One of the "silent" changes in the last test pack has been a bump to the defensive bonus granted by shields.
What are the larger consequences of this?
* I see that it helps the Ranger and the Barbarian directly (who have proficiency in medium armour and shields, but not heavy armour).
* It allows for the possibility of Bucklers (or whatever)
* It reduces the comparative benefit of Two Weapon Defence.
* Spiked Shield becomes a disproportionately advantageous light weapon (and with no penalties to using two light weapons, it seems a natural combination for EVERYONE, even without the dual wield feat).
What else?
My sense is that this is actually a pretty big change, and will make the sword-and-board options for the fighter pretty desirable -- what do others think?
What are the larger consequences of this?
* I see that it helps the Ranger and the Barbarian directly (who have proficiency in medium armour and shields, but not heavy armour).
* It allows for the possibility of Bucklers (or whatever)
* It reduces the comparative benefit of Two Weapon Defence.
* Spiked Shield becomes a disproportionately advantageous light weapon (and with no penalties to using two light weapons, it seems a natural combination for EVERYONE, even without the dual wield feat).
What else?
My sense is that this is actually a pretty big change, and will make the sword-and-board options for the fighter pretty desirable -- what do others think?