Shields and Glimpse of Redemption [INFO]

[K1]

Hi there,

we started a lvl 1 campaign and I have some questions about champion class and shields.

For starters, shields have 4 stats which are:

-Armor ( granted while the shield is raised )
-Hardness ( damage resistance of the shield )
-HP ( Shield's HP )
-BT ( Broken Threshold, above that the shield will give half bonuses )

That said, let's consider a lvl 14 champion with the following feats/traits:

-Glimpse of redemption
-Shield Block
-Divine Ally (Shield)
-Quick Block
-Shield of Reckoning
-Divine Reflexes

Here's the questions:

1) Can I use Glimpse of redemption to deal with an attack meant to harm myself?

2) In order to use Shield of Reckoning, what reaction ( Standard, Quick Block, Divine Reflexes ) can I use?

3) Using a tower shield to take cover against an AOE effect also allow the effect to damage the shield?

4) In order to use Exalt(Redemer), lvl 11 trait which allows you use glimpse of redemption aoe, do I still need to have the enemy on sight?

I ask this because most of the aoe will be from casters ( eventually dragons, or siege weapons ), and they won't be probably melee with me and my party. So, If i won't be able to use it to protect my team even if I don't have the enemy withing my range, what would be the point of it? Have I to hope to find a mage who wants to suicide by throwing fireball on his feet?

5) It is just me or shields seem to be not a good choice?
Try to compare shields with glimpse of redemption:

-Shields need an action to be raised ( even if i will probably raise them for the ac class, so this could be just half of a point ).
-Better shields cost ( and i could invest somewhere else ).
-Shields need to be repaired
-In order to be repaired, shields need a crafting skill ( depends their lvl )
-Trading a high shield for a reflective shield ( meant only to be used for armor and saving throws ), i would be able to have better ST and still a damage reduction from my glimpse of redemption
-Glimpse of redemption will allow me to deal with enemies, and protect ally at range
-Glimpse of redemption will allow me to use 2h weapons.
-I could invest class talent points in something else, bringing more damage, support or healing stuff.

Let's also take a lvl 7 shield as example ( because I will have quick block feat at lvl, and a lvl 7 sturdy shield is better at blocking than a lvl 8 adamantine shield ).

The shield has Hardness 10, HP 80, and BT 40.

With divine ally (shield) it will become
Hardness 12, HP 120, and BT 60.

Not bad indeed ( 2 more hardness are a thing, and also 50% more hp helps you ).

But is it worth it?

Share your thoughts

[Hiruma Kai]

From the targeting section of the core rulebook:

"Some effects target or require an ally, or otherwise refer to an ally. This must be someone on your side, often another PC, but it might be a bystander you are trying to protect. You are not your own ally. If it isn’t clear, the GM decides who counts as an ally or an enemy."

Glimpse of Redemption does not work on yourself.

So 1) is No.

2) It uses a reaction (normally 1 per turn) and its a Shield of Reckoning reaction so just your standard one. Shield of Reckoning is neither Shield Block nor your Champion's reaction. Its effects are to activate those reactions for free.

3) Default is probably no. Although its really up to the GM. The text doesn't say anything about the source of cover taking extra damage. GM might rule it does, just as they might rule a wooden wall you're hiding behind takes damage from a fireball, as well as the floor, and that enough of them might destroy your cover or burn a hole in a wooden floor.

4) You must satisfy the conditions for Glimpse of Redemption as normal (i.e. triggering ally is referenced in the rule). That means yes, the enemy needs to be within 15 feet of you.

Best to get up close with the enemy wizard along with a fighter friend who has Disruptive Stance.

5) Given Glimpse of Redemption doesn't work on yourself, a shield is an excellent investment when all the enemies attack you first to prevent you from using Glimpse of Redemption on your allies when they attack them.