Improved Buckler Defense ?

[The Madhatter]

Who says it has to be either-or?

When using a 2-handed weapon you're using your off-hand to help wield the weapon. Thus, you are attacking with a weapon in your off hand.

(This is all pretty clear from the buckler description in the PH. Your interpretation actually removes the need for IBD completely, as you only loose the AC bonus from the buckler if you "use a weapon in your off hand".)

Buckler: This small metal shield is worn strapped to your forearm. You can use a bow or crossbow without penalty while carrying it. You can also use your shield arm to wield a weapon (whether you are using an off-hand weapon or using your off hand to help wield a two-handed weapon), but you take a –1 penalty on attack rolls while doing so. This penalty stacks with those that may apply for fighting with your off hand and for fighting with two weapons. In any case, if you use a weapon in your off hand, you don’t get the buckler’s AC bonus for the rest of the round.

Excellent point! I have nearly every WOTC book and I have looked for a seperate feat that is specifically for using a 2 handed weapon and a buckler. I haven't found one which leads me to believe that the Improved Buckler Defense was meant to take care of both dual wielding and using a two handed weapon.
As far as a +5 buckler, if you can afford it.... With the 3.5 version of Magic Vestment, I think that's not so much of a problem.

 

[Aust Diamondew]

I pretty much hate this feat. It makes the TWD feat chain feel worthless.

You have no idea how it makes my sword and shield fighter feel

 

[Angel Tarragon]

Hmm, these are some interesting points that I have not thought of before.

 

[Elrik_DarkFury]

Given the new feats and conditions about power attack,two weapon fighting and the feats about these styles 3.5 edition brought, playing a fighter with one-hand weapon and shield is not anymore attractive.
What's the point to choose one-hand weapon and shield style of fighting when spending only a feat you get to fight with a bigger weapon doing
1.5 x strenght damage and get your damage with power attack doubled.

I was very happy when i first saw this feat and i thought that this would be great for my two-handed greatsword wielding fighter.
After some thought though i find clear that this can ruin the fun for someone who would like to play with a shield and resisted the urge to pick it.

Anyway,i like it better with a lower AC.It is more fun to charge knowing that they will probably hit you.It is more risky thus i enjoy it more.

(this plus a couple of Brb levels and you have the most excellent gory fights ).


__________________
The Wizard

 

[drnuncheon]

You have no idea how it makes my sword and shield fighter feel

He can pick up the 2WF feats and shield-bash with the best of them, so what's the problem?

J

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

It does seem a wee bit strange that so little has been devoted to weapon and shield fighting in 3E. Maybe it has something to do with shields already having the potential to increase AC by a great deal, I dunno.

But I would like to see some additional rules for weapon and shield fighting. Right now it seems too unbalanced towards two-handed weapons.

 

[daTim]

He can pick up the 2WF feats and shield-bash with the best of them, so what's the problem?

J

Not if he is a Dex 12 wearing full plate fighter.

 

[rhammer2]

When you are using your buckler, your off hand weapon is unavailable for attacks, the feat enables you switch off between having your weapon ready for a full round attack and defending when it isn't your turn. If you allow a two handed weapon user to do this, you must not allow him to take AoO with his weapon if he is getting the shield bonus. You can not be holding your weapon in a ready position and be using your shield.

Who says it has to be either-or?

When using a 2-handed weapon you're using your off-hand to help wield the weapon. Thus, you are attacking with a weapon in your off hand.

(This is all pretty clear from the buckler description in the PH. Your interpretation actually removes the need for IBD completely, as you only loose the AC bonus from the buckler if you "use a weapon in your off hand".)

Buckler: This small metal shield is worn strapped to your forearm. You can use a bow or crossbow without penalty while carrying it. You can also use your shield arm to wield a weapon (whether you are using an off-hand weapon or using your off hand to help wield a two-handed weapon), but you take a –1 penalty on attack rolls while doing so. This penalty stacks with those that may apply for fighting with your off hand and for fighting with two weapons. In any case, if you use a weapon in your off hand, you don’t get the buckler’s AC bonus for the rest of the round.

 

[Trainz]

Mmmm...

A two-weapon 11th fighter with the proper feats has 6 attacks per round, with potentially a +6 shield AC bonus, albeit his attacks are at a -3 to hit (IBD, TWF, ITWF, GTWF).

A shield and sword 11th fighter has potentially a +7 shield AC bonus with no penalties at attacks, but only 3 attacks per round.

In view of all this, there is almost no incentive to go shield and sword anymore.

In order to balance things, there should be a feat (or chain of feats) that improves the shield and sword fighting style. I dunno, maybe a feat called "shield specialisation", that doubles the shield's basic armor bonus for one type of shield (a large shield would thus give the dude a +4 to AC, potentially a +9 to AC for a magical shield). Of course, that feat would preclude fighting with an off-hand weapon.

 

[Iku Rex]

Are you disagreeing with me?

When you are using your buckler, your off hand weapon is unavailable for attacks, the feat enables you switch off between having your weapon ready for a full round attack and defending when it isn't your turn. If you allow a two handed weapon user to do this, you must not allow him to take AoO with his weapon if he is getting the shield bonus. You can not be holding your weapon in a ready position and be using your shield.

You're not making a lot of sense here.

What do you mean by "switching off between having your weapon ready for a full attack and defending when it isn't your turn"?

What do you mean by "holding your weapon in a ready position"?