Given the following scenario, would a character be better off with a shield or with the shield cantrip?
- The cantrip is available through a Dedication, and therefore only 2 cantrip slots are available.
- Character may be low, mid, or high level.
- The character has the Opportune Backstab reaction, competing with the cantrip reaction.
- The character has no means of raising or casting a shield without using one action.
Would you prefer the extra +1 AC from a physical shield, or the scaling damage reduction of the cantrip's reaction?
Both. Use cantrip till reaction is used. Pull out physical shield, cause crap I'm getting targeted. Unless you are able to get the shield block reaction.
That's actually a nice idea. Thanks.
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If the character has Opportune Backstab and is picking up the Shield cantrip through a multiclass dedication, then I presume that he’s going to have to spend a feat on Shield Block. That seems to make the cantrip the better first choice, but the idea of a physical shield for backup seems sound.
I don't think a Shield Block feat is in this guy's future. He's a Rogue with a Sorcerer dedication, starting at mid levels. He'll be standing next to bad guys to get that Opportune Backstab, so some defensive options would be good. Nimble Dodge is ok, but I'm leaning towards taking Trap Finder and the build is quite full. I realize now that some of the spell options he has require material components, so I guess that means a buckler at best for a physical option.
None of the options are great (because of other priorities I'm pursuing), but I guess I'm looking at the shield spell, a buckler, and no defensive reaction. Thanks for reminding me a person can have the spell and the item.
What spells do you have/need that require meterials? Does Sorc Dedication include the sorc ability to drop meterial comps for more somatic? You can somatic with a weapon so in that case you can use a real shield if you wanted for +2 AC.