Shield bashing -- a large shield is a light weapon?

krunchyfrogg

Explorer

• Apr 14, 2003

• #1

Just curious about this. According to the Player's Handbook, a Large Shield is consdidered a light weapon.

Is there errata on this? It doesn't sound right to me.

 

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Arcturus_Rugend

First Post

• Apr 14, 2003

• #2

Yes, a 10-15 lb. "light" weapon that can cover about half your body does seem a bit odd. I haven't heard any errata or clarifications to the contrary, however. Sometimes common sense and the rules just can't "play nice" together.

 

The Souljourner

First Post

• Apr 14, 2003

• #3

It's a light weapon because they wanted people to be able to fight with a shield as an offhand weapon without ridiculous penalties. Has nothing to do with realism

-The Souljourner

 

krunchyfrogg

Explorer

• Apr 15, 2003

• #4

Wow -- so there really isn't any errata on this?

Boy, just made it a little easier to play a Ranger.

 

The Souljourner

First Post

• Apr 15, 2003

• #5

Yup. Throw in shield expert and you get all the benefits of two weapon fighting, plus a great AC.

-The Souljourner

 

M

maddman75

First Post

• Apr 15, 2003

• #6

It isn't the weight that makes it a light weapon. It's that it is meant to be used on your off hand.

 

Arcturus_Rugend

First Post

• Apr 15, 2003

• #7

It isn't the weight that makes it a light weapon. It's that it is meant to be used on your off hand.

Click to expand...

Actually, it's weapon SIZE that makes a weapon "light" for a character. I don't think the off hand has anything to do with it, other than that's where a "light" weapon works better than one that isn't. Last time I checked, a large shield is bigger than a lot of the "medium" weapons, let alone the small ones, which would be considered light for a medium sized creature. This game mechanic is purely for the fantasy crowd, of which I'm a happy member.

 

T

The_lone_gunman

First Post

• Apr 15, 2003

• #8

It isn't a light weapon. It is considered a light weapon for purpose of fighting with. There is a difference.

TLG

 

Hypersmurf

Moderatarrrrh...

• Apr 15, 2003

• #9

When are the situations that a "light weapon" is important?

1. Attacking with two weapons.
2. Grappling.
3. Weapon Finesse.

Are there any others?

-Hyp.

 

Darklone

Registered User

• Apr 15, 2003

• #10

I hate shield fighters.