Weapon finesse and two weapons

[Happy Monkey]

Looking at the weapon finesse feat it incurs a penalty for using a shield in your off hand. Unless the shield has no penalty check.

What is the deal when duel wielding two weapons?

The off hand is to be used for balance yet no mention of weapons, only shields.

I am at a loss to understand the logic and how to rule...

 

[shilsen]

Weapon finesse isn't affected by dual wielding weapons. In fact, a character can dual wield two weapons that he has weapon finesse with, and not suffer a penalty to either. Presumably the "logic" is that weapons just aren't as unwieldy as shields.

 

[Darkness]

Moved to Rules.

 

[Happy Monkey]

Thanks Shilsen.

All that said I don't know what the mechanical reason would be for the armour check penalty applying for shields?

Masterwork would eliminate the penalty for all but large shields.

I think it is a needless rule that is best disregarded.

BTW, sorry Darkness, I did not even look when I posted, will do next time.

 

[mkletch]

Refer to the last question on page 18 of the most recent DnDFAQ (available at WotC), continued to page 19. It answers your exact question.

-Fletch!

 

[kreynolds]

All that said I don't know what the mechanical reason would be for the armour check penalty applying for shields?

Mostly because the shield is unwieldly, throws off your center of gravity, etc. Being slightly unbalanced doesn't throw off brute strength attacks, but it does indeed throw off dexterity based attacks, primarily because dexterity and balance are one and the same thing.

Masterwork would eliminate the penalty for all but large shields.

Yup.

I think it is a needless rule that is best disregarded.

Personally, I think it makes sense. Can you picture Zorro fighting really well with a 3 1/2 foot iron shield strapped to one of his arms? You can always house rule it.

 

[Darkness]

BTW, sorry Darkness, I did not even look when I posted, will do next time.

No problem.

 

[Happy Monkey]

Thanks all.

I will house rule it but as it doesn't affect anyone but npcs, it'll go unnoticed.

My players are woeful with knowing the rules...