Darkwood and shields. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Darkwood and shields. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
tarkin
10-29-04, 04:07 PM While discussing the munchkin Force Shield Ring abuse, I thought of something interest.

Normal Heavy Wooden Shields weigh 10 lbs.

The rules state that: A heavy shield is so heavy that you can’t use your shield hand for anything else.

Normal Light Steel Shields weigh 6 lbs.

The rules stat that: A light shield’s weight lets you carry other items in that hand, although you cannot use weapons with it.

Darkwood Shield: This nonmagical heavy wooden shield is made out of darkwood. It has no enhancement bonus, but its construction material makes it lighter than a normal wooden shield. It weighs 5 pounds and has no armor check penalty.

While the listing for the Darkwood shield does not expressely state that like a Light Shield, it is light enough to carry although not use weapons, it seems like a fair ruling to use.

This would let a cleric pass his weapon to his Heavy Shield holding off hand for spell casting purposes.
CruelDM
10-29-04, 04:14 PM He wouldnt even need to pass the weapon off, he could use his shield hand to cast.
Tony Vargas
10-29-04, 04:20 PM :rolleyes:

I'd have to picture a heavy shield (regardless of what it's made out of) as being comparable to the SCA shields I've seen - strapped to your arm, and wrist with a strap or even attatched gauntlet for the hand. No way you're holding anything in it.

Does point up a good reason why the name shouldn't have been changed from 'large' to 'heavy,' though... ;)
Nornagest
10-29-04, 04:59 PM Tarkin: Is there any thread in particular you can point me towards about the Force Shield abuse?

Edit: Never mind, I saw this thread 1st and now I've found the other thread. :D
Alamar Meric
10-30-04, 12:51 PM I have seen a variety of shields in paintings, figurines, at mock competitions, museums, etc. It would be difficult to carry something, but certainly not impossible. For example: a torch, a sack (to chuck gold into quickly), a light crossbow, a dagger (not to use, but to switch into your sword arm if you lose a weapon, or if you are going to throw something first).

A fighter could carry his longsword in his shield hand, but not use it. The DM could allow the fighter to throw daggers, axes, javelins, or other thrown weapons, and then, when he closes for combat he could prepare the weapon as a free action. It would make sense, and would allow the character to "roleplay" a combat sequence (I pause for a few gasps and shouts of indignation). It would allow the character to play around with his combat potential.

I like the idea of the Darkwood shield being able to do this. It gives a little flavor to the equipment, which I am all for. Nice tidbit to add to any campaign.

-Alamar Meric
CruelDM
10-30-04, 12:59 PM Note also that mithril should have the same effects for metal shields.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
tarkin 10-29-04, 04:07 PM	While discussing the munchkin Force Shield Ring abuse, I thought of something interest. Normal Heavy Wooden Shields weigh 10 lbs. The rules state that: A heavy shield is so heavy that you can’t use your shield hand for anything else. Normal Light Steel Shields weigh 6 lbs. The rules stat that: A light shield’s weight lets you carry other items in that hand, although you cannot use weapons with it. Darkwood Shield: This nonmagical heavy wooden shield is made out of darkwood. It has no enhancement bonus, but its construction material makes it lighter than a normal wooden shield. It weighs 5 pounds and has no armor check penalty. While the listing for the Darkwood shield does not expressely state that like a Light Shield, it is light enough to carry although not use weapons, it seems like a fair ruling to use. This would let a cleric pass his weapon to his Heavy Shield holding off hand for spell casting purposes.
CruelDM 10-29-04, 04:14 PM	He wouldnt even need to pass the weapon off, he could use his shield hand to cast.
Tony Vargas 10-29-04, 04:20 PM	:rolleyes: I'd have to picture a heavy shield (regardless of what it's made out of) as being comparable to the SCA shields I've seen - strapped to your arm, and wrist with a strap or even attatched gauntlet for the hand. No way you're holding anything in it. Does point up a good reason why the name shouldn't have been changed from 'large' to 'heavy,' though... ;)
Nornagest 10-29-04, 04:59 PM	Tarkin: Is there any thread in particular you can point me towards about the Force Shield abuse? Edit: Never mind, I saw this thread 1st and now I've found the other thread. :D
Alamar Meric 10-30-04, 12:51 PM	I have seen a variety of shields in paintings, figurines, at mock competitions, museums, etc. It would be difficult to carry something, but certainly not impossible. For example: a torch, a sack (to chuck gold into quickly), a light crossbow, a dagger (not to use, but to switch into your sword arm if you lose a weapon, or if you are going to throw something first). A fighter could carry his longsword in his shield hand, but not use it. The DM could allow the fighter to throw daggers, axes, javelins, or other thrown weapons, and then, when he closes for combat he could prepare the weapon as a free action. It would make sense, and would allow the character to "roleplay" a combat sequence (I pause for a few gasps and shouts of indignation). It would allow the character to play around with his combat potential. I like the idea of the Darkwood shield being able to do this. It gives a little flavor to the equipment, which I am all for. Nice tidbit to add to any campaign. -Alamar Meric
CruelDM 10-30-04, 12:59 PM	Note also that mithril should have the same effects for metal shields.