Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion · Board game rules
How does Basic Shield work for new players in Scenario 4?
Quick answer
Basic Shield reduces damage from attacks by its value, applied after modifiers, and stacks with other shields.
Details
Shield Mechanics
Basic Shield (denoted as "Shield Θ X") is an active bonus that reduces damage from attacks by X, down to a minimum of 0. This reduction occurs after applying attack bonuses and the attack modifier card. For example, if an attack deals 4 damage after modifiers, Shield 1 reduces it to 3. Multiple Shield bonuses stack and can be applied in any order [p.21 — Shield].
Setup for New Players
In Scenario 4, players have access to level "X" cards, which may include Shield abilities. To use Shield:
- Play a card or item granting Shield as part of your turn.
- Place the card in your active area above your character mat to track the bonus.
- The Shield remains active until the end of the scenario or until its specified uses are exhausted (if the ability has limited uses) [p.21 — Active Bonuses].
Scenario 4 Context
Scenario 4 introduces elements like the Element Board and Battle Goals, but these do not alter Shield’s core function. Shield only affects damage from attacks, not environmental effects (e.g., traps) or conditions. If a Shield-granting card has a "lost" icon, it moves to your lost pile after use [p.15 — Lost Actions].
Watch out:
If using multiple Shield sources (e.g., from cards and items), ensure they are all tracked in the active area. Shield does not protect against damage from non-attack sources, such as traps or monster abilities that bypass attacks.