Two-Weapon fighting and rapid shot

[Tar-Edhel]

Do you suffer from the penalties only when you take the full attack action?

For example. First round, I attack. Partial action only so I attack with one of my two short swords. Do I suffer a minus 2 penalty because I am holding a second weapon, that I intend to use at the first opportunity? Same question with rapid shot

 

[SpikeyFreak]

Do you suffer from the penalties only when you take the full attack action?

For example. First round, I attack. Partial action only so I attack with one of my two short swords. Do I suffer a minus 2 penalty because I am holding a second weapon, that I intend to use at the first opportunity? Same question with rapid shot

You only take the penalty if you actually use the weapon.

If you only use one weapon in the round, you don't suffer any two-weapon fighting penalties.

Note that defender weapons don't work unless you use it. You can't just hold a defending weapon in your off-hand, not attack with it and gain a bonus to AC from the wepaon.

--Two-weapon Expert Spikey