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Message: <blockquote data-quote="karossii" data-source="post: 4900221" data-attributes="member: 73384">I was working with a friend to create a character for a game he is entering. It is a home game, more or less LFR rules but not 100% restrictive, DM exceptions are being allowed in certain areas.I suggested a Githyanki Shielding Swordmage wielding a spiked shield as his primary/only weapon.First, Githyanki was not allowed, this was fine, I wasn't certain it would be.But then the DM has two other issues with the build. First he claims a spiked shield is either a weapon or a shield, never both. I understand he is correct in regards to enchantments - it is specifically stated that you cannot enchant it as both a shield and a weapon, only one or the other (which in the character builder, you cannot enchant it as a shield for some reason). But his argument is somewhat supported by the fact that nowhere does it claim you actually get any shield bonus or defensive bonus for wielding a spiked shield. It is not listed as a defensive weapon (a good thing for a swordmage who wants one hand free), but while the description states it is a light shield, it nowhere indicates you gain the benefits of wielding a light shield.My primary argument against this is somewhat weak, beyond what I think should be common sense, and that is the Character Builder Known Issues post which states; "Spiked shield functions as a weapon but does not properly also function as a shield." (emphasis mine)Second (err, third?) he claims that swordmage cannot wield a spiked shield, even as his only weapon/implement, and retain his +3 swordmage warding armor class bonus. I can see where he is inferring this, but it sees an awful reach to come at that conclusion - in my opinion he just doesn't like the flavor and is grasping at straws to disallow it. The text he is inferring this from is;(emphasis mine... err, his)It is clearly talking about having a shield in the 'other hand' while 'one hand' is holding a light or heavy blade. I feel this is such a stretch I am offended by it, I would rather just have him say he doesn't want to allow the concept.But my friend doesn't want to push anything, or argue with the DM in any way (the DM is a friend of his, only an acquaintance of mine), so the character is out... I am still left with the nagging desire to argue with this DM over this.I know that in a home game, the DM is always right - I have no issue with that aspect. But if it is a case of him houseruling it, I want him to say so, not try to bend and stretch the rules so that they just work that way. But I can't really say anything to him, because it isn't my character in question. But the reason I am posting here, other than to just vent frustration... Am I misunderstanding anything?Does a spiked shield NOT provide light shield bonuses to AC and Reflex while being wielded as a weapon? Does Swordmage Warding exclude spiked shields?</blockquote>

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