Current-Echo Shields
Also known as: Water-Echo Shields, Ripple Bucklers, Current Shields
Broad, oval bucklers assembled from layered plates of Runic Plating over a core of compressed river-sediment that retains a perpetual internal flow of ambient water. The surface shimmers with a faint, iridescent current-pattern that is unique to each shield, reflecting the river in which its core-sediment was collected. When an incoming blow or magical projectile strikes the shield face, the internal current instantly reverses and accelerates, transforming the impact energy into a redirected water-pulse that either deflects the attack or discharges it harmlessly as a burst of mist.
Artifact Details
- Type
- Armour
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Origin
- Developed by the Guild of Hydro-Artisans alongside the Hydro-Blade during the Obsidian River Skirmishes, the Current-Echo Shield was designed specifically to counter Drakonian fire-breath and runic artillery. Prototype shields were tested in the current-channels of the Underglow Caves before the design was finalised and issued as standard equipment to River Sentinel skirmishers and Tide Wardens.
Overview
Current-Echo Shields is a uncommon armour in Landorya. Its known origin is Developed by the Guild of Hydro-Artisans alongside the Hydro-Blade during the Obsidian River Skirmishes, the Current-Echo Shield was designed specifically to counter Drakonian fire-breath and runic artillery. Prototype shields were tested in the current-channels of the Underglow Caves before the design was finalised and issued as standard equipment to River Sentinel skirmishers and Tide Wardens.. Its most cited abilities include Converts physical impact energy into a redirected water-pulse, deflecting blows of up to Tide Warden-level force, Generates a brief Mist Cloak burst on heavy impact, momentarily obscuring the bearer from magical detection, and Resists water-based attacks entirely by absorbing and neutralising incoming Hydromancy. Accounts also warn of a drawback: A Current-Echo Shield must be submerged in moving freshwater for at least one hour per day to maintain the internal current. A shield deprived of water for mor…
History
The River Sentinel unit known as the Silversedge Company carried Current-Echo Shields throughout the final phase of the Obsidian River Skirmishes. Their paired-shield formation, which projected a unified water-barrier that absorbed three consecutive Drakonian Torrent Bombs, is recorded in the water-memory tapestry Battle of the Veined Narrows, preserved in the Archives of the Deep. The formation was subsequently adopted as a mandatory drill in all Aqua Guard training programmes.
Powers & Abilities
- ✦ Converts physical impact energy into a redirected water-pulse, deflecting blows of up to Tide Warden-level force
- ✦ Generates a brief Mist Cloak burst on heavy impact, momentarily obscuring the bearer from magical detection
- ✦ Resists water-based attacks entirely by absorbing and neutralising incoming Hydromancy
- ✦ Paired shields wielded by two Naiads in formation can project a linked water-barrier covering a full squad
Curse or Drawback
A Current-Echo Shield must be submerged in moving freshwater for at least one hour per day to maintain the internal current. A shield deprived of water for more than three days loses its deflection property and becomes an inert, heavy plate that provides only mundane protection until recharged.