Playing someone who’s meant to take a few hits or protect their allies from the big, evil threat? Here are some items you’ll want to have.
When it comes to fantasy hero archetypes, the protector is one that really endures. The devoted hero and dedicated defender is a figure that predates D&D and can be found pretty much everywhere you look. From Paladins in plate armor to Fighters who shield their allies, even Barbarians with a bit of primal magic whose raw strength can protect their party.
Whatever the case, if you’re playing a character who is meant to protect. To defend. A tank, in video game terms, then you might want to have some magic items to help you keep your allies safe along the way. Items like these.
Arrow-Catching Shield (Or Shield of Missile Attraction)
The Arrow Catching Shield and Shield of Missile Attraction both accomplish the same goal: letting you be the target of a ranged attack instead of one of your allies. Classic defender magic item. The Arrow-Catching Shield has an additional +2 AC vs ranged attacks, and you can use a Reaction to become the attack of a ranged attack instead of the original target if they’re within 5 feet.
The Shield of Missile Attraction is cursed, but it does let you automatically take a ranged attack hit instead of your friends if they are within 10′ of you. However, it doesn’t discriminate between an attack meant for a friend and an attack meant for an enemy within 10′. You become the target. So I’d probably go with the first one, but this is worth a mention if you’re feeling cheeky.
Armor of Invulnerability
It should come as no surprise that a magic item called the Armor of Invulnerability is a good choice for a defender’s magic item in D&D. But these things are classics for a reason. In 5.5E, the Invulnerability happens when you take a Magic Action to make yourself immune to normal damage for 10 minutes (once per Long Rest).
And even if you aren’t magically invulnerable, you still have Resistance to normal damage. So yeah, pretty good.
Potion of Speed
One of the secrets to being a good defender is being able to be wherever you’re needed. And the other secret is that you have to be a credible threat. This is where something like a Potion of Haste can come in handy, because not only does it increase your movement speed, it also gives you a huge extra boost when it comes to combat.
And when you chug the potion of speed, you don’t have to put up with the wave of lethargy that would normally incapacitate you for a round. It’s just a great way to keep the attention of the fight on you.
Rod of Security
Of course, if you really want to protect your party, the Rod of Security has got you covered. This magical Rod will let you and up to 199 other people teleport into a secure pocket dimension of your choosing. While you’re there, you regain one hit die’s worth of hit points every hour, and the only ones who can get to this demiplane are people who you teleported together. Keep the whole party safe for days at a time!
Shield of the Cavalier
Finally, there’s the shield equivalent of a Holy Avenger. The Shield of the Cavalier is a legendary magical shield that lets you make damaging shield bashes that can send your enemies flying and knock them prone. But it also lets you negate an attack or area of effect by emitting a protective sphere of force that can shield you and your allies from harm all at the same time.
What are your favorite magic items for a defender?
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Source: Bell of Lost Souls
