Bucklers and 2 Handed Weapons and Run Feat

[Wraith-Hunter]

I'm a bit confused with bucklers.

If using a 2hd sword do you still get the bucklers AC bonus? If you use one you take a -1 to attacks? Or would you need the Improved Buckler Defense feat.

If you have the Feat would it remove the -1 to attacks for the buckler or does it only apply to TWF's?

On a side note is Run a decent feat for a scout/ranger type or would is it one of the "timmy" feats WotC put in?

 

[saucercrab]

I'm a bit confused with bucklers.

If using a 2hd sword do you still get the bucklers AC bonus?

No.

If you use one you take a -1 to attacks?

Yes.

Or would you need the Improved Buckler Defense feat.

If you have the Feat would it remove the -1 to attacks for the buckler or does it only apply to TWF's?

The feat only allows a wielder to keep the buckler's AC bonus; it does not remove the -1 penalty to hit.

On a side note is Run a decent feat for a scout/ranger type or would is it one of the "timmy" feats WotC put in?

Eh, I wouldn't take it.

 

[Sejs]

If using a 2hd sword do you still get the bucklers AC bonus?

Normally, no.

Only if you have the Improved Buckler Defense would you retain the shield bonus, and even then only if the DM is feeling generous (normally it applies to the use of an off-hand weapon, not a two-handed weapon).

If you use one you take a -1 to attacks? Or would you need the Improved Buckler Defense feat

You take the -1 to attacks regardless. Improved Buckler Defense doesn't mitigate that in any way. The only time you don't take the -1 is if you're using a buckler in conjuction with a bow or crossbow.

If you have the Feat would it remove the -1 to attacks for the buckler or does it only apply to TWF's?

The -1 applies equally to TWF or fighting with a two-handed weapon. If you need to use your off-hand to attack, strapping a hubcap to it is going to interfere with your ability to use said hand.

On a side note is Run a decent feat for a scout/ranger type or would is it one of the "timmy" feats WotC put in?

Run capitalizes on one of your strengths - mobility. For a high speed, high dex character like a ranger or scout it could be a worthwhile investment. For a dwarf in fullplate, not so hot.

 

[saucercrab]

Only if you have the Improved Buckler Defense would you retain the shield bonus, and even then only if the DM is feeling generous (normally it applies to the use of an off-hand weapon, not a two-handed weapon).

Hmm, my group always felt that the feat's text of attacking with a weapon in your off hand applied the same way the rules as under the buckler are ("...to wield a weapon (whether you are using an off-hand weapon or using your off hand to help wield a two-handed weapon)"). I guess that may be a HR for us then.

My own follow-up question:
When wielding a bow/crossbow & wearing a buckler, do you keep the buckler's AC bonus? I'm not sure if that very last sentence applies to bows/crossbows, as it mentions wielding a weapon in your off hand.

 

[Darklone]

... or wielding a weapon with two hands as specified for bows. Yes, you lose the AC bonus without the feat. With the feat: Don't think so.

 

[Sejs]

Hmm, my group always felt that the feat's text of attacking with a weapon in your off hand applied the same way the rules as under the buckler are ("...to wield a weapon (whether you are using an off-hand weapon or using your off hand to help wield a two-handed weapon)"). I guess that may be a HR for us then.

It's a real common one. I use it that way as well. A strict reading specifies off hand weapon, though.

My own follow-up question:
When wielding a bow/crossbow & wearing a buckler, do you keep the buckler's AC bonus?

Only in a round in which you don't attack with the bow or crossbow. The 'in any case' kind of seals the deal on that one. Improved Buckler Defense would let you keep the AC bonus as normal for the feat, though.

 

[saucercrab]

Thanks both.

Here's another-nother follow-up:
If a buckler has armor special abilities, do they still work if you've attacked something (& you don't possess the above feat)?

 

[Ottergame]

On a side note is Run a decent feat for a scout/ranger type or would is it one of the "timmy" feats WotC put in?

It's usefulness depends on the character. For a monk, for instance, it's a great choice.

I know this is no longer a valid tactic in 3.5, but in 3.0 I had a high level monk with run, haste, and boots of speed, as well as some other speed increasing things. I think it was calculated he could move over a mile in 30 seconds, as I recall. I was outrunning flying black dragons in a swamp.

 

[Sejs]

Thanks both.

Here's another-nother follow-up:
If a buckler has armor special abilities, do they still work if you've attacked something (& you don't possess the above feat)?

Generally speaking, no. If you don't currently gain the benefits of the shield (such as in a round you attack, assuming you lack IBD), then you don't gain any of shield's other special abilities.

 

[saucercrab]

Generally speaking, no. If you don't currently gain the benefits of the shield (such as in a round you attack, assuming you lack IBD), then you don't gain any of shield's other special abilities.

Can you provide a page reference to back that up? I ask, because it may make sense with some abilities, but not with others.

Wraith-Hunter,
My apologies for causing topic-drift.