Protection

The protection brand/ego does the following:

• On weapons, whenever an enemy is hit, the wielder gains +7 AC for 3-4 turns.<ref>Template:Source ref</ref> Further attacks will increase the duration, to a max. of 5 turns at a time.
• On shields, grants a permanent +3 AC bonus.

Desirability

As a weapon brand, protection's extra AC can be useful in the early/mid game. However, since the AC boost never increases, it's likely worth replacing later on.

Shields of protection are objectively stronger than plain shields. A resistance may be more desirable, but since shield egos are rare, a shield of protection might be the best option available for a long time.

History

• Prior to 0.19, weapons of protection provided a passive bonus (+5 AC) instead of a temporary +7 AC on hit.
• Prior to 0.6, ranged weapons would generate with the protection brand instead of evasion.

References

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