Weapon Focus and Shields [Archive] - Wizards Community

Weapon Focus and Shields [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Liquid Ghost
09-09-07, 01:20 AM For the purpose of the Weapon Focus feat, would you say that choosing it for a certain shield would apply for the a spiked shield of the same type? Shields and spiked shields are listed separately on the weapon list, but it makes little sense to me that you would need special training to attack with each.

On a related matter, I think spiked shields should make both bludgeoning and piercing damage.
Kouk
09-09-07, 01:41 AM For the purpose of the Weapon Focus feat, would you say that choosing it for a certain shield would apply for the a spiked shield of the same type? Shields and spiked shields are listed separately on the weapon list, but it makes little sense to me that you would need special training to attack with each.

On a related matter, I think spiked shields should make both bludgeoning and piercing damage.

Shield Spikes

When added to your shield, these spikes turn it into a martial piercing weapon that increases the damage dealt by a shield bash as if the shield were designed for a creature one size category larger than you. You can’t put spikes on a buckler or a tower shield. Otherwise, attacking with a spiked shield is like making a shield bash attack.

An enhancement bonus on a spiked shield does not improve the effectiveness of a shield bash made with it, but a spiked shield can be made into a magic weapon in its own right.

It seems to me like Shield Spikes modify a shield. I would say if you have either shield proficiency or martial proficiency then you can use the spikes, and Weapon Focus (Shield) would apply to a shield whether it had spikes on it or not.
war_thog
09-09-07, 08:41 PM Strictly? Its possible.
Common sense wise? Yes.

Spiked gauntltes are just spiky gauntlets. Both are weapons used in the same method. One just has extra pointy bits.

Same for bashing with a shield.
You dont use it any differently because it has spikes on it.

The magic section is different.
You are physically enchanting a different part of the shield. Doesnt relate to how you use it.

You could probably argue that you cant if we delve into the rules.
However as with many things, any DM worth his salt posses some common sense.
Apply it here.

Re dmg type.....

I agree. You dont only hit them with the pointy bit. It punctures them as well as smacking them over the head.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Liquid Ghost 09-09-07, 01:20 AM	For the purpose of the Weapon Focus feat, would you say that choosing it for a certain shield would apply for the a spiked shield of the same type? Shields and spiked shields are listed separately on the weapon list, but it makes little sense to me that you would need special training to attack with each. On a related matter, I think spiked shields should make both bludgeoning and piercing damage.
Kouk 09-09-07, 01:41 AM	For the purpose of the Weapon Focus feat, would you say that choosing it for a certain shield would apply for the a spiked shield of the same type? Shields and spiked shields are listed separately on the weapon list, but it makes little sense to me that you would need special training to attack with each. On a related matter, I think spiked shields should make both bludgeoning and piercing damage. Shield Spikes When added to your shield, these spikes turn it into a martial piercing weapon that increases the damage dealt by a shield bash as if the shield were designed for a creature one size category larger than you. You can’t put spikes on a buckler or a tower shield. Otherwise, attacking with a spiked shield is like making a shield bash attack. An enhancement bonus on a spiked shield does not improve the effectiveness of a shield bash made with it, but a spiked shield can be made into a magic weapon in its own right. It seems to me like Shield Spikes modify a shield. I would say if you have either shield proficiency or martial proficiency then you can use the spikes, and Weapon Focus (Shield) would apply to a shield whether it had spikes on it or not.
war_thog 09-09-07, 08:41 PM	Strictly? Its possible. Common sense wise? Yes. Spiked gauntltes are just spiky gauntlets. Both are weapons used in the same method. One just has extra pointy bits. Same for bashing with a shield. You dont use it any differently because it has spikes on it. The magic section is different. You are physically enchanting a different part of the shield. Doesnt relate to how you use it. You could probably argue that you cant if we delve into the rules. However as with many things, any DM worth his salt posses some common sense. Apply it here. Re dmg type..... I agree. You dont only hit them with the pointy bit. It punctures them as well as smacking them over the head.