Buckler Question

[dreaded_beast]

Can a character use a greatsword and still get the AC bonus of the buckler? I know that if they use the buckler in such a way, they suffer a -1 to attack, but I'm unsure if they still retain the AC bonus.

If this was addressed in the FAQ or something similar, please let me know, thanks!

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

No. But I believe there's a feat that allows it (Complete Warrior?).

 

[Synchronicity]

Actually, the feat allows you to retain the buckler's bonus to AC while using a weapon in your off hand - it says nothing about fighting with a two-handed weapon. To my knowledge (and I am by no means claiming that my knowledge is exhaustive), all the rules on using a buckler and when you get its AC bonus apply to two weapon fighting; if fact, it specifically states that you get the buckler's AC bonus when using a ranged weapon such as a crossbow to attack. It doesn't seem to state anywhere whether you can use a weapon two-handed and get the buckler's bonus - as with a crossbow - or whether you lose the bonus - as when using two weapons. The wording under buckler implies you lose it, though.

Synch.

 

[Scion]

SRD:
Buckler: This small metal shield is worn strapped to your forearm. You can use a bow or crossbow without penalty while carrying it. You can also use your shield arm to wield a weapon (whether you are using an off-hand weapon or using your off hand to help wield a two-handed weapon), but you take a –1 penalty on attack rolls while doing so. This penalty stacks with those that may apply for fighting with your off hand and for fighting with two weapons. In any case, if you use a weapon in your off hand, you don’t get the buckler’s AC bonus for the rest of the round.


So, no shield bonus, but you still get the penalty if you like that sort of thing

There is a feat somewhere that allows you to do it, like the poster above said it is probably in complete warrior.

Personally, I would just go for animated shield. Costs a lot of money, but doesnt cost a feat.

 

[Darklone]

The feat in CW works, like Synch describes above, not for twohanded weapons.

I'd suggest to use Bastard Sword and buckler for versatility.

 

[Iku Rex]

Actually, the feat allows you to retain the buckler's bonus to AC while using a weapon in your off hand - it says nothing about fighting with a two-handed weapon.

Since when don't you use your off-hand when attacking with a two-handed weapon?

 

[shilsen]

Since when don't you use your off-hand when attacking with a two-handed weapon?

As far as the rules are concerned, references to using an "off-hand weapon" (which is specifically what the feat refers to) and references to using a two-handed weapon are not the same.

 

[Hypersmurf]

As far as the rules are concerned, references to using an "off-hand weapon" (which is specifically what the feat refers to) and references to using a two-handed weapon are not the same.

Improved Buckler Defense: "When you attack with a weapon in your off hand, you may still apply your buckler´s shield bonus to your AC."

Buckler: "In any case, if you use a weapon in your off hand, you don’t get the buckler’s AC bonus for the rest of the round."

So either:

a/ 'a two-handed weapon' is not 'a weapon in your off hand', in which case the feat does not apply, but the buckler description does not cause you to lose your AC bonus anyway,

or

b/ 'a two-handed weapon' is 'a weapon in your off hand', in which case using a two-handed weapon causes you to lose the buckler bonus, but the feat permits you to retain it.

In either case, someone with a two-handed weapon and IBD retains his shield bonus. In case a/, he retains it even without the feat.

-Hyp.

 

[coyote6]

If a two-handed weapon is a weapon in your off hand, do you then add only half your Str bonus to damage?

Quoth the SRD: "When you deal damage with a weapon in your off hand, you add only 1/2 your Strength bonus."

 

[Liquidsabre]

If a two-handed weapon is a weapon in your off hand, do you then add only half your Str bonus to damage?

Quoth the SRD: "When you deal damage with a weapon in your off hand, you add only 1/2 your Strength bonus."

Actually you do. Your on-hand delivers full Str mod and your off-hand delivers 1/2 Str Mod.