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

[Charlaquin]

Old thread is old.

 

[Mannahnin]

The videos are a cool addition to this old thread, and demonstrate ways to attach a shield to your arm/kit where it doesn't obstruct your shooting, but it's also not being used for active defense at all.

As I believe a lot of folks have done, I have introduced the buckler as a house rule- only gives +1 to AC but doesn't occupy the hand. But in any round when you're wielding something else with that hand, it gives no AC benefit.

The Scythian vid is interesting and new to me, but again, the shield isn't being used actively for defense, and it looks like that setup will only really work with the short bow shown. I would consider allowing this as a piece of specialized kit, and let it grant AC vs missiles only while the archer is shooting, but limit it to being used with shortbows.

 

[GreyLord]

Not a shield or a buckler, but can be used to block weapons like a shield (especially if metal, though I only use a leather one normally) is a bracer.

I use a bracer when I shoot (if the bowstring slaps the forearm, or snaps as it might if you don't keep a watch on wear and tear it protects the forearm) many times and it could be considered somewhat of a shield.

Not that it's the same thing as using a massive shield like the videos show.

 

[Mannahnin]

I would consider bracers part of most normal suits of armor (not of a gambeson or hauberk, but if you're front-lining you'd want bracers in addition to either of those if you couldn't get steel cuirass or a set of brigandine).

I've done hobby fighting wearing bracers, and I've done it wielding shields, and they're really not comparable IMO.

 

[Oofta]

Not a shield or a buckler, but can be used to block weapons like a shield (especially if metal, though I only use a leather one normally) is a bracer.

I use a bracer when I shoot (if the bowstring slaps the forearm, or snaps as it might if you don't keep a watch on wear and tear it protects the forearm) many times and it could be considered somewhat of a shield.

Not that it's the same thing as using a massive shield like the videos show.

Wouldn't that just be a vambrace? Which is part of a full set of armor to begin with.