Tower Shields

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

FallingIcicle

Jul 06, 2014 13:35:29

I noticed that there are no tower shields in the basic rules, so I decided to make my own.

 

Tower Shield: 30 gp, +2AC*, Str 15 or -5 ft. speed, Disadvantage on Stealth, Weight 15 lbs.

*A tower shield provides you with half cover. When you take the Dodge action while wielding a tower shield, it provides three-quarters cover instead. The shield's AC bonus does not stack with the AC bonus from the cover it provides - only the higher number applies.

 

What do you think?

#2

Plaguescarred1

Jul 07, 2014 7:17:10

I think its good #LoveIt!

#3

LupusRegalis

Jul 07, 2014 19:59:33

Weight is skewed too high, though that's a personal opinion. If it was set at 15lb, that would be more appropriate for a shield made of regular materials. It's still more than double, almost triple, a regular shield's weight and doesn't grossly overweigh a PC for what it does. I think it would be more viable an option, while maintaing both the feel and necessary limitations.

#4

ivstin

Jul 07, 2014 20:03:07

I think it's great! I think I will use it, but allow players to choose varying degrees of cover with it, rather than use the Dodge action to get the 3/4 cover. For instance, "use an object" would allow you to change your level of cover with the tower shield until you use the same "non-action" to do it again (or action, depending on your turn usage, etc.) But as always, your enemies would have the same level of cover that you have against your attacks.

Brilliant work with the cost and strength requirements.

#5

FallingIcicle

Jul 07, 2014 20:19:42

Thanks, I'm glad you guys like it.

 

As for the weight, I just took that from 3e. I wasn't really sure what tower shields weighed in real life.

#6

LupusRegalis

Jul 08, 2014 10:57:20 		Gotcha, and that explains why the weight is so high. 3.xe really exaggerated weapon/armor weights. A 45lb shield would be impractical for any non-giant/extraordinarily strong individual. One of my favorite things about 5e is how much more in line Item weights are, though armor could use a bit of tweaking. Bringing your tower shield to 15lb would bring it into line with those changes, IMO.
#7

FallingIcicle

Jul 08, 2014 20:58:55

LupusRegalis wrote:
#8

LupusRegalis

Jul 08, 2014 21:53:35 		Looks great, FallingIcicle!