Bucklers and two-handed weapons

[Fade]

This has almost certainly been answered before, but I can't afford the search function. Apologies.

Am I correct in supposing that I can wear a buckler and wield a two-handed weapon without penalty? I obviously don't get the AC bonus, but does the weight apply a penalty to my attack as if I was using a weapon in my off-hand?

 

[Jack Haggerty]

Yes, you are correct.
No, it does not.

SRD:

Buckler: This small metal shield is strapped to the forearm, allowing it to be worn and still use the hand. A bow or crossbow can be used without penalty. An off-hand weapon can be used, but a -1 penalty on attack rolls is imposed because of the extra weight on your arm. This penalty stacks with those for fighting with the off hand and, if appropriate, for fighting with two weapons. In any case, if a weapon is used in the off-hand, the character doesn't get the buckler's AC bonus for the rest of the round.

Aside from the fact that it does not state any penalty for fighting with a two-handed weapon, if a bow or crossbow can be used without penalty, so could any other two-handed weapon.

 

[Jondor_Battlehammer]

You have a 5lb. dinner plate stapped to your arm and you're trying to swing a claymore. The fact is that the -1 would apply, and I think thats fairly generous.

 

[Jack Haggerty]

You have a 5lb. dinner plate stapped to your arm and you're trying to swing a claymore. The fact is that the -1 would apply, and I think thats fairly generous.

Now tell me...

Just where do the rules say that? And why doesn't it apply to bows and crossbows?

 

[Rashak Mani]

This has in fact been discussed before and the rules dont cover it exactly. Last time if I am not mistaken a healthy majority thought it wasnt too unbalanced to allow the use of the buckler WITHOUT a -1 penalty. Some disagreed of course. If you think wearing a "ineffective" buckler whilst wielding a 20 lb Greataxe is "too much" of an advantage then you should give a penalty. I say its very much ok.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

I am with Jack on this one. The rules do not specify a penalty with two-handed weapons, so I don't enforce one. As long as you don't allow him to attack and get the AC bonus in the same round, you are OK. If a DM ruled the other way, I probably would not have a problem with that either.

 

[Jondor_Battlehammer]

If it were a MW buckler, I'd agree. But you are still using both hands to wield a weapon. The reason it would not get in the way of a crossbow is because you don't swing the crossbow.