Aspis Drones & shields

[smetzger]

I am going to convert Aspis Drones. In 1e they weilded 2 shields and got AC bonus from both shields. In 3e two shield armor bonuses do not stack.

Should I:
1) make up a feat that they have that allows them to stack two shields.
2) Give them a racial ability that allows the stacking of two shields.
3) Not allow their two shields to stack.

Thanks,
*:> Scott

 

[the Jester]

I was going to use them but ran across that problem too and couldn't decide what to do with it. I think a racial ability is probably best, though.

 

[Wolf72]

I say let them stack ... course only the base AC will stack. If an aspis had two enchanted (is that the correct usage?) only the most powerful enhancement (there both are used ... hopefully one will be right) is used ...

just like having a magical shield, dastana, and chaihar-aina ... all 3 can be enhanced but only the strongest one works. ie +3 buckler, +2 dastana, and +2 chaihar-aina ... you'd get +6 AC (4 from buckler, 1 ea from dast/ch-a).

maybe a special ability would be best: Shield stacking (with app text from sage on only the strongest enhancement will work)

so an aspis with 2 large shields would have +4 to AC ... okay, maybe this needs some more research (2 large adamantine shields would give +6 to AC) ... seems like a lot, but you could factor that into CR

 

[VorpalBunny]

I converted the Aspis (Aspises?) a while ago - here's what I came up with:

Aspis Drone (Medium-size Aberration)

Hit Dice: 6d8+6 (33 hp)
Initiative: +3 (Dex)
Speed: 40 ft, climb 15 ft., jump 30 ft
AC: 19 (+4 natural, +2 shield, +3 Dex)
Attacks: 2 weapons +6 melee; or 2 slams +6 melee
Damage: By weapon, or 1d4+2
Face/Reach: 5 ft. by 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: None
Special Qualities: Aspis immunities, darkvision 60 ft.
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +5
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 17, Con 13, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 9
Skills: Listen +8, Climb +8, Spot +9, Move Silently +6, Hide +5, Balance +8
Feats: Multi-dexterity, Alertness
Climate/Terrain: Any temperate and underground
Organization: Solitary, gang (2-4) or nest (12-24 + 10-60 larvae and 1 cow)
Challenge Rating: 5
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 7-8 HD (Medium-size)

Aspis immunities (Ex): All aspis are immune to acid, cold, electricity, lightning, and stench attacks. In addition, they suffer only ½ damage from fire-based attacks (no damage on a successful save). In addition to standard immunities, larvae and cows are immune to visual or sonic-based attacks

IMO, if the PHB says that like bonuses don't stack, then a "racial" ability or feat shouldn't supercede that rule - no racial bonus or ability should break a game rule: so no stacked shield bonus... but I was going to rule that 2 shields act as a tower shield - no increased AC bonus, but it does provide cover.