A shield increases your AC by 2 while you use it… [k]eep in mind that some AC calculations, such as a monk’s Unarmored Defense, prohibit the use of a shield. Does wielding a shield count as wearing armor [for Defense fighting style]?
Can you have more than one shield at a time?
You can benefit from only one shield at a time. So as far as the rules are concerned, a shield only counts if you’re carrying it in one hand. If it’s on your back, it’s effectively worthless. Your DM might allow it to offer some benefit, but that’s strictly up to them (and if they do, it’s purely a houserule).
Can a mage wear armor and wield a shield?
It doesn’t have to include cannot wear any armor “or wield a shield”. It would have to say “but may use a shield” to be a specific exception to the general rule So no mage armor with a shield. I think that is bad, but that is the consistent way to apply the general rule as established in my opinion.
Can you use a shield in barbarian unarmored defense?
Beginning at 1st level, while you are wearing no armor and not wielding a shield… and in the Barbarian Unarmored Defense. While you are not wearing any armor, your Armor Class equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Constitution modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit.
Do you think using an animated shield counts as’wielding’?
According to Mike Mearls, using an animated shield counts as weilding it for mechanical purposes. @mikemearls Do you think using an animated shield counts as wielding it for the purposes of bladesong armor restrictions?
Can you use shield master with an animated shield?
No, you can’t use Shield Master benefits with an Animated Shield. Shield Master says: And, as you included in the question, Animated Shield says that it will “protect you as if you were wielding it”. It protects you as if you were wielding it, implying that you aren’t wielding it.
