The Aetherial Shield is a unique heavy shield from Dawnguard, built on the Dwarven Shield and set with Aetherium. It has a base armor rating of 26 and weighs 12. It is forged at the Aetherium Forge at the end of the quest Lost to the Ages.

Armor Enchantment

A shield bash turns the target ethereal for 15 seconds. While ethereal, it can neither attack nor be attacked, and it runs away in fear. Dragons are immune.

Every armor enchantment is listed under Enchantment Effects.

Aetherial Shield Map Location and Quest Guide

Aetherial Shield map location:

The Aetherial Shield is made at the Aetherium Forge below the Ruins of Bthalft. It is one of three rewards at the end of Lost to the Ages.

Read The Aetherium Wars or travel straight to Arkngthamz.
Climb to the summit of Arkngthamz with the ghost of Katria.
Solve the Tonal Lock and claim the treasure of Arkngthamz.
Collect the remaining Aetherium Shards.
Travel to the Ruins of Bthalft and place the shards to make the Aetherium Crest.
Follow the way down to the forge and defeat its guardians.
Use the Aetherium Forge and choose the Aetherial Shield.

Map credit by Map Genie.

Only one Aetherial item can be made.
The materials for the shield lie in the forge room.

Gameplay Tips

Bash a dangerous enemy to take it out of the fight while dealing with the rest of a group, or to escape.
Temper it at a workbench with one Dwarven Metal Ingot. The Arcane Blacksmith perk is needed because it is enchanted.

Smithing Guide

Enchanted weapons require the Arcane Blacksmith Perk to upgrade.

Upgrades

Aetherial Shield is improved at a workbench with one Dwarven Metal Ingot per improvement. An enchanted copy can only be improved with the Arcane Blacksmith perk.

Quality	Smithing	Armor
Fine	14	+1
Superior	31	+3
Exquisite	65	+5
Flawless	100	+7
Epic	134	+8 to +9
Legendary	168	+10

Armor Categories

All Shields

Light Armor

Every light armor shield, with its armor rating, weight, set and upgrade material.

Name	Image	Armor	Weight	Value	Set	Upgrade	Perk	DLC

Heavy Armor

Every heavy armor shield, with its armor rating, weight, set and upgrade material.

Name	Image	Armor	Weight	Value	Set	Upgrade	Perk	DLC