Improved Buckler Defense

[Kheti sa-Menik]

Improved Buckler Defense from CW.

There seems to be some disagreement over the application of this feat as it pertains to using a weapon two handed.

Some individuals believe this feat wouldn't allow you to wield a two handed weapon and maintain the buckler's bonus to AC.

Based on the wording of the feat, it seems pretty clear it would only apply if there is a separate weapon in that hand and not using both hands to wield one weapon.

Is there an official clarification on this feat as far as this goes?

 

[Iku Rex]

Based on the wording of the feat, it seems pretty clear it would only apply if there is a separate weapon in that hand and not using both hands to wield one weapon.

Actually, the wording of the feat makes it quite clear that it applies "when you attack with a weapon in your off hand". A character wielding weapon two-handed is attacking with a weapon in his off hand. If he's not, he doesn't even need the feat to benefit from the buckler's AC bonus, as you only loose that when "[using] 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.

You can’t bash someone with a buckler.

 

[pawsplay]

Yes, it is an invented controversy, I think.

 

[shilsen]

I agree with Iku Rex and pawsplay.

 

[moritheil]

Indeed.

 

[Legildur]

I must admit, I've always been an advocate of the 'no two-handed weapon wielding' for the feat. But after reading this thread, I think I have changed my mind.

My only hesitation now is that by allowing it to work with a two-handed weapon, that it's just another (unneeded) boost to two-handed weapon users.

However, if I were to try and argue my original stance, it could be difficult to reconcile with wielding double-weapons.

 

[pawsplay]

It's not much of a boost. You can bet animated shield or a ring of shielding is on the horizon for the two hander anyway.

 

[Legildur]

Except that with a buckler, you can enchant it a lot more cheaply than an animated shield. And you can't add any special abilities to a Ring of Shielding. Besides, it's not like it's an expensive cost for a two-hander as they typically don't require as many feats to be very efective (compared to other styles).

 

[Iku Rex]

Except that with a buckler, you can enchant it a lot more cheaply than an animated shield.

You have a +2 AC advantage over the animated shield. Except that the buckler gives you a -1 penalty on attacks. And there's little reason not to use a large shield. So even before you factor in the feat cost the character with IBD and the character with the animated shield are roughly equal, game-mechanically.