Usable by fighters and scouts. A magical shield may be used by any character who could use the nonmagical item. A Shield +N reduces the user's armor class by N against any attack against which the shield could be effective in addition to the normal benefit of the shield.
Level N usually. This shield is +N, +X against a certain type of monster. See the Generic Magical Weapons for some possible types. Another common possibility is a shield that is special against missile or melee attacks. The item is usually of level N, but this should be raised by one or more if the type of monster includes a large set of potential opponents, or if X is significantly larger than N.
Level variable. Cursed-14. This shield is -N and inflicts a curse upon its wielder. The level of the item should reflect the armor penalty and the danger of the curse. Of course, the curse should be detailed in the item list. The shield can only be removed with a Remove Curse vs. 14th level.
Level N+2. After being used in melee for 3 rounds, this +N shield will defend by itself for up to 3 more melee rounds, in much the manner of a Dancing Weapon. An opponent may attempt to knock the shield to the ground, and if he hits AC 2, the shield will lie there until picked up.
Level N+1. Upon command, this +N shield casts Dimension Door, as per the spell. The entry door is always directly in front of the shield. This may be done once per day, or the item may be run on burnout. Burnout destroys the shield.
Level N. Upon command this +N shield expands into a body-sized shield that requires two hands to use. It then acts as a +5 Shield. The user may command it to return to normal size.
Level N. This shield acts as a +N shield. The user may display on the shield any design or coat of arms. He may change at will what is displayed.
Level N. This +N shield is invisible. When the shield is in use, the wielder appears not to be using his shield arm. This is an illusion.
Level N-1. Cursed-12. This shield is +N, but is -3 against missile weapons. The wielder has three time normal chance of being targeted if missiles are fired into a crowd.
Level N. The wielder may use this +N shield as a parachute to avoid damage from falling. The wielder falls at 15' per second and can travel laterally up to 3' per second. If the user does not have the shield in hand when he begins to fall, he will drop about 400 feet before he can get the shield out and slow his descent.
Level N. This +N shield also gives its wielder +5N% to his saving throws against any attack where hiding behind one's shield would help. Such attacks are usually area damage-doing attacks, like Fireball, Lightning Bolt, and dragon's breath. It does not affect saving throws against such attacks as ghoul paralyzation, Implosion, ESP, or clerical Cause prayers.
Level N. Both sides of this +N shield are polished to such brilliance that gaze weapons are reflected. Each round, any monster using such an attack must save vs. mental or become a victim of its own gaze. The shield is also an excellent reflection signaler outdoors.
Level N. This +N shield also gives its wielder one or more of the clerical Resist prayers. The prayer must be specified in the item description.
Level N+2. This +N shield may be thrown with range 3"/6", and owing to its sharp edge does D8 damage if it hits. It returns to the thrower if it misses, as well as 50% of the time that it hits.
Level N. This +N shield is very effective against the mage spell Ice Storm. If the wielder spends an item phase to raise this shield, he takes no damage. Otherwise, he still only takes half damage.
Level N. Cursed-14. This +N shield inflicts the effects of one or more of the Vulnerability prayers upon its wielder.
Level N. Using this +N shield, the wielder may safely burst through any of the magically conjured Walls, such as Fire, Frost, Stone, etc. In a Wall which is permanent, a hole remains; otherwise, the hole is sealed.
Level N+2. Upon command this +N shield becomes a Wall of Iron, as per the spell. It may be commanded to return to shield form by grasping the shield's strap.
Last Modified on September 10,1995.
ammulder@princeton.edu