Magical shield

A magical shield temporarily protects its user from most forms of attack.

Magical shields can be generated by the shield tattoo or by certain abilities, like Spirituality Aura and Artificing Barrier. It can be used in conjuction with, and provides more protection than an aura of weapons rebounding, but less than a prismatic barrier.

The nearly invisible shield dissolves when its bearer moves or performs an aggressive act. It should be noted that the shield is not an absolute defence when up - certain attacks can penetrate or strip the defence, and the hammer tattoo will shatter it entirely. Many adventurers and most higher level denizens have both shield and hammer tattoos. Non-sentient animals, as a rule, do not have either.