Upon command, an animated shield floats within 2 feet of the wielder, protecting her as if she were using it herself but freeing up both her hands. Only one shield can protect a character at a time. A character with an animated shield still takes any penalties associated with shield use, such as armor check penalty, arcane spell failure chance, and nonproficiency. Aura : Strong transmutation Caster Level : CL 12th Prerequisites : Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Animate Objects Price: +2 bonus.