Lion Shield

As seen in

Aftermath

Offense, Defense, and Roaster all in One!
The signature weapon of the African Wildfire AnimArmor, it requires Ryo-accustomed to an aggressive stance with his twin swords-to adopt more of a defensive stance. On top of enabling bashing attacks, offensive charges, and short-range fire blasts with its flame cannon, the shield allows Ryo to execute the Flaming Roar ultimate of the Lion AnimArmor. When a situation requires for enemies to be subdued rather than simply slain, Ryo deploys his AnimArmor for close-range crowd-control. If his clawncher darts prove ineffective against tough hides or armor, he can always bash foes into submission, and if all else fails, a point-blank blast of fire will turn a craven criminal into a crispy critter in two seconds flat.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

The shield does not require or utilize a fuel sorce or ignition trigger in any way being a product of pure magical energy. While Ryo cannot use his elemental domain as freely as with Wildfire II, the shield amply compensates by forcing combatants to close the distance in attempt to break Ryo's defenses only to get torched in the face.

Manufacturing process

Even though the process behind creating the AnimArmors was viewed as a sort of "shortcut", only six full suits were ever completed. The spells, incantations, and rituals behind creating them were lost with the dissolution of the original Mystic Alliance, but it has recently been revealed that Eyurodin, Thangien Goddess of the Forge, has undertaken efforts to complete the rest of the "Continentals". The AnimArmors were patterned after the 1.0 Armor structure, but their weapons seem associated with cultures native to their respective continents.

History

Along with the other AnimArmors, the African Wildfire suit was created as a safeguard in the event of a resurgent Dynasty or if the Four Dark Warlords could not be redeemed. Due to interference from a then-unknown third party, the Lion AnimArmor and the only other completed suits up to that point were secreted away in a hidden vault. Because the AnimArmors are able to change to adapt with the current technological level of a time period-or even surpass it to some degree-it's original state might look drastically different than its modern version.

Events of Aftermath

Ryo receives his insignia ring along with the others in Ch. 10 "The AnimArmors" and first breaks in the shield's capabilities against minions conjured by WerePack members Maulubis and Kilhotah. Even though the Ronin planned to use the AnimArmors as a trump card during the Battle of the Citadel, Dygra uses ancient sorcery to block the Incarnations from manifesting.

Events of Foes From Another World

After a harrowing ordeal with their Armor powers suppressed in Ch. 5 "Unarmed but Still Dangerous", the younger Ronin are eventually able to summon full AnimArmor and deploy their ultimates for the first time. Ryo uses the Flaming Roar incendiary dive to annihilate Dynasty goons by the dozen.
The shield really gets a chance to shine in Ch. 12 "Blood Calls to Blood" when dealing with mutated convicts who pledged themselves to the Dynasty. Because Jacqueline O'Connor hopes to restrain and cure them, the Ronin have to resort to unconventional tactics to apprehend the misshapen beasts.
Ryo's Lion AnimArmor is able to take down mutants handily with a combination of copious clawncher darts and shield bashes. Ryo uses his Flaming Roar to roast dozens of mutants simultaneously without fatally injuring them.

RyoLionShieldb.jpg

Ryo in Lion AnimArmor by Mardrena

Made with BlackInk

He waited until the last second, just as the beast nearly hit him, and rolled onto his back. He thrust up with both feet, catching the mutant in its’ soft stomach, then flung it up. As the creature flailed through the air helplessly, Ryo aimed with his lion shield and shot a burst of fire out of the mouth.

— Foes From Another World Ch. 12

In Ch. 28 "The Rune Waters", the shield is unfortunately broken by a transformed Kento, but eventually repairs itself as Ryo is still able to use it in the future.

Ryo raised his shield intending to block the incoming punch.
He would live to regret that as the blow shattered both the shield and his left arm.

— Foes From Another World Ch. 28

Events of Neo Ronin

While coming to the rescue of Emma Coburn, Ryo summons Lion Armor to avoid being manipulated by Kylyra's power. She throws a kyuuban-a magical parasite- at him. Even though he manages to block, the creature sticks onto the shield and drains his power regardless.

Ryo tried swatting it away with his shield, but it stuck onto the surface. A web of red light crackled over his body briefly then vanished, along with the blob. Ryo cried out and convulsed, and Emma’s eyes widened in horror when Ryo dropped to his knees then collapsed onto his stomach.

— Neo Ronin Ch. 2

Events of Cataclysm War

Ryo deploys the shield briefly during a duel with Captain Caroline Wendell but instead of using the flame cannon uses the shield as a misdirect for his clawncher darts.

Ryo not only managed to deflect strikes with the lion shield, but also fried minions with blasts of fire from the shield's "mouth".

— Aftermath Ch. 10

The thick plates forming the helmet and shoulders of the Lion armor seemed to bristle, and the edges glowed faintly. Ryo held the Lion shield out to the side and crouched before leaping into the air and diving down along the wall. The plates rose more and fire spewed out of the edges.

— Foes From Another World Ch. 5

Item type

Weapon, Melee

Creation Date

1500's AD

Rarity

Unique

Raw materials & Components

Because the AnimArmors were created using the spirits of powerful beasts, they are entirely comprised of mystical energy, making the Armor and associated weapons incredibly light yet durable.

He spun about and bashed mutants with his shield, tossing them up and shooting darts at them as they crashed to the ground. His clawnchers reloaded immediately after firing, so he never ran out of ammo. “Whoa! Ryo’s a beast on the battlefield!” Chief Perry remarked as Ryo flung mutants behind him as easily as a kitten tossing a yarn ball.

— Foes From Another World Ch. 12

The tufted lion tail swished behind Ryo’s legs and the mane plates clanked as Ryo straightened himself up and raised the Lion shield.
“You traded in two swords for a shield? How the hell is that supposed to help you?” Captain Wendell chortled scornfully. Ryo said nothing and pointed the shield’s open maw at her, but instead of firing a blast of fire, he held the shield horizontal and aimed his clawnchers at her, firing a claw dart.

— Cataclysm War Ch. 6