Stonehearth Grudgeplate
Part Two of the Embervault Series
“By me beard, it remembers every hit — like a dwarven uncle at a wedding.”
Mike’s Grumble: The Shield That Holds a Grudge
Now listen, there’s shields, and then there’s shields that take offense.
The Stonehearth Grudgeplate ain’t flashy. No talking, no floating runes, no ethereal glow that screams “stab me first.” What it does have is weight — the kind o’ weight that sticks with ya. Both physically and emotionally.
This plate came outta a family forge run by three brothers who hated each other more than they hated goblins. Every dent, every scrape, every insult during sparring — they wrote it into the damn shield. Magic by way of passive aggression.
So what does it do? It remembers. Every time an enemy lands a blow, this thing takes it personally. Come the next swing, they’ll find it harder to land. It don’t forget, and it don’t forgive — not 'til the fight’s done.
Just like the rest of the Embervault Series, this hunk o’ iron grows with the wielder. And if yer dumb enough to pair it with somethin’ else before it matures, may Trickin’s cursed coin purse haunt yer next loot roll.
The full set includes:
Defense That Gets Petty
Perfect for tanks who take hits personally and don't want the same goblin landin’ two lucky shots in a row. Ideal for fighters, paladins, or monks with a side of grudgebearin’.
Armor Type: Shield
Rarity: Uncommon → Very Rare (scales with level)
Base AC Bonus: +2
Trait – Grudge-Loaded:
Level 1–4: If struck by the same enemy more than once in a combat, gain +1 AC against that enemy only for the remainder of the fight.
Level 5–9: AC bonus rises to +2 against repeat attackers. Additionally, first time you're hit in combat, attacker has disadvantage on their next strike.
Level 10–14: Can track up to two attackers. Each successive strike from either increases your AC by 1 (to a max of +3 per attacker).
Level 15+: Immune to being shoved or knocked prone by any enemy you’ve grudge-marked. Also gain resistance to non-magical bludgeoning from such enemies.
Note: AC bonuses reset after combat. Grudges fade. Eventually.
Drop This in a Vault That Still Hates You
Toss this relic in the deepest room of a dwarven stronghold, tucked in a chest beside a list of names with “DEAD” scrawled next to ‘em. Or have it show up at an estate auction under “unremarkable defensive plate” — just wait 'til the new owner blocks a hit and feels it warm up like a furnace on the edge of insult.
Grudgekeepers, Assemble
📌 If yer idea of defense is “just don’t get hit,” yer softer than pudding in a pit trap.
👉 For the rest of us? This shield’s the second chapter in the Embervault legacy. Combine it with the Emberhook Blade, or keep collectin’ until ya can say yer gear remembers more than you do. The full series is waitin’ in the Tavern Armory — and I’m waitin’ for yer excuses.
FAQ
Q: Can the shield track more than one enemy at a time?
A: Not until level 10, lad. Up until then, it’s a one-grudge policy. Don’t get greedy.
Q: What happens if someone else picks it up mid-fight?
A: They inherit the grudge. Which means they get punched harder, not you. Handy for throwin’ it at party members you’re mad at.
Q: Does it work against ranged attacks?
A: Aye, if the same shooter keeps taggin’ ya, the plate will absolutely take it personal. Especially longbows. Hates longbows.
Yer Enemies Shouldn’t Get Second Chances
📌 By Margann’s crusty beard, if the same goblin gets ya twice, it’s not luck — it’s negligence.
👉 Grab the Grudgeplate, collect the rest of the Embervault Series, and give yer enemies something to regret. Check out the Player Builds that pair well with this plate, and leave yer questions at the bar. I’ll be here — polishing grudges.
