Does a buckler impede spellcasting? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Does a buckler impede spellcasting? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
blope
07-15-07, 11:30 AM For wizards. Do you lose the shield bonus to AC for the round when casting spells?
Knute
07-15-07, 11:38 AM Yes a buckler impedes spellcasting.

No you don't need both hands free to cast a spell. If they have one hand completely free they can cast spells with a buckler in the other. It probably leaves enough mobility to handle components etc....

K
Toloran
07-15-07, 01:16 PM Bucklers are strapped to your arm so the only problem you get by wearing one is the arcane failure chance.
zzo38
07-15-07, 01:28 PM Bucklers are strapped to your arm so the only problem you get by wearing one is the arcane failure chance.

A shield can be added and removed as a move action, so it isn't that bad. A spellcaster could use any shield (except tower shield) without worrying too much about it, just remove the shield before you think you will be casting some spells.
Zaver
07-15-07, 01:32 PM There's a feat in CW for keeping the shield bonus from a buckler while attacking with that hand, I imagine it can be applied to spell casting if it makes you loose your AC bonus.
Salla
07-15-07, 03:06 PM There's a feat in CW for keeping the shield bonus from a buckler while attacking with that hand, I imagine it can be applied to spell casting if it makes you loose your AC bonus.

Casting doesn't negate the buckler's usefulness, so no worries.

You can also get the buckler made out of something like Mithral or Darkwood to reduce the arcane spellfailure chance to zero.
DrMorganes
07-15-07, 03:54 PM Right. Since you don't need Shield Proficiency to actually gain the AC bonus from a shield, Salla's suggestion is actually a solid option for most arcane casters once they can afford the special material. Bucklers don't have an armor check penalty, so there's no penalty to your attack rolls etc for using non-proficient armor/shield. This is unique to Bucklers. Small and larger shields DO have an armor check penalty (plus higher ASF), so using one will impact your wizard's attack rolls for things like ranged touch attacks.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
blope 07-15-07, 11:30 AM	For wizards. Do you lose the shield bonus to AC for the round when casting spells?
Knute 07-15-07, 11:38 AM	Yes a buckler impedes spellcasting. No you don't need both hands free to cast a spell. If they have one hand completely free they can cast spells with a buckler in the other. It probably leaves enough mobility to handle components etc.... K
Toloran 07-15-07, 01:16 PM	Bucklers are strapped to your arm so the only problem you get by wearing one is the arcane failure chance.
zzo38 07-15-07, 01:28 PM	Bucklers are strapped to your arm so the only problem you get by wearing one is the arcane failure chance. A shield can be added and removed as a move action, so it isn't that bad. A spellcaster could use any shield (except tower shield) without worrying too much about it, just remove the shield before you think you will be casting some spells.
Zaver 07-15-07, 01:32 PM	There's a feat in CW for keeping the shield bonus from a buckler while attacking with that hand, I imagine it can be applied to spell casting if it makes you loose your AC bonus.
Salla 07-15-07, 03:06 PM	There's a feat in CW for keeping the shield bonus from a buckler while attacking with that hand, I imagine it can be applied to spell casting if it makes you loose your AC bonus. Casting doesn't negate the buckler's usefulness, so no worries. You can also get the buckler made out of something like Mithral or Darkwood to reduce the arcane spellfailure chance to zero.
DrMorganes 07-15-07, 03:54 PM	Right. Since you don't need Shield Proficiency to actually gain the AC bonus from a shield, Salla's suggestion is actually a solid option for most arcane casters once they can afford the special material. Bucklers don't have an armor check penalty, so there's no penalty to your attack rolls etc for using non-proficient armor/shield. This is unique to Bucklers. Small and larger shields DO have an armor check penalty (plus higher ASF), so using one will impact your wizard's attack rolls for things like ranged touch attacks.