Quick question: Can you use a shield while mounted?

[calypso15]

I couldn't find a reference to it in the rules. It says that if you make a DC 5 Ride check, you can guide with your knees, leaving both hands open.

If so, is there any limitation? Can I use a tower shield while mounted?

Calypso

 

[Aust Diamondew]

You can use a shield while mounted. I'm not sure about tower shields.

 

[Saeviomagy]

I couldn't find a reference to it in the rules. It says that if you make a DC 5 Ride check, you can guide with your knees, leaving both hands open.

If so, is there any limitation? Can I use a tower shield while mounted?

Calypso

No limitation. Yes you can use a tower shield.

 

[Greylock]

No limitation. Yes you can use a tower shield.

That -10 ACP is gonna be a mighty big factor on that Ride check, though.

 

[Steve Jung]

Except that Ride isn't subject to armor check penalties.

 

[Liquidsabre]

Yes you can use a tower shield.

Ack, I don't see anything that prohibits that but you have to admit it sounds a bit whacked lol.

 

[Greylock]

No limitation. Yes you can use a tower shield.

That +2 Max Dex bonus is gonna be a mighty big factor on that Ride check, though.

[So I'm not a rules lawyer. Least not a very good one. The image of a fellow using a tower shield from horseback hurts my head though. Think encumbrance could be brought into play?]

 

[Saeviomagy]

That +2 Max Dex bonus is gonna be a mighty big factor on that Ride check, though.

I'm afraid it will be no factor at all. Max dex only applies to armour class, nothing else.

[So I'm not a rules lawyer. Least not a very good one. The image of a fellow using a tower shield from horseback hurts my head though. Think encumbrance could be brought into play?]

I can't imagine how using a tower shield on horseback is going to be all that more difficult than on foot. Encumbrance might be a factor if you're pathetically weak, and if you don't have tower shield proficiency, you're going to be awful at fighting.

Mind you, this is assuming that "tower shield" refers to a shield that covers the bearer from shoulder to knee, and that other details are left to the imagination of the owner. Specifically it's assumed that the shield will have appropriate cutouts to make bearing it on horseback easier.

 

[Steve Jung]

I'm afraid it will be no factor at all. Max dex only applies to armour class, nothing else.


I can't imagine how using a tower shield on horseback is going to be all that more difficult than on foot. Encumbrance might be a factor if you're pathetically weak, and if you don't have tower shield proficiency, you're going to be awful at fighting.

Mind you, this is assuming that "tower shield" refers to a shield that covers the bearer from shoulder to knee, and that other details are left to the imagination of the owner. Specifically it's assumed that the shield will have appropriate cutouts to make bearing it on horseback easier.

I pictured it as larger than that. And I figure that a person using it would rest it on the ground, hard to do that on horseback and still be useful.

/snip/
Think encumbrance could be brought into play?

30 pounds over a heavy steel shield is not inconsequential for a horse. It's a tenth of the load rating of a heavy warhorse (up to 300 lbs: light load)

 

[Starglim]

I can't imagine how using a tower shield on horseback is going to be all that more difficult than on foot. Encumbrance might be a factor if you're pathetically weak, and if you don't have tower shield proficiency, you're going to be awful at fighting.

Mind you, this is assuming that "tower shield" refers to a shield that covers the bearer from shoulder to knee, and that other details are left to the imagination of the owner. Specifically it's assumed that the shield will have appropriate cutouts to make bearing it on horseback easier.

I believe "tower shield" is the D&D name for a pavise, which is a smaller and better-made version of a mantlet. It's a portable wall. It covers the bearer from head to foot if crouching behind it, or from nose to ankle if attacking.