Post/Author/DateTime	Post
MnemonicSV 09-03-07, 04:29 AM	A spiked, heavy shield is treated as a one-handed martial piercing weapon (that deals 1d6 for a medium creature, and threats on a 20/X2) for a shield bash. Has an improved version ever been officially released by WOTC? That is, a version that does greater damage, or has a greater threat range or multiplier (not including the bashing magical property)? If not, what stats would you suggest to create one? My character build would allow me to take Exotic Weapon Proficiency if necessary to wield such an improved shield for shield bash purposes. ----- As a couple side notes: 1) Could one using a spiked heavy shield choose to forfeit the use of the spike(s) on an attack, in order to go back to 1d4 bludgeoning damage? (If for example, he wanted to bash some skeletons.) 2) Could a character make a heavy shield bash with both hands, in order to deal more damage with a power attack? Would an "extra grip" or something similar be necessary in the shield's construction?
Devlonir 09-03-07, 07:14 AM	A spiked, heavy shield is treated as a one-handed martial piercing weapon (that deals 1d6 for a medium creature, and threats on a 20/X2) for a shield bash. Has an improved version ever been officially released by WOTC? That is, a version that does greater damage, or has a greater threat range or multiplier (not including the bashing magical property)? If not, what stats would you suggest to create one? My character build would allow me to take Exotic Weapon Proficiency if necessary to wield such an improved shield for shield bash purposes. ----- As a couple side notes: 1) Could one using a spiked heavy shield choose to forfeit the use of the spike(s) on an attack, in order to go back to 1d4 bludgeoning damage? (If for example, he wanted to bash some skeletons.) 2) Could a character make a heavy shield bash with both hands, in order to deal more damage with a power attack? Would an "extra grip" or something similar be necessary in the shield's construction? When it comes to improving the damage.. a feat to do just 1 extra damage on average is the worst way to spend a feat. So dont even waste your feat on making an exotic shield for bashing. The bashing enchantment is totally worth its gold when going for a shieldbasher. Use your feat to spend on some nice shield bashing feats from phb2 or something. about point 1, the forfeiting spiked for bludgeoning.. read this line from the rules: When added to your shield, these spikes turn it into a martial piercing weapon that increases the damage dealt by a shield bash The spikes turn into a martial piercing weapon, not your shield. So, Id rule that you can choose to use the spikes for piercing, or the shield for bludgeoning damage. About point two.. under shield bash, the first line says this: You can bash an opponent with a light shield or heavy shield, using it as an off-hand weapon. So, you must shield bash as an off hand weapon. So you cant use it as your main hand weapon. So, you will get 1/2 str bonus to damage and 1 damage for each BAB when using power attack. It nowhere says you can use it as a two handed weapon.
MnemonicSV 09-03-07, 07:09 PM	When it comes to improving the damage.. a feat to do just 1 extra damage on average is the worst way to spend a feat. So dont even waste your feat on making an exotic shield for bashing. The bashing enchantment is totally worth its gold when going for a shieldbasher. Use your feat to spend on some nice shield bashing feats from phb2 or something. I tend to agree, but the build I was going for actually allowed for a feat that I had nothing more interesting to put it into. I don't have PHB2. Wish I did though, I have heard there's good shield feats in there, and Races of Stone as well. about point 1, the forfeiting spiked for bludgeoning.. read this line from the rules: When added to your shield, these spikes turn it into a martial piercing weapon that increases the damage dealt by a shield bash The spikes turn into a martial piercing weapon, not your shield. So, Id rule that you can choose to use the spikes for piercing, or the shield for bludgeoning damage. An interesting interpretation. But I'll take it. About point two.. under shield bash, the first line says this: You can bash an opponent with a light shield or heavy shield, using it as an off-hand weapon. So, you must shield bash as an off hand weapon. So you cant use it as your main hand weapon. So, you will get 1/2 str bonus to damage and 1 damage for each BAB when using power attack. It nowhere says you can use it as a two handed weapon. I disagree here though. The FAQ states that a shield may be used in your primary hand (the off-hand reference was to illustrate the typical use). Since it can be used in your primary hand, and it is a one-handed weapon (all one-handed weapons can be used two-handed), I feel a heavy spiked shield can be used the same way. I'm just wondering if the physical design would be any different to allow this (outside of actual game rules).