Shield Guardian

Large construct, unaligned

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Armor Class: 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 142 (15d10 + 60)
Speed: 30 ft.

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STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	8 (-1)	18 (+4)	7 (-2)	10 (+0)	3 (-4)

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Saving Throws: Con +8, Wis +4
Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities: Poison, psychic
Condition Immunities: Charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages: Understands creator’s languages but cannot speak
Challenge: 7 (2,900 XP)
Spell Save DC: 15

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Bound Amulet

• The Shield Guardian is magically linked to a specific amulet worn by its master within 60 feet.
• If the amulet is destroyed or removed, the guardian becomes inert and ceases all activity until the amulet is restored or replaced.

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Spell Storing (Recharge 5–6)

• The guardian can store one spell of up to 4th level cast into it by its master (e.g., Shield, Blur, Mirror Image, Hold Person).
• It can cast the stored spell without requiring components or concentration, either as a bonus action on its turn or as a reaction when its master is attacked.
• Once the stored spell is cast, the slot is expended until recharged by the master.

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Reactive Shielding

• When the wearer of the bound amulet takes damage, the Shield Guardian can use its reaction to absorb half of that damage instead.

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Actions

Multiattack

The Shield Guardian makes two slam attacks.

Slam

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Arcane Burst (Recharge 6)

The guardian releases stored magical energy in a 20-foot radius centered on itself. Each creature of the guardian’s choice in that area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 27 (6d8) force damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. This damage bypasses resistances.

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Reactions

Interpose

When a creature within 5 feet of the Shield Guardian attacks the wearer of the bound amulet, the guardian can impose disadvantage on the attack roll by interposing itself.

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Legendary Actions

The Shield Guardian can take 1 legendary action at the end of another creature’s turn. Only one legendary action can be used at a time. The Shield Guardian regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

• Step. The guardian moves up to half its speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
• Slam Attack. The guardian makes one slam attack.

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Tactical Overview

• Protector: It prioritizes positioning itself between threats and its master, using Reactive Shielding to absorb damage.
• Spellcaster’s Ally: Uses stored spells strategically to enhance defense or hinder enemies, casting them as reactions or bonus actions.
• Tank: Its high AC and resistances let it soak damage and hold the frontline.
• Area Control: Arcane Burst punishes clustered foes who close in aggressively.

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Forged from enchanted stone and bound by arcane magic, Shield Guardians serve as tireless and nearly indestructible protectors for their masters. Their existence is tied to a magical amulet, and their sole purpose is unwavering defense — standing as living shields between their charge and danger.

Shield Guardian

This hulking construct of stone and metal stands as an unyielding sentinel, arcane runes pulsing across its body with protective power.

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CR 8
XP 4,800
N Large Construct
Init +0; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +0

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DEFENSE

AC 24, touch 9, flat-footed 24 (+15 natural, –1 Dex)
hp 120 (16d10+30)
Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +5
Defensive Abilities shield other (see below);
DR 10/adamantine;
Immune construct traits, magic;
SR 19

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OFFENSE

Speed 30 ft.
Melee 2 slams +20 (2d6+7)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft.
Special Attacks spell storing, arcane burst (1/day)

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STATISTICS

Str 25, Dex 9, Con —, Int 6, Wis 11, Cha 1
Base Atk +16; CMB +24; CMD 34
Feats Combat Reflexes, Great Fortitude, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Power Attack, Toughness
Skills Perception +0
Languages understands Common (cannot speak)

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SPECIAL ABILITIES

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Arcane Burst (Su)

Once per day as a standard action, the shield guardian can release a pulse of arcane energy in a 20-foot-radius burst centered on itself. Creatures in the area (excluding the guardian and its amulet bearer) must succeed at a DC 17 Reflex save or take 6d6 force damage (half on a successful save). This is a force effect and bypasses most resistances and damage reduction.

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Bound Amulet (Su)

A shield guardian is mystically bound to a unique control amulet. The wearer of the amulet can telepathically command the guardian within 100 feet. If the amulet is destroyed or taken beyond that range, the guardian becomes inert, following only its last command until reconnected.

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Magic Immunity (Ex)

A shield guardian is immune to any spell or spell-like ability that allows spell resistance, unless the spell is specifically intended to affect constructs.

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Shield Other (Sp)

While within 100 feet of its amulet bearer, the shield guardian constantly effects shield other (CL 15th). It splits damage dealt to the wearer, taking half of any hit point damage the bearer suffers. This effect ends if the amulet is removed, destroyed, or taken out of range.

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Spell Storing (Su)

The guardian can store a single spell of up to 4th level cast into it by its master. It can cast the stored spell on command or in response to a triggering condition as a standard action or immediate action, depending on the spell.

Common Stored Spells: shield, protection from energy, cure serious wounds, invisibility, mirror image

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TACTICS

Before Combat
The shield guardian remains motionless unless commanded. It typically has a defensive or utility spell stored, such as cure serious wounds or mirror image.

During Combat
The guardian moves between its master and attackers, drawing attention and absorbing damage via shield other. It uses Power Attack against priority melee threats, unleashes arcane burst against clusters, and casts its stored spell to protect or heal its master.

Morale
The shield guardian fights until destroyed unless commanded to retreat by its amulet bearer.

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ECOLOGY

Environment any
Organization solitary or with master
Treasure none (except for the amulet, which is a separate magic item)

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CONSTRUCTION

Shield Guardian
CL 15th; Price 200,000 gp (includes 10,000 gp for the amulet)
Construction Requirements
Craft Construct, animate objects, geas/quest, limited wish, shield;
Skill Craft (armor) or Craft (sculpture) DC 25;
Cost 100,000 gp

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Shield Guardian Amulet

Aura strong abjuration; CL 15th
Slot none; Price 20,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.

This magical amulet allows its wearer to command a specific shield guardian as a free action and telepathically direct it within 100 feet. The amulet also enables the shield other effect and triggers spell storing functionality.

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Forged by powerful spellcasters, shield guardians are constructs built to serve as tireless protectors. Their sole purpose is to defend the bearer of their bound amulet, absorbing both spells and sword blows with the same stoic resilience. A shield guardian never questions, never tires, and never surrenders.

Shield Guardian

Large Construct
Hit Dice: 15d10+30 (112 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 24 (–1 Dex, +15 natural), touch 9, flat-footed 24
Base Attack/Grapple: +11/+23
Attack: Slam +18 melee (2d6+7)
Full Attack: 2 slams +18 melee (2d6+7)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Spell storing
Special Qualities: Construct traits, damage reduction 10/adamantine, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, fast healing 5, magic immunity, shield other, find master
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +5
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 10, Con —, Int 6, Wis 10, Cha 1
Skills: Listen +2, Spot +2
Feats: Combat Reflexes, Great Fortitude, Improved Bull Rush, Iron Will, Power Attack, Toughness

Environment: Any
Organization: Solitary or with master
Challenge Rating: 8
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 16–30 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: —

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Combat

A shield guardian serves without hesitation, interposing itself between its master and danger. It fights to the death unless commanded otherwise via its control amulet.

Spell Storing (Su)

A shield guardian can store one spell of up to 4th level that is cast into it by another creature. It can cast this spell later as if it had cast the spell itself (caster level 15th). Once used, the spell is expended until it is cast into the guardian again.

Typical stored spells include shield, cure serious wounds, protection from energy, invisibility, or mirror image.

Magic Immunity (Ex)

A shield guardian is immune to any spell or spell-like ability that allows spell resistance, unless the spell is cast by the creature wearing the control amulet.

Shield Other (Sp)

A shield guardian functions as if it were under a continual shield other spell (caster level 15th) with the wearer of its control amulet. It must be within 100 feet of the amulet’s wearer for the effect to function.

Find Master (Su)

As long as it and its control amulet are on the same plane, the shield guardian knows the direction and distance to the amulet’s wearer.

Fast Healing (Ex)

A shield guardian regains 5 hit points each round as long as it has at least 1 hit point remaining.

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Construction

A shield guardian’s body is constructed from stone and iron and weighs approximately 1,200 pounds. Assembling the body requires a successful DC 25 Craft (armorsmithing) or Craft (sculpting) check.

Requirements: Craft Construct, animate objects, geas/quest, limited wish, shield, caster level 15th
Price: 150,000 gp (plus 10,000 gp for the control amulet)
Cost to Create: 90,000 gp + 6,000 XP

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Shield Guardian Amulet

This finely crafted amulet allows the wearer to command the shield guardian it is linked to as a free action. The guardian automatically defends the bearer and follows any spoken or mental command. If the amulet is lost or destroyed, the guardian continues its last command. The amulet enables the shield other link and allows the bearer to trigger the guardian’s stored spell as a standard action.

Aura: Strong abjuration; CL: 15th; Price: 10,000 gp; Weight: 1 lb.

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Lore

A successful Knowledge (arcana) check reveals the following:

• DC 20: This is a shield guardian, a powerful construct built to defend its master.
• DC 25: It is magically bound to an amulet that grants the bearer telepathic control.
• DC 30: It stores a spell for its master and uses a shield other effect to absorb damage.