>Hear a lot about these on the forums. Can anyone explain
>them? Here's what I know:
>
>There are three spells (aura/barrier/shield) and there are
>wands, talismans, etc out there that will apply these. Some
>sort of damage reduction? Shield seems to just be -AC, but is
>there more to it than that?

All three are damage reduction, also stone skin, and (I think) minor/major ward. Barrier is around 40%, aura, shield, and stone skin are like 20%ish.

>
>I *think* some of these items are limited, and some are
>specific to individual characters...and that there is
>something to do with finding your own sleeks. There are
>edges, I think, to locate these (Aura Attunement, etc) but I'm
>not sure what the level requirement is, and if this is how
>people usually find them.

I believe all sources of A/B/S are limited, and there are many that are held by appropriate mobs/item locations, etc. However, the "sleek" system consists of wands (sleek black rod, sleek amber rod, sleek sienna rod) that are all level 60, and I don't think ever max out in the sense other limited equipment does. However, you can only collect 3 of each from your own locations at a time.

The (Aura/Barrier/Shield) Attunement edges don't help you FIND your wands, merely give you a 2nd location you can obtain them.

With enough observation experience, and a generally-well-known quest (interact with other mages in the game, they may help direct you), you learn a spell called detect artifact, which will help you find both sleek wands, and "standard" sources of ABS. The helpfile should give a pretty good idea.