The Good Boy (Patreon)

Armor (shield), legendary (requires attunement)

This aegis is decorated with the visage of a friendly hound, perhaps in honor of someone's favorite animal partner. To attune to this shield you must give it a name as you would a pet and the hound on the face of the shield changes to whatever canine form you desire.

Heel. This shield has the properties of an Animated Shield. The command word to activate this property is the name bestowed upon this shield.

Catch. If a creature within 30 feet of this shield is targeted by an attack while the Heel property is active, you can use your reaction to send this shield to protect the defending creature. The target is treated as though it is wielding the shield (including against the triggering attack) for the duration of the Heel property. You can spend a bonus action to call the shield back to you.

Speak. As an action you can command the carving of the dog upon the shield to bark furiously, emitting a thunderous 30-foot cone of noise originating from the shield. Each creature in that cone must make a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 2d8 thunder damage and becomes frightened of the creature currently wielding the shield until your next turn. On a successful save, the creature takes half as much damage and is not frightened. Once you use this property it can't be used again until you finish a short or long rest.

War. Terrible and brutal, it consumes land and life alike with a hunger unimaginable. Even the heartiest of warriors soon fall to despair from the ever-crushing pressure of battle and bloodshed. But even in the bleakest darkness, the power of companionship can lift the spirits in a way like no other. A moment of love and camaraderie to light the way, brought to life by a canine companion standing amidst the misery, guiding their friend back home. Carry this aegis upon your back to be such a beacon for your fellow adventurers; become their light, their clarity, their everlasting companion.

Curated Curio Prompt: Something forged in honor of our Canine Best Friends (Utility+Support)