Ion Shield (X) A model with the Ion Shield special rule gains an additional Save characteristic equal to the number shown in brackets, referred to as an Ion Shield. This Save characteristic can only be used against Hits scored when the firing model is within the Front arc of the model with this special rule.
Ion Shields are not modified by a weapon's AP characteristic as normal. Instead, if the AP of the weapon is -1 or worse, the Ion Shield Save characteristic is not modified. If the AP of the weapon that scored the Hit is -2 or -3, reduce the Ion Shield Save characteristic by 1 (to a minimum of 6+). If the AP of the weapon that scored the Hit is -4 of better, reduce the Ion Shield Save characteristic by 2 (to a minimum of 6+).
Ionic Flare Shield Models with the Ionic Flare Shield special rule improve the Save characteristic of their Ion Shields and/or Invulnerable Save by 1 against Hits scored by a weapon with the Barrage or Blast trait, to a maximum of 2+ (e.g., an Ion Shield (4+) would become an Ion Shield (3+)).