Ironhowl Bastion
Third of the Pathworn Relics
“By the gods’ flat ale, this shield don’t block — it warns them first.”
Mike’s Note: When Yer Shield Yells Louder Than You Do
You ever hold a wall in yer hand?
That’s Ironhowl Bastion — a slab of war-forged arrogance that echoes with every strike it blocks. Not a whisper, not a clang — a howl. Deep, metallic, ancient. Like a forge beast roaring back at the world.
They say it was once the faceplate of a fortress golem, torn off mid-siege and repurposed by the last defender of Ironhowl Pass. Others claim it was built to trap the screams of a dying god. Me? I think it just likes being dramatic.
It’s heavy. It’s loud. And it remembers who hurt you. Like the rest of the Pathworn Relics, it scales with yer journey. The louder yer story, the stronger it gets.
Here’s the full collection if you’re buildin’ a wall that kicks back:
It Blocks. It Echoes. It Dares You to Hit Again.
Perfect for tanks, vengeance paladins, oath-breaking clerics, and anyone who thinks armor is for cowards — but still wants to live.
Armor Type: Shield
Rarity: Uncommon → Very Rare (scales with level)
Base AC Bonus: +2
Trait – Echoguard Rebound:
Level 1–4:
When you block a melee attack, the shield emits a howl audible within 30 feet.
First attacker to hear the howl makes their next attack at disadvantage.
Level 5–9:
Shield gains the Rebound property — once per short rest, can force attacker to make a DC 13 Con save or be deafened until end of their next turn.
Howl can now be directed — affecting only enemies in a 15-foot cone.
Level 10–14:
Gain resistance to thunder damage.
Can unleash a Reactive Howl once per day when reduced below half HP: enemies in 10 feet must make DC 15 Strength saves or be pushed 10 feet and lose reactions.
Level 15+:
Shield becomes sentient (barely) and occasionally howls when it disagrees with your tactics.
Once per day, upon successfully blocking a crit, you may negate it entirely and counter with a shield bash (2d6 force damage, no action required).
Where It Belongs: Left Behind After a Siege
Find it embedded in a war wall where no one lived, still warm. Or mounted on the back of a silent statue with its mouth open. Or better yet — let it call out to the player during a thunderstorm, echoing from underground.
It Doesn’t Just Block — It Calls for Round Two
📌 If yer shield don’t make yer enemies flinch, it’s a wall decoration — not a weapon.
👉 Ironhowl Bastion is the frontline’s revenge. Pair it with Ashmaul for a battlefield breaker, or contrast with Whisperfang if yer party’s all noise and shadows. Find the rest of the Pathworn gear in the Tavern Armory, or yell at me in person. The shield’ll hear ya.
FAQ
Q: Can the howl be silenced magically?
A: Aye, but the shield resents it. Expect it to vibrate angrily until the spell drops.
Q: Can you use the Reactive Howl while unconscious?
A: No — it needs yer presence. But it might wake ya up if yer HP stabilizes mid-round.
Q: Does the sentient shield talk?
A: Only in grumbles, huffs, and one particularly loud “HUH.” Interpret as ye will.
