Thornbound Aegis

by Frazer 👁 239 views

AC 2

Charges: 7 (regains at dawn)

A stout, kite-shaped shield forged from dusky, moon-tinted steel. Its surface is etched with winding thorn motifs that look as if they might sprout at any moment. Delicate vines of emerald inlays trace along the rim, and the grip is wrapped in braided, weathered leather that smells faintly of rain and earth. In light, the thorns seem to shimmer with a living green glow, as if the shield is watching over those it protects.

Thorned Growth While you are within 5 feet of at least one ally, the shield's thorn engravings come to life, blooming into living brambles. This grants you a +1 bonus to AC in addition to the shield's +2. The bonus lasts as long as you remain within 5 feet of an ally; if you end your turn more than 5 feet away from all allies, the +1 AC fades until you re-enter proximity.

Reactive Spikes When an ally within 5 feet is attacked by a creature you can see, you may expend 1 charge as a reaction to lash the shield's thorns at the attacker. The attacker must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or take 2d6 piercing damage (half on a successful save). The shield regains 1d2 charges at dawn.

Lore

The Thornbound Aegis was born in the Grove of Whispers, where shields were not merely tempered in fire but in the life of a living thicket. It was said to have been blessed by a nature spirit who believed that true defense requires both shelter and a keen sting. Generals who trusted the shield report that it grows more protective when its bearer fights to shield the weak, almost as if the brambles remember every life saved behind its shade.

History

forged by an order known as the Verdant Wardens, the shield passed from one champion to the next, returning to the front lines whenever a commander faced certain ruin. It gained a reputation during the siege of Dawnspire, where it shielded dozens of soldiers by wrapping itself around the bearer and sprouting barbs that deterred approaching foes. The current keeper is said to be a spellcaster whose greatest defense is a living barrier that can strike back at those who threaten their allies.

Created by Frazer 👁 239 views