Quick question: Can you use a shield while mounted?

[yennico]

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.

I agree with Steve Jung. A tower shield must rest on the ground to be usefull.
I dislikethe picture of persons using towers shields effectively on horses.

 

[calypso15]

When I think tower shield, I think of the old Roman scutum: http://www.romans-in-britain.org.uk/mil_roman_soldier_shield.htm

I can imagine that being used on horseback... but maybe not. What's the alternative? Strap two shields to my horse, one for when I'm mounted and one for when I'm on foot?

Calypso

 

[RamYaz]

Tower shield

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.

I disagree. The pavise was a type of shield developed to protect crossbowmen in the battlefield. They peeked, shoot and crouched behind it to reload. Therefore, it was too cumbersome for somebody to fight using it; as I think was the designers' intention with the tower shield.

 

[ThirdWizard]

I agree with Steve Jung. A tower shield must rest on the ground to be usefull.
I dislikethe picture of persons using towers shields effectively on horses.

Really it isn't resting on the ground when in use, since you're assumed to gain full benefit from all sides when using one. Also, you can be hussling across the battlefield or even in the middle of a jump and still keep your shield bonus from it. I don't think wielding it while riding a horse is too far fetched.

 

[werk]

When I think tower shield, I think of the old Roman scutum: http://www.romans-in-britain.org.uk/mil_roman_soldier_shield.htm

I can imagine that being used on horseback... but maybe not. What's the alternative? Strap two shields to my horse, one for when I'm mounted and one for when I'm on foot?

Calypso

Wow, I thought that was a heavy shield. I pictured a tower shield more like http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/F6.HTM (look under pavise)

 

[calypso15]

Wow, I thought that was a heavy shield. I pictured a tower shield more like http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/F6.HTM (look under pavise)

A Pavise was set on the ground, often in a stand, and archers stood behind them. There's not really any way ANYONE could fight with one of those, mounted or not. Obviously, tower shields can be used in combat, so I think it must be smaller.

Calypso

 

[werk]

A Pavise was set on the ground, often in a stand, and archers stood behind them. There's not really any way ANYONE could fight with one of those, mounted or not. Obviously, tower shields can be used in combat, so I think it must be smaller.

Calypso

SRD:This massive wooden shield is nearly as tall as you are. In most situations, it provides the indicated shield bonus to your AC. However, you can instead use it as total cover, though you must give up your attacks to do so.

I don't know...as tall as you are...total cover...sounds like a pavise. I agree that a pavise can't be wielded in battle, but I think a tower shield should be like a tower, usually heavy and sitting on the ground.

 

[calypso15]

SRD:This massive wooden shield is nearly as tall as you are. In most situations, it provides the indicated shield bonus to your AC. However, you can instead use it as total cover, though you must give up your attacks to do so.

I don't know...as tall as you are...total cover...

You make a compelling argument But no one has suggested any alternatives... my DM has already okayed my custom feat that removes the -2 attack penalty (Tower Shield Specialization). So, I either have to fight on foot as much as possible, thus making the point of having a mount, well, nonexistant, or I have to use a DIFFERENT shield while mounted. Suggestions?

Calypso