Buckler ... or what? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Buckler ... or what? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Ebonblade_Reaper
02-04-07, 01:19 PM Hey guys!

Quick question:
The entry of the buckler says "if you use a weapon in your off hand, you don't get the buckler's AC bonus for the rest of the round."

I know that if you wield two weapons, you can't use your buckler, but what if you wield a two-handed weapon (like a falchion) ?

Thanks:)
jaelis
02-04-07, 01:46 PM Most people interpret that to mean you lose the benefit of the buckler if you use a 2H weapon. (Since you do indeed have a weapon in your off hand.) There's a feat, Improved Buckler Defense, that lets you keep the AC bonus, but the feat is also a bit ambiguous about how it works with 2H weapons.
smeagol_lied
02-04-07, 03:38 PM I think i saw a rule somplace a buckler imposes a -1 penalty in attacks from your offhand, imcluding 2handed weapons.
draconic_swine
02-04-07, 05:05 PM I think i saw a rule somplace a buckler imposes a -1 penalty in attacks from your offhand, imcluding 2handed weapons.

It's under the buckler's description in the PHB. It's a worthwhile trade: an AC bonus up to +6, plus whatever other goodies you decide to put on the buckler - all for a measely -1 to attack. You won't even feel that penalty at mid-to-high levels.
Plothos
02-05-07, 03:32 AM It's under the buckler's description in the PHB. It's a worthwhile trade: an AC bonus up to +6, plus whatever other goodies you decide to put on the buckler - all for a measely -1 to attack. You won't even feel that penalty at mid-to-high levels.With an animated heavy shield, you get nearly the same AC bonus (one less) starting at the +1 animated heavy shield and you leave both your hands free, don't take the penalty to hit, and don't have to blow a feat. Higher dex penalty and more expensive to gussy up with special materials, but harder to sunder.

And your druid can keep his shield while wildshaped! :)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Ebonblade_Reaper 02-04-07, 01:19 PM	Hey guys! Quick question: The entry of the buckler says "if you use a weapon in your off hand, you don't get the buckler's AC bonus for the rest of the round." I know that if you wield two weapons, you can't use your buckler, but what if you wield a two-handed weapon (like a falchion) ? Thanks:)
jaelis 02-04-07, 01:46 PM	Most people interpret that to mean you lose the benefit of the buckler if you use a 2H weapon. (Since you do indeed have a weapon in your off hand.) There's a feat, Improved Buckler Defense, that lets you keep the AC bonus, but the feat is also a bit ambiguous about how it works with 2H weapons.
smeagol_lied 02-04-07, 03:38 PM	I think i saw a rule somplace a buckler imposes a -1 penalty in attacks from your offhand, imcluding 2handed weapons.
draconic_swine 02-04-07, 05:05 PM	I think i saw a rule somplace a buckler imposes a -1 penalty in attacks from your offhand, imcluding 2handed weapons. It's under the buckler's description in the PHB. It's a worthwhile trade: an AC bonus up to +6, plus whatever other goodies you decide to put on the buckler - all for a measely -1 to attack. You won't even feel that penalty at mid-to-high levels.
Plothos 02-05-07, 03:32 AM	It's under the buckler's description in the PHB. It's a worthwhile trade: an AC bonus up to +6, plus whatever other goodies you decide to put on the buckler - all for a measely -1 to attack. You won't even feel that penalty at mid-to-high levels.With an animated heavy shield, you get nearly the same AC bonus (one less) starting at the +1 animated heavy shield and you leave both your hands free, don't take the penalty to hit, and don't have to blow a feat. Higher dex penalty and more expensive to gussy up with special materials, but harder to sunder. And your druid can keep his shield while wildshaped! :)