Old Guard (Patreon)

Armor (shield), varies (requires attunement)

A segmented metallic shield shaped like the head and claws of a crab. When in use the claws separate and open, creating a starry barrier between its plates. This item begins as Rare and through time, accomplishment, and growth, can increase in rarity to Very Rare, then Legendary (according to your GM). You must have a Wisdom score of 16 or greater to attune to this item.

Rare. While holding this shield you gain a +1 bonus to your AC.

Bulwark. As an action while holding this shield you can create a magical Barrier that protects friendly creatures within 10 feet of you for 10 minutes. A creature under your protection gains a bonus to its AC and saving throws equal to half your Wisdom modifier rounded down (minimum of 1) while it is affected by this property.

You can use this property once before finishing a long rest. You must maintain concentration on this property as though concentrating on a spell and it ends early if you drop this shield.

Very Rare. The shield's bonus to AC increases to +2. You can use the Bulwark property twice before finishing a long rest and its range increases to 20 feet.

Total Coverage. When a creature within range of your Bulwark is targeted by an attack from a creature you can see, you can use your reaction to become the target of the attack instead, even if you are not in range of the attack. You must use this property before the triggering attack is rolled.

Legendary. The shield's bonus to AC increases to +3. You can use the Bulwark property three times before finishing a long rest and its range increases to 30 feet.

Best Defense. While the Bulwark property is active, you can use an action to make a ranged spell attack against one creature within the area of effect. The shield produces a spectral claw and makes its attack roll with a bonus equal to your Wisdom modifier (minimum of 1). On a hit, the target takes 1d6 force damage times your Wisdom modifier (minimum of 1). Until the start of your next turn, the target's movement speed becomes 0 and any attack roll against the target has advantage if the attacker can see it.

Cancer. The empath. The guarded. True and loyal to a fault, the Crab makes for a reliable long-time companion. They see the value in comfort, sensitivity, and protection in a world of harshness and cruelty. And for those that seek to take advantage of this tenderness, a sharp claw serves as protection enough. Remind them that beneath your hard shell is a sharpness to match.