“Bastion of Sir Matthias” is a strategic shield that transforms absolute defense into lethal counterattacks. Its name symbolizes the wielder’s combat philosophy of shifting from an impenetrable “bastion” to an actively striking “warhammer.” This shield’s core mechanism lies in automating and efficiently converting the passive defensive act of Blocking into active offense. It consists of two key parts: first, it provides a substantial independent damage multiplier for Shield Bash (60-100%[x]); second, it introduces a unique “auto-retaliation” mechanic—Blocking an attack has a 15% chance to automatically cast Shield Bash. This changes Shield Bash’s execution logic, turning it from a skill requiring a key press, resource cost, and potentially missing, into an automated counter triggered by enemy attacks, costing no resources.

📝 Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Item Name | Bastion of Sir Matthias |
| Item Type | Paladin-exclusive Unique Shield |
| Item Power | High Defense Focus (1,131 Armor) |
| Inherent Affixes | 20% Block Chance, 45% Blocked Damage Reduction, +100% Main Hand Weapon Damage |
| Secondary Affixes | +[26.0 – 35.0]% Chance for Shield Bash to deal Double Damage +[2 – 3] Ranks to Shield Bash [11.5 – 15.7]% Damage Reduction +[11.5 – 15.7]% Strength |
| Legendary Power | 1. Blocking an attack has a 15% chance to retaliate with Shield Bash. 2. Your Shield Bash deals [60 – 100]%[x] increased damage. |
⚙️ Legendary Power Mechanics Explained
This power deeply intertwines defense and offense through “damage multiplication” and “automated retaliation,” creating an efficient counterattack system.
-
Immense Independent Damage Multiplier: “Shield Bash deals 60-100%[x] increased damage” is an independent multiplicative bonus. This is the foundational amplifier for all Shield Bash damage, benefiting both automatically triggered and manually cast bashes.
-
Core Automation – Block-Triggered Retaliation:
-
Trigger Condition: Successfully Block an enemy attack. This requires stacking high Block Chance and willingly taking hits.
-
Trigger Effect: Has a fixed 15% chance to automatically perform a Shield Bash. This retaliation likely costs no resources (e.g., Wrath) and carries the full damage and effects of a normal Shield Bash (affected by all related bonuses).
-
Benefits:
-
Efficient Damage Output: Generates significant passive damage against high-attack-speed or numerous enemies.
-
Resource Liberation: Deals damage without spending Wrath, freeing resources for other skills.
-
Safe Damage Delivery: The retaliation occurs after a successful Block, meaning you mitigate damage while dealing it.
-
-
-
Perfect Stat Synergy: Inherent Block stats provide the foundation. +100% Main Hand Weapon Damage directly boosts Shield Bash’s base damage. High Chance for Double Damage offers an additional critical-like multiplier. +Ranks to Shield Bash is a core damage amplifier. Damage Reduction and Strength provide comprehensive survivability and base damage.
🗺️ Acquisition Method
As a distinctive Unique shield, “Bastion of Baron Matthias” likely drops from mid-to-late game core activities.
| Key Point | Details & Strategy |
|---|---|
| Likely Drop Sources | 1. Nightmare Dungeons (Tier 50+): Primary farming location once Unique drops become consistent. 2. Helltide Mysterious Chests: Spend Aberrant Cinders for targeted Unique farming. 3. World Bosses & Legion Events: High-value public events. 4. Whispering Tree Caches: Weekly source of random Uniques. 5. Specific Bosses: Some repeatable endgame bosses may drop it. |
| Efficient Farming Strategy | 1. Speed-farm Nightmare Dungeons with high enemy density and attack frequency (e.g., many melee foes). 2. Focus Aberrant Cinders on Helltide Mysterious Chests. 3. Group play can enable higher tiers or faster clears. 4. Prerequisite: Have other gear providing decent Block Chance and survivability to utilize the shield effectively upon acquisition. |
| Variable & Best-in-Slot Goal | Priority upon drop: 1. Item Power: Aim for ≥725 to unlock max stat ranges, especially Armor. 2. Legendary Power Roll: Shield Bash damage increase (100%[x] max). 3. Secondary Stats: Max or near-max: +3 Shield Bash, ~35% Double Damage Chance, 15.7% Damage Reduction, 15.7% Strength. |
🎯 Compatible Builds
-
Absolute Core: Immovable Retaliator
A build entirely centered on the shield, transforming the Paladin into an iron fortress that lures attacks and counters them. The playstyle focuses on stacking Block Chance and Damage Reduction to attract hordes of enemies, turning their attacks into opportunities for automatic Shield Bash retaliation. Excels against dense melee packs but weaker against ranged, spellcasters, or single, slow-attacking bosses. -
Hybrid Build’s Automated Damage Component
Can be slotted into builds using primary active skills like Blessed Hammer or Consecration. The shield provides stable passive damage and immense survivability (high Block/DR) without altering the main damage rotation. Offers flexibility and safety.
🔧 Detailed Gearing Suggestions
1. Skill & Enchantment Selection
-
Core Retaliation: Shield Bash (invest points). Level affects damage even when automated.
-
Defense: Iron Skin, Protector, Luminous Armor.
-
Grouping/Crowd Control: Shield Charge (pull) or Judgment (pull) to increase enemy attack frequency.
-
Enchantment: Prioritize effects enhancing Block, survivability, or counterattacks.
2. Stat Priority
-
Block Chance (The engine for triggering retaliation)
-
Damage Reduction (Especially Close/General) – Foundational for surviving the onslaught.
-
Blocked Damage Reduction / % Armor / All Resistances – Further mitigates damage.
-
Maximum Life – Provides a buffer against unblocked/unmitigated damage.
-
Shield Bash Skill Damage / Physical Damage / Damage to Close Enemies – Directly boosts retaliation damage.
3. Core Aspect Recommendations
-
Helm/Chest/Pants: Top-tier Damage Reduction aspects (e.g., while standing still, when Fortified) or post-Block healing aspects.
-
Gloves: Attack Speed or Shield Bash Damage aspects.
-
Boots: Movement Speed or Resource Generation on Block aspects.
-
Amulet: Block Chance or Damage Reduction aspect (100% bonus).
-
Rings: Maximum Life, Resource Generation, or on-Block/Retaliation aspects (e.g., explosion on Block).
-
Weapon: Damage to Vulnerable or Core Skill Damage aspects.
4. Gem & Imbue Selection
-
Weapon: Royal Ruby (Damage to Elites) or Royal Topaz (Damage to CC’d Enemies).
-
Armor: Royal Diamond (All Resist) or Royal Ruby (Max Life).
-
Jewelry: Legendary Gems for Block Chance, Damage Reduction, or Maximum Life.
-
Imbue: Prioritize effects granting post-Block benefits (thorns, heal), life regeneration, or armor increase.
“Bastion of Sir Matthias” is a tactical shield that artfully combines “maximum defense” with “automated offense.” By transforming the defensive act of Blocking into a stable source of damage, it provides the Paladin with a unique and potent “defense-as-offense” combat style. Acquiring it requires patience in mid-to-high difficulty content, but once equipped, you’ll relish the conquest of standing unwavering amidst demonic tides, where enemy attacks only provoke fiercer retaliation. Building around it demands a focus on pushing Block Chance and all-around Damage Reduction to their limits, ensuring you can trigger counterattacks frequently and safely.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on analysis of available information and is intended for educational purposes. Content sourced from AI. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please leave a comment to let us know. Content will be removed upon request if infringement is involved.

Comments (0)