Is it possible...

[boxstop7]

...to use a buckler if you're required to use a weapon two-handed? I'm creating a ghostwise halfling barbarian who uses a two-handed weapon, and I want to give him a buckler as well. I'm just not sure if he'll be able to actually *use* the buckler. Thanks in advance to anyone willing to offer their wisdom...

~ Box

 

[Saeviomagy]

...to put the important part of your question in the thread title so people can see it from the main page?

Yes, you can use a buckler while wielding a 2 handed weapon.
No, you don't get an AC bonus.
Yes, you do suffer a -1 on all attacks with the weapon while doing so.
No, it's not really an effective tactic.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

Yes, you can use a buckler while wielding a 2 handed weapon.
No, you don't get an AC bonus.

Correct.

Yes, you do suffer a -1 on all attacks with the weapon while doing so.

That's a matter of dispute. The PH never says this. It only says that if you are wielding two weapons, you get the -1 penalty with the weapon in the same hand to which the buckler is strapped. Some enforce the penalty with a two-handed weapon, some do not. My own take is that there is no penalty and no AC benefit.

 

[CRGreathouse]

Yes, you do suffer a -1 on all attacks with the weapon while doing so.

This, as Dr. Zoom mentioned, is disputed. I don't think the intent or verbatum text supports this.

 

[Saeviomagy]

You're right, the text doesn't mention the scenario of a two-handed weapon being used.

However, given the actual text, and the specific exclusion of crossbows and bows from penalty, and the lack of any mention of other two-handed weapons, I would suggest that one of the following is true.

1. Two handed weapons (excepting those specifically mentioned) incur a -1 penalty (such weapons are assumed to be used in the off-hand as well as the on-hand)

2. Two handed weapons (excepting those specifically mentioned) incur no penalty, but still stop the buckler from providing an AC bonus.

3. You may not use two handed weapons in conjunction with a buckler.

Personally I'm in favour of either 1 or 3. 1 because it makes sense (the additional weight of the buckler would inhibit any use of the hand it is on) and 3 from a pure rules viewpoint (the buckler gives specific exemptions for weapons in the offhand, and bows and crossbows, but not for anything else, and thus follows the standard rules for shields otherwise)

 

[Veldrane]

I agree with the assumption that if a buckler can prevent you to use your off hand weapon correctly (thus applying the Armor Check Penalty to your attack rolls), same is for a two handed weapon, if you have a buckler strapped to your arm, and the buckler provides no armor bonus if you attack with a two handed weapon.
Then, I HR the Shield Expert feat to made possible to retain a buckler armor bonus when attacking with a 2HWeapon, and with a Mithril Buckler there's no Armor Check Penalty..

 

[Particle_Man]

would it really work

What about a masterwork bucker (no armour check penalty with respect to skill checks, but what about using a weapon in the bucker hand?)

 

[Gez]

I would think the only possible tactical advantage of that would be if you use full defense frequently. If you forsake your attacks, I would consider you get the buckler's AC bonus.

I would also probably be kind and consider a two-handed weapon would not suffer the penalty. After all, you also have your primary hand to guide the weapon, the off-hand is here mainly for the extra strength, not really for more accurate aiming.

 

[Antikinesis]

If a person using a large weapon gets attacked while surprised or flat-footed, they still get their shield bonus... even if it's from a buckler. I think it would be too restrictive to deny them the use of their weapon until the next round, just because they had a buckler on.

I could see having that restriction for someone who fights with two weapons, though.

I'd allow the buckler's use with a two-handed weapon. Those rules don't need any creative interpretation, IMHO.

-AK

[edited out a typo.]

 

[Shard O'Glase]

If it was a magical bucker you may get some benefits from it. Not a bonus to aC, but maybe things like fortification etc. I honestly don't tknow if you have to actively wield the buckler to gain those benefits, it is more equiped than if it were in your backpack but less equiped than if using a 1 handed weapon. Using an animated shield would avoid the confusion of course.