Post/Author/DateTime	Post
mrpopstar 03-22-05, 03:30 PM	The description for using a Buckler shield with a Longbow are unclear: Player's Handbook 3.5(pg. 124): "Buckler: This small metal shield is worn strapped to your forearm. You can use a bow or crossbow without penalty while carrying it. You can also use your shield arm to wield a weapon(whether you are using an off-hand weapon or using your off hand to help wield a two-handed weapon), but you take a -1 penalty on attack rolls while doing so because of the extra weight on your arm. This penalty stacks with those that may apply for fighting with your off hand and for fighting with two weapons. In any case, if you use a weapon in your off hand, you do't get the buckler's AC bonus for the rest of the round." So do you retain the buckler's AC bonus for the duration of the round if you fire a longbow or not?
Tony Vargas 03-22-05, 06:27 PM	So do you retain the buckler's AC bonus for the duration of the round if you fire a longbow or not? No. A bow is a two-handed weapon, so you're using a weapon in your off hand. You don't take the -1 that you would with a melee weapon, though, so a buckler's still an excellent choice for an archer.
allenchan 03-22-05, 06:44 PM	take Improved Buckler Defense, problem solved :)
PlutoniumKnight 03-22-05, 09:50 PM	You don't get IBD for wielding a weapon in one hand. It says when you make an off hand attack you retain it so a longbow is two handed, it doesn't work.
allenchan 03-22-05, 10:25 PM	You don't get IBD for wielding a weapon in one hand. It says when you make an off hand attack you retain it so a longbow is two handed, it doesn't work. No, it does not say when you make an off-hand attack. It says when you make an attack with a weapon in your off-hand. You're weilding a two-handed weapon in your primary hand, and IN YOUR OFF-HAND. :rolleyes: Besides the obvious logic and the RAW wording, custserv has also agreed with this (though in the case of melee weapons. ie; greatsword. Perhaps not ranged attacks, though there is no logical reason why not).
mrpopstar 03-23-05, 12:42 PM	Official Answer from Wizards of the Coast(pertaining to Improved Buckler Defense): This feat works in conjuncture with attacking with an Off-Hand weapon, not while using a ranged weapon. Doesn't really make sense, but the the game-gods have spoken.
mrpopstar 03-23-05, 12:46 PM	*darn double post!* :D
primemover003 03-23-05, 04:29 PM	The buckler is also recommended for Archers in the Tips and Tactics article on the D&D website... Improving your AC (part one) (http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/tt/20050321a) If some of the game designers are stressing an Archer equip a buckler it must mean it works while using a bow...
Tony Vargas 03-23-05, 04:57 PM	If some of the game designers are stressing an Archer equip a buckler it must mean it works while using a bow... Not at all. The buckler is still a good choice for an archer. It provides him AC whenever he's not actively using the bow - and there will be times when he's forced into melee, not to mention when he's flat-footed and doesn't get his (probably high) DEX bonus. And, there's no downside, he doesn't suffer the -1 attack penalty, there's no need to draw or put on the buckler, it's ready to go the instant you stop shooting. You don't even have to drop your bow to start fighting in melee, just leave it in the buckler hand, get the AC bonus, and draw a melee weapon.
mrpopstar 03-23-05, 05:19 PM	TONY VARGAS:You don't even have to drop your bow to start fighting in melee, just leave it in the buckler hand, get the AC bonus, and draw a melee weapon.So true! I love when people point out things that are painfully obvious yet you fail to realize them. You are the Buckler Master! :bow: