Tower Shield Penalty

[Aust Diamondew]

In the last 2 campaigns I've ran I had no sword and shield fighters. And it sorta bugs me. Next week I'm starting a new campaign would it be that unbalancing if I were to remove the -2 attack penalty for using a tower shield in order to encourage some one to make a sword and shield fighter.

I've always wondered why this penalty existed to begin with. I guess it's because the shield gets in the way of your own weapon. Proably wouldn't for a small weapon though, like a gladius.

 

[Hardhead]

In the last 2 campaigns I've ran I had no sword and shield fighters. And it sorta bugs me. Next week I'm starting a new campaign would it be that unbalancing if I were to remove the -2 attack penalty for using a tower shield in order to encourage some one to make a sword and shield fighter.

I've always wondered why this penalty existed to begin with. I guess it's because the shield gets in the way of your own weapon. Proably wouldn't for a small weapon though, like a gladius.

Sword and Shield is, by far, the worst fighting style in D&D. I wouldn't remove the -2 penalty, but I would probably allow a feat that did.

Also, I'd disallow Animated shields, and that ******* Improved Buckler Defense feat from Complete Warrior. Those are just cheap ways to get the AC bonus of a sheild without having to sacrifice the damage, IMO.

 

[Hardhead]

Sword and Shield is, by far, the worst fighting style in D&D. I wouldn't remove the -2 penalty, but I would probably allow a feat that did.

Also, I'd disallow Animated shields, and that ******* Improved Buckler Defense feat from Complete Warrior. Those are just cheap ways to get the AC bonus of a sheild without having to sacrifice the damage, IMO.

A good rule to help shields would be that they give you a cover bonus on your REF saves equal to the AC bonus they provide (except bucklers, which don't give any).

This would be a nice little boost. If you do this, though, you need to get rid of animated shields.

Kamikaze Midget originally came up with this idea.

 

[Vaxalon]

What they need is a few more defensive shield feats. I think the reflex save idea would be a good start.

Another one that grants a bonus to AC would also be good.

 

[Aust Diamondew]

I like the reflex save bonus idea. And a few shield defence related feats wouldn't be a bad idea either. I already use shield focus in my game and I'll add one to remove the penalty for tower shields. Any other suggestions?

 

[handforged]

Perhaps a feat several nods down the feat chain that would allow you to negate a critical threat several times per day based on your ability to move your shield to the vital area. It would definitely have to come after other things like Shield Focus and should probably have a BAB prereq as well.

~hf

 

[CombatWombat51]

I've noticed the same nonsense that you have, Aust. Here's what I use IMC to make shields more attractive. Note that while they do fall under feats 'everyone' would take (at least sword and board types), I don't think that they're overpowered since something along these lines should've been included in the core rules. The other popular fighting styles are covered, after all, and I want to give players, and my NPCs, an excuse to fight like this. The argument that magic shields outshine other styles later doesn't hold water with me because I don't like to give magic out like candy

First, shields give their AC bonus to touch attacks and Reflex saves, but not while flat-footed.

And the feats:


Shield Optimization
You’re adept at using your shield to defend yourself.
Prerequisites: BAB +1, Shield Proficiency
Benefit: You get an additional +1 shield bonus to AC when using a shield, and the armor check penalty is reduced by 1.

Shield Mastery
You can use.
Prerequisites: BAB +3, Shield Proficiency, Shield Optimization
Benefit: When an opponent scores a critical hit, you get an additional +4 shield bonus to your AC for their critical confirmation roll.

Block Missiles
You can block projectiles with your shield.
Prerequisites: BAB +1, Shield Proficiency, Shield Optimization
Benefit: While using a shield, you can attempt to block an incoming missile attack that would normally hit you by making a Reflex save with a DC of 20, or the attack roll, whichever is higher. You suffer a –4 penalty to this save if you’re using a buckler, or +4 bonus if you’re using a heavy shield. If the shield has an enhancement modifier, you can apply that as a bonus to your roll.
To deflect an attack, you must be aware of it and not be flat-footed. You may block a number of missiles per round equal to your Dexterity modifier plus one (a minimum of one missile per round).


Happy Hollidays!

 

[Nifft]

Here's my first brush at a Shield chain:


Shield Focus
You are good with a shield.
Prereqs: BAB 2+, Str 11+
Benefit: You gain an extra +1 Shield bonus to your AC when using any shield.


Shield Reflexes
Your shield protects you even more.
Prereqs: BAB 4+, Combat Reflexes, Shield Focus
Benefits: You can add your Shield bonus to your Reflex saves. Using this ability is considered an AoO, and counts towards your maximum number of AoOs per round.


Running Block
You can run and use a shield.
Prereqs: BAB 6+, Dodge, Mobility, Shield Focus
Benefit: When wearing any shield, you can negate one Attack of Opportunity each round.


Shield Expertise
You are really, really good with a shield.
Prereqs: BAB 6+, Combat Expertise, Shield Focus
Benefit: When using wearing a shield, your AC bonus from Expertise is doubled (up to your shield's unaugmented AC bonus).


-- N

 

[Coredump]

NIfft,

One thing I noticed, is to complete the chain, it requires lots of different other feats. This may or may not be intentional, just wanted to mention it.

 

[Darklone]

I feel like pimping Kalamar stuff again... have a look at the ShieldSpecialisation feat in the KPG 3.5 updates on the Kenzer & Co homepage in the Kingdoms of Kalamar section.