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<blockquote data-quote="Spyritwind" data-source="post: 1358591" data-attributes="member: 1912">The discrepancy is more evident at low levels where most campaigns and npc's live, but at higher levels the one with a weapon and a magic shield will start to break even, or even surpass the two handed weapon fighter.If you want to implement a new game mechanic requiring a die roll because you think it adds some thing strategicly to the game that is one thing, but if you are just looking to balance things out more between party members I would just add +1 AC to shields making them slightly more effective.The other consideration is that not all people of the world have a strength of 16-20.&nbsp; Take two 1st or 2nd level fighters with strengths between 10-14 and see if the discrepancy is as great.&nbsp; Granted, A level 4 fighter with weapon spec., an 18 str and power attack with a gs can unleash hell ... if they hit.Also consider the dodge feat.&nbsp; Any one can take it and it doesn't require a shield to use.&nbsp; In fact ... the great sword wielding character can take it.&nbsp; This thought is off the cuff, but if you want a feat 'shield blocking' perhaps it could allow you to have a +2 AC vs. a single target.&nbsp; It is better than dodge in one respect, but it has draw backs.&nbsp; One, it forces you to use a shield and it doesn't help you climb the feat tree to mobility, spring attack, etc.&nbsp; Just a thought.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Spyritwind, post: 1358591, member: 1912"] The discrepancy is more evident at low levels where most campaigns and npc's live, but at higher levels the one with a weapon and a magic shield will start to break even, or even surpass the two handed weapon fighter. If you want to implement a new game mechanic requiring a die roll because you think it adds some thing strategicly to the game that is one thing, but if you are just looking to balance things out more between party members I would just add +1 AC to shields making them slightly more effective. The other consideration is that not all people of the world have a strength of 16-20. Take two 1st or 2nd level fighters with strengths between 10-14 and see if the discrepancy is as great. Granted, A level 4 fighter with weapon spec., an 18 str and power attack with a gs can unleash hell ... if they hit. Also consider the dodge feat. Any one can take it and it doesn't require a shield to use. In fact ... the great sword wielding character can take it. This thought is off the cuff, but if you want a feat 'shield blocking' perhaps it could allow you to have a +2 AC vs. a single target. It is better than dodge in one respect, but it has draw backs. One, it forces you to use a shield and it doesn't help you climb the feat tree to mobility, spring attack, etc. Just a thought. [/QUOTE]

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