buckler question

[kreynolds]

Hey! I went through the metal detectors before I entered....

Yeah well...

they don't work...shh!, don't tell anyone...

 

[shadowcaster007]

LOL OK. Let's try this again.

The PH clearly states that if you use a weapon in your off-hand, you lose the AC bonus from the buckler. If you are using a two-handed weapon, you are using your "off-hand", and your "off-hand" is what is holding the buckler.


Then why does this work for a bow?
You are using a weapon in your off-hand but you still get the AC bonus.

 

[Wolf72]

still on the other side on two-handed weapons ...

but if you're using a bow (attacking), you do not get the AC bonus, ... what you can do is have the buckler ready at your next init if need be (for that little bit of extra AC)

 

[kreynolds]

Then why does this work for a bow?

It doesn't.

You are using a weapon in your off-hand but you still get the AC bonus.

Not according to the PH, the Sage, or the FAQ.

The PH specifically states that you do not suffer the -1 penalty to attacks when using a bow or crossbow with a buckler. It also states that you do suffer the -1 penalty to attacks when using an off-hand weapon with a buckler. It then states, that in either case, you lose the benefit of the shield.