Shield counter

Shield counters were introduced in Streets of New Capenna as the signature Brokers mechanic.
==Description==
Shield counters provide two benefits. First, if a permanent with a shield counter on it would be destroyed by an effect, a shield counter is removed from the permanent instead of it being destroyed.
The second benefit works against damage. If a permanent with a shield counter on it would be dealt damage, that damage is prevented and a shield counter is removed from the permanent.
This prevention effect works to stop any form of damage—combat damage, damage dealt by spells like Strangle, or damage dealt because of activated or triggered abilities.
===History===
<c>Palliation Accord</c> from Dissension was the first enchantment to use shield counters. 
After Shield counters were introduced as a mechanic in Streets of New Capenna, the shield counters on Palliation Accord were changed to palliation counters so there wouldn't be any confusion about them.
Aspects of the problematic Regeneration mechanic are present with Shield counters. The use of a physical reminder bypasses the previous unmarked "the next time" phrasing, and the removal of it serves as a more coherent replacement effect than the "instead it isn't" in regeneration text. While the typical creature usage of regeneration (activated ability) and shield counters (single as an entry effect) differ greatly in gameplay, makes for a good approximation to , Scry 1 notwithstanding.
==Rules==
122.1c defines how shield counters work:
==Rulings==
*Shield counters won't work if the damage is unpreventable (e.g. <c>Banefire</c>). A shield counter will be removed and the creature or planeswalker will be dealt damage.
*Each instance of damage (and, for that matter, each destroy effect) removes only a single shield counter.
*Shield counters don't prevent players from sacrificing creatures.
*Removing a shield counter in this way isn't the same as regenerating a creature.
*If a permanent that would be dealt damage has more than one shield counter on it, that damage is prevented and only one shield counter is removed.
*A creature with a shield counter on it may still be destroyed by state-based actions if it has damage marked on it equal to its toughness or has been dealt unpreventable damage by a source with deathtouch.
*"Shield" is not an ability that creatures have and shield counters are not keyword counters. If a creature with a shield counter loses its abilities, the shield counter will still protect it as normal.
==Examples==
==Gallery==
File:Icon Shield-Counter.png|Tooltip icon from Magic: The Gathering Arena.
==References==