Item: Oracle Shield
Necklace - Uncommon - Requires Attunement - 1500gp
Hanging by a flat, but hefty, deep grey metal chain, is a fist-sized kite shield pendant forged of the same charcoal colored metal. Prominently adorning the shield is the visage of a golden eye, with five straight flares radiating from beneath it. For the whites of the eyes, instead is recessed an infinitely black void, with speckles of light resembling stars. The eye seems drift, looking in all directions.
While attuned, this magical amulet is constantly watching for potential threats, even if the wearer isn’t. The first attack that attempts to hit the wearer prompts the amulet to automatically invoke the shield spell, regardless of the number rolled. Once this ability has been activated, it cannot be used again until after a short rest, and the eye is closed.
There’s a trick in at least one video game, where an enemy’s first attack always misses. This way, the player doesn’t feel cheated out of losing health from an unseen threat and they can get into fight mode before the real damage comes knocking (hopefully, anyway). That was the inspiration for this item; Something that would, in theory, mean a player almost never get hurt from a surprise attack or ambush. As a bonus it would mean they can stay alive just a little bit longer in combat, though only the first combat of the day and only by one round. For me though, the main value comes from never having to be surprised again - Imagine being able to sleep with this on and not worrying about somebody stabbing you in the night! Yes, I have done that to my player characters… multiple times. So I’m sure they’d appreciate this too.
While I did price this item, because of that particular utility, I actually wouldn’t put it into any magic stores. Instead, I think the best way to use this item is to put it into the hands of your villain. It’s going to make them just that little bit harder to beat, and if the characters learn about this item through rumors or recon, it might make them think about things a bit more tactically, which is always fun.
A big thank you to World Forge Podcast and Grim’s Grimoire for their feedback and insight with this item!
