Bucklers for monks?

[Astlin]

Don't Bracers of defense, and the spell Mage Armor, provide an armor bonus as well? Do they negate monk abilities? (just playing devils advocate, I really don't believe that it was intended for monks to be able to use shields, it doesn't fit the flavor of the class)

Yes, No, I agree.


Astlin

 

[Antikinesis]

I'm sure it's been discussed before... but how about...

Animated

Upon command, an animated shield floats within 2 feet of the wielder, protecting her as if she were using it herself but freeing up both her hands. Only one shield can protect a character at a time.

Do the usual penalties apply for a monk? Or a wizard?

-AK

 

[KarinsDad]

Do the usual penalties apply for a monk? Or a wizard?

Not if they are not actually wielding the item.

 

[Antikinesis]

Not if they are not actually wielding the item.

Okay... thanks. So the question now becomes, "Is an activated animated shield considered to be wielded?"

-AK

 

[KarinsDad]

Okay... thanks. So the question now becomes, "Is an activated animated shield considered to be wielded?"

I assume you are leading us down a primrose path with this.

Ok, I'll bite.

No.

"protecting her as if she were using it herself"

does not mean:

"penalizing her as if she were using it herself"

 

[Antikinesis]

I assume you are leading us down a primrose path with this.

Ok, I'll bite.

No.

"protecting her as if she were using it herself"

does not mean:

"penalizing her as if she were using it herself"

Actually, I'm not attempting anything covert in this instance. I'm just wondering why an animated tower shield isn't part of every mid-level-or-higher monk/wizard equipment package. The +2 bonus price seems pretty cheap for freeing up an arm and getting cover with no check penalties.

-AK

 

[Astlin]

Actually, I'm not attempting anything covert in this instance. I'm just wondering why an animated tower shield isn't part of every mid-level-or-higher monk/wizard equipment package. The +2 bonus price seems pretty cheap for freeing up an arm and getting cover with no check penalties.

-AK

Because it is an armor bonus and will not stack with my Bracers of Armor (AC:5 atm).

Astlin

 

[KarinsDad]

Because it is an armor bonus and will not stack with my Bracers of Armor (AC:5 atm).

No, a tower shield is a cover bonus, not an armor bonus.

The tactic is sound. The cool thing is that the Tower Shield will move with you in combat.

The only drawback might be that you have to either carry the Tower Shield through towns, or have it hover next to you, letting everyone know that you have an animated Tower Shield (a worthwhile item).

 

[Antikinesis]

Originally posted by KarinsDad
No, a tower shield is a cover bonus, not an armor bonus.

Ya beat me to it, KD! It's why I specifically mentioned tower shield. (The cover also helps reflex saves, btw.)

The tactic is sound. The cool thing is that the Tower Shield will move with you in combat.

The only drawback might be that you have to either carry the Tower Shield through towns, or have it hover next to you, letting everyone know that you have an animated Tower Shield (a worthwhile item).

Not much of a deterrent, IMHO.

Here's another one the rules don't mention... Can an opponent snatch your animated shield, in the manner of an ioun stone?

-AK

 

[KarinsDad]

Here's another one the rules don't mention... Can an opponent snatch your animated shield, in the manner of an ioun stone?

You can strike an object.

You can strike an object with a grapple. In this case, it would be a piece of cake since there is no opposed strength roll from the owner of the shield since he is not holding it.