Greetings. My friend was upset because he feels the Shield spell is completely worthless.
He is actively playing P1 and I am trying to get him to 'come over' and he has characters created and we are playing quick combat encounters on battle mats to test rules.
His arguments > You can only cast it once per ten min. It only lasts one round, it only give +1 to AC.
Even if you slot it more then once (can you do that?) you still can only cast it once ever ten min. So it wont even last a multi round combat encounter.
I know you can block with it and it will absorb 5hps of dmg unless its heightened. I explained to him I believe blocking is voluntary and is a reaction so you DON'T have to do it.
If the cantrip ends without blocking can it be recast again or is the 10 min cool down mandatory?
What am I missing or is he correct about his assumptions?
You are correct that using the shield block reaction is not compulsory, and that there is no 10 minute cool down if you don't use the reaction.
Yup its +1ac if you use it each turn for as long as you want. It has the reaction to block an attack which puts it on cool down but this is basically a free once a fight way to mitigate damage.
Generally you are only going to use its block feature if you are already hurt pretty badly and can't afford to take the full hit.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Yup its +1ac if you use it each turn for as long as you want. It has the reaction to block an attack which puts it on cool down but this is basically a free once a fight way to mitigate damage.
Generally you are only going to use its block feature if you are already hurt pretty badly and can't afford to take the full hit.
You can even cast it is you have a buckler/shield to get a free 5 hp that doesn't destroy your normal buckler. That way you can get the +1 ac every round even after you get the free 5hp damage reduction every 10 min.
Secondly, "it doesn't require a hand to use" so if you have a staff or crossbow, you can still cast it. Overall it's a fine cantrip.
This is an excellent response. Its not bad at all for a cantrip!