Animated Shield
D&D 5e · 2024·Shield armor·Very Rare·Requires attunement
Add this shield to your existing AC, once.
Armor Class calculator
- Category
- Shield
- Dex bonus
- None
- Stealth
- No penalty
- Strength
- None
- Weight
- 6 lb
- Don / doff
- 1 Utilize action / 1 Utilize action
- Rarity
- Very Rare
- Price
- Not specified
Magic: Bonus Action while holding to animate; Bonus Action to end.
Calculator assumptions & rules
Uses this entry’s AC formula, Dexterity cap and listed shield bonus. Magic AC already included in the entry is counted once. Features, spells, alternative AC formulas and exceptions to Strength penalties are excluded. You still need the required armor training or proficiency.
Changing calculator inputs does not change the item’s rules or create a new page URL.
What Animated Shield does
- This shield contributes +2 AC to your existing AC. Enter AC without this shield to avoid counting the normal shield bonus twice.
- It does not impose Stealth Disadvantage from the armor itself, which preserves more options for sneaking.
- This item uses one of your attunement slots. Compare its benefit with the other items you want to keep attuned.
While holding this Shield, you can take a Bonus Action to cause it to animate. The Shield leaps into the air and hovers in your space to protect you as if you were wielding it, leaving your hands free. The Shield remains animate for 1 minute, until you take a Bonus Action to end this effect, or until you die or have the Incapacitated condition, at which point the Shield falls to the ground or into your hand if you have one free.
Full item details & properties
Magic properties
- Activation
- Bonus Action while holding to animate; Bonus Action to end.
- Consumable
- No
- Animated protection
- Hovers in your space and protects as if wielded for 1 minute; hands stay free. Ends on death or Incapacitated, then falls or returns to a free hand.
Armor details
- Armor Class bonus
- +2
- Category
- Shield
- Dexterity modifier
- Not added
- Strength to avoid Speed penalty
- No threshold
- Stealth disadvantage
- No
- Don
- 1 Utilize action
- Doff
- 1 Utilize action
Tags & related references
Compare alternatives
Same edition, using your calculator inputs above. Special properties and character features can change the choice.
Same base armor; compare magical benefits
Spellguard ShieldAC 16+2 AC · No armor Stealth penaltyNot specified · 6 lbSame base armor; compare magical benefits
Arrow-Catching ShieldAC 16+2 AC · No armor Stealth penaltyNot specified · 6 lbSame base armor; compare magical benefits
Shield (+1)AC 17+3 AC · No armor Stealth penaltyNot specified · 6 lbSame base armor; compare magical benefits
Animated Shield FAQ
What Armor Class does Animated Shield give?
This shield adds +2 to your AC. Enter your AC without this shield in the calculator.
Does Animated Shield require attunement?
Yes. You need to attune to this item to use the properties that require attunement.
Is the listed price a guaranteed purchase price?
The source does not specify a price for this entry. Ask your GM about availability and cost.