Animated shield

An animated shield was a magical shield that could be commanded to act independently of its carrier.

Powers
Whenever they so wished, the wielder of an animated shield could direct it to leave their grasp and float in the air for up to one minute. During that time, the shield could still protect them as if it were carried in combat.

If its carried were slain or rendered incapacitated, the animated shield would immediately clang to the floor.

History
At least one animated shield could be found in the droppings of purple worms that traveled through the deserts of Anauroch.