Sure, all nonmagical shields in D&D grant a +2 AC bonus, but that also opens a lot of storytelling potential!
You can say a lot about a warrior by the look of their shield. Is it the lid of a giant cast iron pot? A huge spiked crab claw? A wide-brimmed hat lined with metal?
— Justice Ramin Arman (@justicearman) February 4, 2022
In a game I was running a character’s shield was a dueling cape CAPE SHIELD. I love it. 🛡️
— Justice Ramin Arman (@justicearman) February 4, 2022
Yes! I’ve had a few players/characters experiment with this. My favorites were using the shield mechanics as an explanation for telekinetic powers, and as the effect someone’s animal companion had when working together in combat.
— Taymoor, King of the Pirates (@DarkestCrows) February 4, 2022