Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Deno3001 09-13-07, 07:14 PM	So, I have a small question. I'm just starting up a new campaign and one of my players approached me about using only shields in combat. Things like Shield Bash and stuff. I thought it was a cool concept, but now I have a question on it. Does a player who is wielding two shields (and thus no traditional weapons) gain a shield bonus to his AC for each shield? Or do they not stack? If possible, could you cite where your answer came from. Thanks so much. Deno
Some_call_me_Tim 09-13-07, 07:44 PM	Does a player who is wielding two shields (and thus no traditional weapons) gain a shield bonus to his AC for each shield? Or do they not stack?They are both shield bonuses; like bonuses don't stack unless specifically stated otherwise. From the SRD: Shield Bonus A shield bonus improves Armor Class and is granted by a shield or by a spell or magic effect that mimics a shield. Shield bonuses stack with all other bonuses to AC except other shield bonuses. A magic shield typically grants an enhancement bonus to the shield's shield bonus, which has the effect of increasing the shield's overall bonus to AC. A shield bonus granted by a spell or magic item typically takes the form of an invisible, tangible field of force that protects the recipient. A shield bonus doesn't apply against touch attacks. [emphasis added] Similar wording can be found on page 122 of the Player's Handbook.
Deno3001 09-13-07, 08:06 PM	Okay thanks so much. I just wanted to make sure. Something was ringing in my head that it couldn't be perfect. And I knew these boards would have the answer. Thanks. Deno
Some_call_me_Tim 09-13-07, 08:25 PM	BTW, don't forget that when you use a shield to bash you lose its AC bonus until your next action.
Cifer 09-13-07, 08:30 PM	However, the PC can use other enhancements of the shields. He could, for example, enchant one shield up to +5 and have the other one be a +1 bashing (+1) arrowcatching (+1) spellresistance (+2) one. BTW, don't forget that when you use a shield to bash you lose its AC bonus until your next action. ...unless you have that nifty feat from PHB II.
Nytmare 09-13-07, 11:11 PM	BTW, don't forget that when you use a shield to bash you lose its AC bonus until your next action. Does this mean that you can bash with one, and get the shield bonus from the other?
Malcaor 09-13-07, 11:29 PM	I think the reason you don't get the shield bonus from both, is becuase eahc shield is on seperate part of your body, but a blow only coems from one direction, and is extremely unlikely to be blocked by both shields. I would rule that if you use two shields, you may retain your AC bonus when shield bashing, however you take the armor check penalty of both shields (pretty steep penalty IMO).
Salla 09-14-07, 12:27 AM	Does this mean that you can bash with one, and get the shield bonus from the other? Correct.
Cifer 09-14-07, 07:40 AM	I think the reason you don't get the shield bonus from both, is becuase eahc shield is on seperate part of your body, but a blow only coems from one direction, and is extremely unlikely to be blocked by both shields. The reason you don't get the two shield bonuses is that they have the same bonus name which is not dodge, unnamed or circumstance.