Aldalonder Shield of Thorns

Considered a light one-handed weapon. Each turn of combat, player decides to attack or block with the shield (regardless of what player is holding in the second hand). If attacking, Shield of Thorns is 1d6+dex mod+prof piercing. On a successful attack, creature makes a CON save or takes 1d4 poison damage. When defending, player gets +2 to AC+prof. If a creature fails an attack on the player, creature makes a CON save or takes 1d4 poison damage.

A shield used by the reclusive Aldalond wood elves, who long ago diverged from the more traditional long-ranged tactics of their kindred. Considered savages by many, the Aldalonder became known for using their swift stealthy coordinated movements to outflank their foes. They prefer to intimidate enemies by painting their faces and shields with ghastly designs. Their goal was to get as close to their target as possible, using the edges of the light and flexible shield to create openings for their short piercing spears and blades.

Nature's Shield of Thorns was a shield worn by Malendonel, an Aldalonder shaman of the Bertathanen tribe. While often successful in battle, he preferred to hide in the shadows, supporting his troops from a short distance. The plain design of his shield made for better camouflage. As a master of herbs and poultices, his close-quarters equipment were always bathed in some exotic toxin. No one is quite certain what happened to Malendonel. A human anthropologist researcher found his treehut, along with all the treehuts in his village, abandoned with all their belongings left behind. The disappearance of of the Bertathanen tribe retains a mystery to this day.