Help on Tower Shields

[LokiDR]

Re: Hmmm....Roman Tower Sheilds ???

Ok, I would go with that, but I would also point out that the Romans "Tower" Shield could have also been classed as a "Large" Steel or Wooden Shield too, as their heads and feet were exposed to fight unless in a "phalanx" formation. "Tower Shield" would be more like those portable "Barracades" with wooden support braces that middle age archers used to hide behind during a "seige" and would indeed provide "total" cover, and that I think,IMHO would be a more accurate way of describing a "Tower Shield". But I suppose it depends on the flavor of the campaign and the description the DM intends to use. Just my 2 cents....cheers all.

No, the "large" shield in this case would be a separate style. You can't completely hide behind a large shield, you can hide behind a tower shield. A tower shield isn't larger than the person, so you would expect feet to show.

A portable arrow slit/baricade (like the one you describe) is an entirely different device. The tower shield is wielded, the portable wall isn't. A tower shield isn't made to set up to hold it's own weight.

 

[Quixon]

I agree just use the 3.5 rules for Tower shields. They give a +4 Shield bonus to Ac, but you get a -2 to hit while wielding one. If you decide to claim cover-you get 100%-but you CANNNOT attack at all then.

 

[LokiDR]

I agree just use the 3.5 rules for Tower shields. They give a +4 Shield bonus to Ac, but you get a -2 to hit while wielding one. If you decide to claim cover-you get 100%-but you CANNNOT attack at all then.

And you need a feat for just that?! Tell me fighters get this proficiency for free.

 

[Malin Genie]

Fighters get this proficiency for free.



(Honest, they do!)

 

[LokiDR]

Fighters get this proficiency for free.



(Honest, they do!)

Well, at least there is hope then. (must go back and remake horde of tower-shield wielding warriors with pikemen, grumble...)

 

[Hackenslash]

Thanks to LokiDR....

Ok I surrender !!! Now that I think about it more clearly I would agree with LokiDR's take on Roman Tower Sheilds. That would make more sence !! However, I am not too sure about the original question on this thread. re: Help with Tower Sheilds and how they effect combat etc...as there are no facing rules in DnD. So getting back to the "Barricade Buckler" I might have to change my vote and go for the "All Round Cover" protection as there are indeed no facing rules to apply and no movement penalties to incur during combat and as has been stated in the above posts the "Tower Sheild" or "Barricade Buckler" would indeed fit on one arm, just like a normal or large sheild and thus provide it's bonus accordingly. Hope this helps and if it doesn't then I am totally confused and would ban all Tower sheilds from my campaign if I were you....only kiddin !!....DOH !!!

 

[Lord Vangarel]

Thanks again everyone.

I think I am going to go with the 3.5 ruling on Tower Shields. It just seems easier to use these rules than anything else!