ally protection abilities
• Equipment that provides area-of-effect defensive benefits
• Tools that improve tactical positioning and battlefield control

Complementary Equipment: Items that work well with defensive positioning, such as reach weapons or tactical communication tools.

Roleplay Opportunities

Protective Instincts: Characters may develop strong protective urges and feel responsible for allies' safety, affecting decision-making.

Leadership Dynamics: The ability to protect others may naturally lead to tactical leadership roles within the party.

Sacrifice and Duty: The shield's mechanics encourage roleplay around themes of duty, sacrifice, and putting others' needs before one's own.