Shield grog

A Shield Grog is a concept introducted in ArM3 and kept in ArM4. Although the concept does not exist officially in Ars Magica Fifth Edition, the basic idea is still sound and useful.

A Shield Grog is simply a Grog - that is, a minor character that is strongly tied to the Covenant but not to any specific player - who has agreed to fulfill a martial role to the Player Characters, acting mainly as a bodyguard and to some extent as a trusted warrior as well. They get their name from their primary purpose. Though they can help by dealing with any danger themselves, their main purpose is to keep threats off of a magi long enough for the magi to cast any spells to deal with the situation.

Because Shield Grogs are so important for the continued survival of Magi and Companions, they tend to be valued and respected above what their social status would otherwise imply.

From a character design standpoint, Shield Grogs tend to have specific Virtues such as Covenant or perhaps Custos, Tough and Warrior, as well as generally positive (above average) physical attributes (strength, stamina, quickness and dexterity). Usually the personality traits include Loyal+1 or higher, and the Shield Grog will nearly always have learned at least one of the Martial Abilities (see "Abilities by Type", ArM5 p. 63), usually Single Weapon, often others as well.