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elyktsorb
2022-10-10, 08:50 PM
Just came into a scenario where the only armor my character would be wearing is a Shield, a Shield counts as armor for the purpose of effects that require armor right?

Like, if you had Defense Fighting Style and were wearing a Shield, it would be active?
kazaryu
2022-10-10, 09:00 PM
Just came into a scenario where the only armor my character would be wearing is a Shield, a Shield counts as armor for the purpose of effects that require armor right?

Like, if you had Defense Fighting Style and were wearing a Shield, it would be active?

i don't believe so no. evidence: monk unarmored defense specifically calls out whether it allows shields. further, it would be kind of silly for features like draconic resilience to not function just because you picked up a shield.

however, it probably wouldn't break anything, ask your DM what they think.
Mellack
2022-10-10, 09:06 PM
No, a shield is not counted as wearing armor.

Sage advice said: Shields are grouped with armor in the equipment rules in the Player’s Handbook, but various game features distinguish between the armor you wear and a shield you wear.
animorte
2022-10-10, 09:12 PM
No, a shield is not counted as wearing armor.

Sage advice said: Shields are grouped with armor in the equipment rules in the Player’s Handbook, but various game features distinguish between the armor you wear and a shield you wear.

More precisely, the various game features distinguish between the armor you wear and a shield you wield.
Skrum
2022-10-10, 09:14 PM
Just came into a scenario where the only armor my character would be wearing is a Shield, a Shield counts as armor for the purpose of effects that require armor right?

Like, if you had Defense Fighting Style and were wearing a Shield, it would be active?

Yeah, what everyone else said. Shield is not armor. Yet another reason Tortles end up with worse AC. Their splint might be free, but it can't get better.
PhantomSoul
2022-10-10, 09:16 PM
More precisely, the various game features distinguish between the armor you wear and a shield you wield.

I was going to highlight this difference in terms, but since that's been done I'll supplement with PHB 144 that emphasizes a contrast:


Armor and Shields ... The Armor table collects the most commonly available types of armor found in the game and separates them into three categories: light armor, medium armor, and heavy armor. Many warriors supplement their armor with a shield.