Shield and Shield spell question

[Templetroll]

Can a wizard/fighter multiclass use a shield and cast Shield spell to protect his back at the same time? I have a dwarf character who would like to try this/

 

[bret]

Yes.

The shield spell provides a cover bonus.

All shields except the Tower Shield provide an armor bonus.

The two types of bonus have different names, so they always stack.

Note that there would be a chance of arcane failure (amount depends on type) from using a shield or armor.

You could not stack the cover bonus from a tower shield and the Shield spell. It would be up to the GM if they would allow you to get the cover advantage from all directions rather than only half the battlefield.

 

[Kae'Yoss]

Note that a normal shield will protect you against attacks from all sides, while the shield spell only protects you against half the battlefield.

You could use a tower shield and the shield spell, having the one in front of you, the other at your back. Since same bonuses overlap, you'd have protection against almost all battlefield (you're still vulnerable from directly beside you, I think).