Variant Rule: Better ShieldsRule

7.12.2021

You can make shields more interactive and fun than just a passive hAC bonus. This variant rule exists for that purpose!

Small shield/buckler: grants +1 to dAC. If it's a buckler, it also keeps your shield hand free. If you are wielding a heavy or two-handed weapon, you cannot gain a bonus from a buckler.

Medium shield: grants +2 to hAC and dAC, but you have disadvantage on Stealth checks.

Tower shield: grants +3 to hAC. However, you cannot attempt Stealth checks and have disadvantage on all Dexterity rolls.

As an action, you can stand ready with your shield. One side (of four possible sides) is now behind full cover, any friend or foe directly behind you is also under three-quarters cover. This remains so until your next turn or if you're knocked prone or otherwise disabled.