Very similar to the D&D Shield Spell, but modified to cover the entire body and give +13 AC + Dex modifier
Device created after the East West War in response to firearms.
After the accidental discovery that the shield spell completely deflected bullets, Wizards quickly developed a small hip warn device that could be filled with shield charges, and used to envelop the entire body with a shield. After mass production, death by firearms decreased dramatically. As a secondary effect, people stopped wearing
Upon further study, Wizards determined the way shields were able to deflect bullets. The small magic material that made up the physical shield acted as a non-newtonian fluid; where objects traveling quickly made the magic material of the shield hard and viscous but objects moving slowly would be able to pass through easier. Fast moving objects are stopped, but if pressure continues to be applied, the non-newtonian fluid slowly loses viscosity and the object can punch through.
The shield spell was historically seen as a helpful but imperfect tool, since it did not guarantee to stop simple weapons like swords, rapiers, arrows, and other magic spells. However, they are excellent at deflecting fast objects like bullets.
As rockets and spacecraft became more prevalent, the need for ship sized shield became a necessity. A larger version of the shield emitter was created. However, the size of the shield required more charges, and eventually crews hired full time mages called Magetechs to keep the shield supply filled. On especially large ships, an entire division of Magetechs are required to keep multiple Shield Emitters working.
Shields were useful during the Great Dragon War in deflecting Lightning Dragon attacks. During the end of the war, Lazers were invented and appeared to be very efficient in killing dragons. However, during the Final Battle, a dragon grabbed someone who still had their shield on, and was about to swallow them whole. As soldiers tried to use their lazers stop their friend from being eaten, their lazers hit the shield, and a massive nuclear explosion occurred. Soldiers and dragons within 3 miles were all killed.
It is currently unknown why as soon as a Lazer hits a Shield that a nuclear explosion occurs. However, after several additional accidental (and not-so-accidental) incidents it is clear that Lazers and Shields are always a dangerous and deadly combination. The Federation soon declared Lazers highly illegal, while Shields continue to be used.