Can you shoot a bow and wear a shield at the same time?

[Darkmantle26]

I'm in playing D&D game at a comic book store and one of our players is wearing a shield while simultaneously shooting a longbow, but wouldn't that weigh your arm down while you shoot?

 

[Lanliss]

There is little distinction of shields in 5E so, by RAW, it would not work. If the Player were to have a special shield, perhaps a light shield that only adds 1 to AC, strapped to the forearm, it might work out. Or just the Animated Shield magic item.

 

[Noctem]

I'm in playing D&D game at a comic book store and one of our players is wearing a shield while simultaneously shooting a longbow, but wouldn't that weigh your arm down while you shoot?

No, the shield takes up a hand and you need both to use a bow. The bow is listed as having the two-handed property making it impossible to simultaneously use a shield. You can look for yourself in the PHB under the equipment section, page 147 for two-handed property and 144 for shields specifically stating that a shield takes up one hand. Unless the character has 3 hands, what he's doing is not possible by the rules. Happy gaming

 

[zaratan]

by RAW, not even with a handcross you can use a shield, since "Loading a onehanded weapon requires a free hand.". But some accept repeater crossbow...

 

[JackOfAllTirades]

Anyone who's ever handled any type of bow knows this is absolute nonsense.

 

[Sunseeker]

By raw, no. A bow requires two hands, just like a greatsword. A shield occupies one hand, not to mention it would be a major annoyance while trying to fire a bow.

 

[bganon]

There's quite a bit of ancient art, actually, depicting warriors using shortbows with a shield strapped to the arm holding the bow. Usually a smallish round shield with a shortbow, and they used the bow from a kneeling or half-kneeling position.

 

[Whirlingdervish]

I would say it depend on the type of shield..... Buckler sure no modifier , any centerheld shield or a roman Scutum no. an arm strapped shield yes but you don't get the AC bonus and you are at a disadvantage for the shot but if you are being charged you can drop your bow and draw your sword as move action of course if i am adding shield types i absolutely need to add different weights, possible stat req, and AC modifiers

 

[Jester David]

Anyone who's ever handled any type of bow knows this is absolute nonsense.

Using a shield and a bow is nonsense or it's nonsense that you can't?

 

[JackOfAllTirades]

Using a shield and a bow is nonsense or it's nonsense that you can't?

Unless it's strapped to your back (which is still likely to make things difficult) NO, it's not possible to carry a shield on one arm and fire a bow and arrow at the same time with any accuracy. All I can say to anyone who disagrees is go give it a try and get back to me.