Guardians Pauldrons 2 – GearAscendancy.com

From: Aetherborne

Lore: The Guardian’s Pauldrons hold a storied history rooted in ancient legends of powerful protectors and their unwavering dedication. These ornate pauldrons were forged by skilled craftsmen who etched protective runes into the metal, infusing them with the essence of long-forgotten guardians. These guardians were revered for their ability to defend against physical threats and shield their charges from harm. The pauldrons, passed down through generations, are believed to carry the spirit of these ancient protectors, granting their wearer increased defense and the ability to deflect projectiles.

Use: The Guardian’s Pauldrons serve as formidable armor, designed to shield the wearer from physical attacks. When donned, the pauldrons enhance the creature’s defensive capabilities by providing a bonus to their Armor Class (AC). The intricate protective runes etched onto the pauldrons fortify the wearer, making it more difficult for opponents to land successful physical blows.

Furthermore, the Guardian’s Pauldrons possess a limited ability to deflect incoming projectiles. When the wearer is targeted by ranged attacks, the pauldrons empower them with advantage on Dexterity saving throws. This heightened agility and keen reflexes allow the wearer to effectively evade or redirect incoming projectiles, reducing the likelihood of being hit.

Values:

Tier 1 Stats Modifiers: None
Skills: None
Cost: 700 gold pieces
Tags: Heavy Armor, Aetherborne, Physical Defense, Ranged Defense, Resilience, Fortification, Protection, Guardian Spirit, Durability, Ancient Craftsmanship, Rune-Enhanced, Projectile Deflection, Defensive Empowerment, Armor Augmentation

The Guardian’s Pauldrons do not provide any direct modification to the creature’s level 1 stats or proficiency in skills.

In terms of cost, the Guardian’s Pauldrons are considered valuable due to their intricate craftsmanship and the protective properties they offer. They command a price of 700 gold pieces, reflecting their quality and the benefits they provide to the wearer.

The Guardian’s Pauldrons are categorized as heavy armor, offering robust protection against physical attacks. They bear the Aetherborne tag, signifying their connection to the Aetherborne lineage. Emphasizing their defensive nature, they possess the Physical Defense tag, granting a bonus to the wearer’s AC against physical attacks. Additionally, the pauldrons provide the Ranged Defense tag, offering advantage on Dexterity saving throws against ranged attacks, showcasing their ability to deflect incoming projectiles.

The Guardian’s Pauldrons are an excellent choice for those seeking enhanced defense against physical threats and the added advantage of deflecting ranged attacks.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Guardian’s Pauldrons are considered a valuable and rare item due to their connection to the ancient protectors and the intricate craftsmanship involved in their creation. They would typically be found in the following types of shops, each offering the pauldrons at different prices depending on the setting and the reputation of the establishment:

Royal Armories
- Description: Royal armories are prestigious establishments located in the heart of major cities or within the strongholds of powerful factions. These shops are renowned for supplying the finest armor and weapons to the nobility, elite warriors, and high-ranking military officers. The Guardian’s Pauldrons would be prominently displayed in a place of honor, surrounded by other legendary and enchanted armor pieces.
- Cost: 1,200 gold pieces
- Availability: The pauldrons are only sold to those with proven loyalty to the crown or a reputable military background, often requiring a recommendation from a noble or a high-ranking official.
Enchanter’s Emporiums
- Description: Enchanter’s emporiums are mystical shops often found in cities or hidden within arcane enclaves. They specialize in magical items, armor, and relics, and are known for their ability to enhance or modify such items. The Guardian’s Pauldrons, infused with ancient protective runes, would be a prized artifact in these shops, possibly enhanced further by the enchanter’s skills.
- Cost: 900 gold pieces
- Availability: The pauldrons may require an additional fee or barter for a custom enchantment, with the final price depending on the desired enhancements. The shopkeeper may also test the buyer’s knowledge of arcane lore before allowing a purchase.
Guild Halls of Guardians
- Description: These are specialized shops located within the guild halls dedicated to protectors, guardians, and defenders. The guilds maintain these shops to equip their members with high-quality gear. The Guardian’s Pauldrons would be a standard issue for high-ranking guild members, symbolizing their role as protectors.
- Cost: 800 gold pieces
- Availability: Only available to members of the guild or those with strong affiliations. Buyers might be required to complete a trial or quest to prove their worthiness to wear the pauldrons.
Black Market Traders
- Description: The black market caters to those who cannot or do not wish to purchase items through official channels. These traders operate in secret, often within the shadowy corners of large cities or remote locations. The Guardian’s Pauldrons might appear here after being stolen from a noble’s armory or looted from a battlefield.
- Cost: 700 gold pieces
- Availability: The pauldrons are sold without questions, but buyers must be cautious of counterfeit items or the possibility of being traced by their original owners.
Wandering Merchants
- Description: Wandering merchants travel across Saṃsāra, offering rare and exotic goods from distant lands. They might acquire the Guardian’s Pauldrons through trade or as part of a treasure trove discovered in ancient ruins. These merchants are known for their haggling and bartering skills.
- Cost: 850 gold pieces (price may vary)
- Availability: The price is highly negotiable, depending on the buyer’s charisma, bartering skills, and the merchant’s interest in trading for other valuable items or services.

Each of these shops offers a different experience and price, reflecting the diverse economy and culture of Saṃsāra. The Guardian’s Pauldrons are highly sought after, and their value fluctuates based on the location, the seller’s reputation, and the buyer’s standing within society.

The Guardian’s Pauldrons, as both a defensive and offensive tool, offer a variety of roleplaying opportunities across different environments in the world of Saṃsāra. The pauldrons enhance the wearer’s ability to withstand physical attacks while also providing strategic advantages in combat situations, particularly when dealing with ranged threats.

Defense in a Siege or Fortress Defense
- Environment: During a siege or when defending a fortress, the Guardian’s Pauldrons are invaluable. The defender, stationed on the battlements or guarding a key entrance, uses the pauldrons to withstand the barrage of arrows, bolts, and siege weaponry.
- Roleplay: The character stands firm against incoming projectiles, the runes on the pauldrons glowing with a faint light as they deflect or absorb the impacts. The wearer might take a defensive stance, leading other defenders, shouting orders, and using their increased Armor Class to protect themselves and those around them. The pauldrons could allow the wearer to be the last line of defense, holding ground even when others have fallen back.
- Character Interaction: The wearer might inspire those around them with their resilience, becoming a symbol of hope and courage. Fellow defenders may rally behind them, confident that the pauldrons will protect their leader.
Offense in a Skirmish or Ambush
- Environment: In a skirmish or ambush, the pauldrons are used offensively to charge through enemy lines or to engage archers positioned at a distance. The wearer moves quickly, using the advantage on Dexterity saving throws to dodge incoming fire while closing the gap.
- Roleplay: The character might take on the role of a vanguard, leading the charge against ranged opponents. With the pauldrons deflecting arrows or bolts, they could break through enemy lines, targeting archers or spellcasters who rely on ranged attacks. The pauldrons’ ability to deflect projectiles could be portrayed as the character skillfully turning aside arrows with swift movements, creating openings to strike at vulnerable enemies.
- Character Interaction: The wearer could coordinate with allies, signaling them to follow once they’ve breached enemy defenses. They might also taunt or intimidate enemies, daring them to target the pauldrons’ wearer, knowing that their attacks are unlikely to land.
Defensive Use in Urban or Close-Quarters Combat
- Environment: In tight urban environments or narrow corridors, the pauldrons help the wearer withstand surprise attacks or sudden skirmishes. They might be used when the wearer is protecting a key figure or escorting someone through dangerous territory.
- Roleplay: The wearer uses the pauldrons to absorb blows in tight spaces where dodging is difficult. They might position themselves to shield others, relying on the increased AC to block sword strikes or thrown weapons. The character could also brace for impact when ambushed, relying on the pauldrons to deflect the first wave of attacks and then countering with a well-timed strike.
- Character Interaction: The wearer could be seen as a bodyguard or protector, their role emphasized by the pauldrons’ ability to deflect harm. The protected character may express trust or dependence on the wearer, leading to a bond forged through shared danger.
Offensive Use in a Battlefield Melee
- Environment: On an open battlefield, the pauldrons provide the wearer with the confidence to engage multiple enemies, particularly those using ranged weapons or light melee attacks.
- Roleplay: The character charges into battle, using the pauldrons to lead the assault. As they move through the battlefield, arrows and javelins seem to glance off the pauldrons or miss entirely. The character might use this to their advantage, positioning themselves to draw enemy fire away from more vulnerable allies, allowing them to advance without fear.
- Character Interaction: Allies may see the wearer as a shield or spearhead, following them into the fray. The wearer could also use the pauldrons to rally troops, calling for a push or a retreat as they protect others from harm.
Defensive Use in Mystical or Magical Battles
- Environment: In battles against magical creatures or in environments where magic and physical combat intertwine, the pauldrons help the wearer resist both physical and magical threats.
- Roleplay: The pauldrons might glow with a faint aura, resisting not just physical attacks but deflecting elemental projectiles like fireballs or ice shards. The wearer could stand as a bulwark against both magical and mundane attacks, serving as a focal point in the battle where allies rally for protection.
- Character Interaction: In a group with spellcasters, the wearer might be tasked with holding the line while the mages cast their spells. The pauldrons would enable the character to shield others from both physical and magical threats, reinforcing their role as the party’s protector.

The Guardian’s Pauldrons offer versatility in roleplaying across different environments, allowing the wearer to shift between defensive and offensive roles as needed. Whether they are deflecting a rain of arrows, charging into the heart of battle, or protecting allies in close quarters, the pauldrons become a symbol of unwavering defense and strategic offense in the hands of a skilled warrior.

Perception of Activation: When the Guardian’s Pauldrons are activated, the wearer and those nearby experience a range of sensory and extra-sensory perceptions. The activation is a powerful moment that impacts both the physical and mystical realms.

Sight
- Perception: The protective runes etched into the pauldrons begin to glow more intensely, shifting from a faint light to a brilliant, pulsing aura. The light radiates outwards, creating a shimmering shield-like barrier around the wearer. The aura shifts in color, ranging from deep blues to bright silvers, depending on the intensity of the activation.
- Description: This visual effect is striking and commands attention, making the wearer the focal point on the battlefield. The shield appears semi-transparent, with the runes weaving and intertwining, creating a mesmerizing pattern.
- Positives: The aura can intimidate enemies, signaling that the wearer is well-protected. It also reassures allies that the wearer is shielded, boosting their morale.
- Negatives: The bright glow may draw unwanted attention, making the wearer a prime target for enemies aiming to overpower the protective magic.
Sound
- Perception: Upon activation, a deep, resonant hum emanates from the pauldrons, accompanied by the faint sound of ancient voices chanting in a forgotten tongue. The hum grows louder as the power intensifies, resonating with the heartbeats of those nearby.
- Description: The sound is both soothing and ominous, as if the spirits of ancient guardians are awakening. It reverberates through the air, creating a sense of weight and presence.
- Positives: The hum can serve as a psychological deterrent to enemies, instilling fear and hesitation. For allies, it provides a comforting reminder of the wearer’s enhanced protection.
- Negatives: The sound may be distracting or unsettling to those unaccustomed to it, potentially causing a momentary lapse in focus.
Touch
- Perception: The wearer feels a surge of warmth spreading from the pauldrons, coursing through their body. The metal of the pauldrons becomes almost weightless, as if it’s being held aloft by unseen forces.
- Description: This warmth is deeply comforting, akin to a protective embrace. The sensation of lightness allows the wearer to move more freely and with greater agility, despite the heavy armor.
- Positives: The feeling of warmth enhances the wearer’s confidence and combat readiness, making them feel nearly invincible. The lightness of the armor increases their mobility.
- Negatives: If the activation is prolonged, the warmth may become overwhelming, leading to discomfort or a sense of disorientation as the wearer adjusts to the shifting weight.
Smell
- Perception: A faint scent of ancient incense and iron fills the air, evoking the atmosphere of an old temple or battlefield.
- Description: The scent is earthy and metallic, with undertones of ritualistic herbs, creating an environment that feels sacred and hallowed.
- Positives: The smell can be grounding, helping the wearer focus on their task and connect with the history and tradition embodied by the pauldrons.
- Negatives: For those sensitive to strong scents, the aroma may be distracting or even nauseating over time, especially in enclosed or confined spaces.
Taste
- Perception: The wearer might experience a faint metallic taste on their tongue, as if they’ve bitten down on iron.
- Description: This taste is subtle but persistent, linking the wearer to the essence of the metal and the strength it represents.
- Positives: The taste reinforces the sense of physical and mental fortitude, reminding the wearer of the armor’s protective qualities.
- Negatives: Over time, the metallic taste may become unpleasant, especially if the activation is prolonged.
Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP)
- Perception: The wearer gains a heightened awareness of their surroundings, particularly of incoming threats. They might perceive faint outlines or shadows of arrows or projectiles before they are even launched. Additionally, they can sense the presence of unseen entities or magical disturbances in the area.
- Description: This heightened awareness is akin to a sixth sense, allowing the wearer to anticipate danger with uncanny accuracy. It’s as if the pauldrons are feeding them information directly from the ether, warning them of impending harm.
- Positives: This ESP greatly enhances the wearer’s defensive capabilities, allowing them to react to threats almost before they materialize. It also aids in detecting hidden enemies or magical traps.
- Negatives: The influx of extra-sensory information can be overwhelming, particularly in chaotic environments. The wearer might struggle to filter out irrelevant details, leading to sensory overload or confusion.
Empathy
- Perception: The wearer experiences an emotional connection to the ancient guardians whose spirits are bound to the pauldrons. They feel a deep sense of duty and protection, as if they are part of a lineage of defenders stretching back through the ages.
- Description: This connection is profound and almost spiritual, instilling the wearer with the courage and resolve of those who came before them. It’s a bond that transcends time, linking the wearer to the essence of guardianship.
- Positives: The empathy strengthens the wearer’s resolve, providing emotional fortitude in the face of danger. It also enhances their sense of purpose and duty, making them more focused and determined.
- Negatives: The weight of this connection may be burdensome, especially if the wearer feels unworthy or doubts their ability to live up to the legacy of the ancient guardians.

These sensory and extra-sensory perceptions create a powerful and immersive experience for the wearer of the Guardian’s Pauldrons, blending the physical and mystical aspects of the item into a cohesive and impactful defense mechanism.

Recipe: Crafting the Guardian’s Pauldrons

Materials Needed:
- Dark Steel Plates (x4)
  - High-quality steel with enhanced durability.
- Silver Inlays (x2 feet)
  - Fine silver strands for etching runes and adding a regal finish.
- Aetherborne Essence (x1 vial)
  - Extracted from an Aetherborne creature, this essence is crucial for imbuing the pauldrons with mystical properties.
- Ancient Rune Stones (x2)
  - Stones inscribed with protective runes from an ancient temple, to be ground into powder.
- Spirit Binding Incense (x3 sticks)
  - Used to summon and bind the essence of long-forgotten guardians into the pauldrons.
- Leather Straps (x2)
  - High-quality, durable leather for securing the pauldrons to the wearer.
- Arcane Flux (x1 vial)
  - A magical substance used to fuse the materials together and activate the runes.
Tools Required:
- Forge and Anvil
  - For shaping and tempering the Dark Steel Plates.
- Engraving Tools
  - Precision tools for etching the protective runes into the metal.
- Runestone Grinder
  - A device to grind the Ancient Rune Stones into a fine powder.
- Rune Scribing Quill
  - A specialized quill for writing runes with the silver inlays.
- Spirit Brazier
  - Used to burn the Spirit Binding Incense and channel the guardian spirits.
- Hammer and Tongs
  - Standard blacksmithing tools for shaping the metal.
- Magical Warding Sigil
  - A protective sigil to contain the magical energies during the crafting process.
Skill Requirements:
- Blacksmithing (Expert Level)
  - Required for shaping, tempering, and assembling the pauldrons.
- Runesmithing (Advanced Level)
  - Essential for accurately engraving and activating the protective runes.
- Enchanting (Intermediate Level)
  - Necessary for binding the Aetherborne Essence and guardian spirits to the pauldrons.
- Spirit Communication (Intermediate Level)
  - Important for properly invoking and binding the guardian spirits.
- Arcane Knowledge (Basic Level)
  - Needed to safely handle and apply Arcane Flux.
Crafting Steps:
- Prepare the Dark Steel Plates:
  - Heat the Dark Steel Plates in the forge until they glow a bright orange.
  - Use the Hammer and Tongs to shape the plates into the desired angular, curved form for the pauldrons.
  - Quench the plates in water infused with Aetherborne Essence to strengthen the metal and imbue it with aetheric energy.
- Etch the Runes:
  - Place the Silver Inlays onto the shaped pauldrons.
  - Use the Engraving Tools and Rune Scribing Quill to carefully etch protective runes into the metal, ensuring precision to maintain their potency.
  - Grind the Ancient Rune Stones into a fine powder using the Runestone Grinder. Mix this powder with the Arcane Flux to create a binding agent.
  - Apply this mixture into the engraved runes, solidifying the etchings and activating the runic protection.
- Summon and Bind the Spirits:
  - Light the Spirit Binding Incense in the Spirit Brazier, and place the pauldrons in front of it.
  - Perform a ritual to summon the spirits of the ancient guardians. This requires chanting in the ancient tongue while focusing on the pauldrons.
  - Once the spirits are summoned, guide them into the pauldrons, using the Arcane Knowledge to contain and bind them to the metal.
  - Seal the binding with a final application of Arcane Flux, channeling the remaining aetheric energy to secure the spirits within the pauldrons.
- Finalize and Assemble:
  - Attach the Leather Straps to the pauldrons, ensuring they are securely fastened for comfortable wear.
  - Conduct a final inspection to ensure all runes are properly engraved and glowing faintly with their magical energy.
  - Perform a magical warding ritual using the Magical Warding Sigil to stabilize the pauldrons’ enchantments and prevent any backlash from the bound spirits.
- Testing and Activation:
  - Test the pauldrons by performing a series of defensive maneuvers. Observe the glow of the runes and the reaction of the spirits to ensure everything is functioning as intended.
  - The pauldrons should activate upon sensing an imminent threat, displaying the expected sensory effects, such as the glowing aura and resonant hum.

Outcome: The Guardian’s Pauldrons, now complete, are ready for use. They should provide enhanced defense, the ability to deflect projectiles, and carry the essence of the ancient guardians, ensuring the wearer is well-protected in battle.

Tale of the Iron Shoulders and the Spirits of Protection

In the time before time was counted, in days when the world was much young, there lived the Protectors, whose hearts beat like drums of thunder and whose steps were as the mountains moving. The Protectors were many, but one stood tallest, known in the tongues of old as Kra-Han, the Unyielding Iron. Kra-Han was given great strength by the gods of above and below, and he bore the weight of all the world on his iron shoulders, which gleamed like the first light of morning after the longest night.

The Protectors lived to guard the weak, to shield the meek, and to stand where others could not. But the days grew dark, and the sky wept tears of fire, and from the deep places came the Great Shadow, whose name was not spoken but was known by all. The Great Shadow came to consume all that was bright and fair, and it moved with the hunger of ages.

Kra-Han, seeing the world in peril, went to the Forge of Spirits, where the fires never dim and the hammers ring like the songs of stars. There, Kra-Han placed his iron shoulders upon the anvil and called forth the ancient spirits of the earth, the air, the fire, and the water. “Bind yourselves to this iron,” Kra-Han spoke, “for I shall carry you with me, and together we shall stand against the Great Shadow.”

The spirits, in their voices of wind and stone, of flame and wave, answered Kra-Han. They bound themselves into the iron, etching their words of power deep into the metal, so that the iron shoulders were no longer mere iron but something far more. The shoulders shone with the light of the spirits, and their power was like the sun breaking the hold of night.

Kra-Han went forth to meet the Great Shadow, and the earth trembled beneath his steps. The battle that followed shook the world to its bones. The Great Shadow struck with force to topple mountains, but Kra-Han stood unbroken. The iron shoulders bore the weight of the world, deflecting the darkness, turning aside the claws of shadow and the teeth of void. The spirits within the iron sang in a tongue lost to all but the wind, and their song gave strength to Kra-Han.

The Great Shadow, finding no weakness, grew enraged and struck with all the fury of the forgotten night. But Kra-Han, with the spirits bound to his iron shoulders, deflected every blow. The darkness recoiled, its power spent, and the light returned to the world.

But in the end, Kra-Han knew that his task was done. The iron shoulders, though unyielding, had borne the weight of both the world and the spirits for too long. He lay down upon the earth, and the iron shoulders slipped from him, their glow fading but not lost. The spirits whispered their last, sinking into the earth, where the iron shoulders would rest, awaiting the day when they might be needed again.

The story was told, in words that twisted through time, by those who remembered, and those who only heard echoes. The shoulders of Kra-Han became a legend, sought by the worthy and the desperate alike, each hoping to find the strength to stand against the shadows that creep in every age.

Moral of the Story: Even the strongest shoulders cannot bear the weight alone forever; it is the spirit within, bound by the will to protect, that gives true strength to withstand the darkest shadows.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)