[3.5] Shield-Related Questions

[Adamantrue]

I'm playing around with some ideas, and I need some questions clarified. I do know about Person Man's Shield Guide (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123630), but I don't think these are covered there.

1: One of my Players suggests that Improved Buckler Defense lets you retain your Shield bonus when using a 2-Handed Weapon. I was always under the impression it only let you retain it while attacking with your (usually) Off-Hand Weapon (when TWFing). Is he correct?

2: When enchanting a Shield as a Weapon, do you have to pay 300gp to make it a Masterwork Weapon, or does the 150gp you paid to make it a Masterwork Shield cover that? Similarly, what do I pay for an Adamantine Shield that I want to wield as an Adamantine Weapon?

3: Can I attach a Weapon Crystal and a Shield Crystal to a Shield, if it meets the Masterwork/Enchantment requirements? What about a Shield Crystal on the Shield, and a Weapon Crystal on the Shield Spikes (I assume the same would apply to Armor & Armor Spikes)?

4: If I wore a Buckler without Improved Buckler Defense and attacked, I would be denied the its Shield Bonus. Would I lose other benefits (such as Fortification, or a Shield Crystal)?

5: I remember an old rule printed in 3.0 (maybe in the A&EG) that you could use Armor Enchantments (such as Fortification) on Bracers of Armor. Was this ever reprinted specifically in a 3.5 book? (My group is very specific about 3.0 VS 3.5, and doesn't include the updates)

6: The Knight (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060501a&page=2)'s Shield Block ability or Shield Specialization...when using a Rider's Shield, does the Mount benefit from the increased Shield Bonus as well? The Mount wouldn't gain any of the other benefits of a Magic Rider's Shield (such as Fortification), would it?

7: Shield bonuses don't stack, but does this limit you to benefiting from the Enchantments from multiple Shields? For example, If I was wearing a +3 Empyreal Buckler in one hand (wielding a longsword...because I don't know #4, let's assume Improved Buckler Defense), and had a +3 Heavy Fortification Tower Shield in the other, would I be able to boost my saves & still be immune to Critical Hits & Sneak Attacks?

[Linkscoolfriend]

1: I'm really not positive either, but my group has always used the ruling that Imp Buckler Defense allows shield bonus to be kept while using any weapon in the off-hand, including a two handed weapon. We based this off of dual weapons, which must be gripped in both hands but are still used as though two weapon fighting.

2: To quote the Player's Handbook, "Even though some types of armor and shields (such as spiked shields) can be used as weapons, you can’t create a masterwork version of such an item that confers an enhancement bonus on attack rolls. Instead, masterwork armor and shields have lessened armor check penalties (see Masterwork Armor, page 126)."

7: (edit) Wasn't going to post this, as I am not positive, but as far as I know, you gain the benefits of only one of each item type equipped, one shield one weapon (two if dual wielding) one suit of armor etc. otherwise more high level characters would be walking around with a buckler strapped to each arm with fortification and resist energy and such. Not positive, but willing to say 99% sure.

[Adamantrue]

Specifically concerning #2 (the only thing that wasn't a best guess or house ruling)
2: To quote the Player's Handbook, "Even though some types of armor and shields (such as spiked shields) can be used as weapons, you can’t create a masterwork version of such an item that confers an enhancement bonus on attack rolls. Instead, masterwork armor and shields have lessened armor check penalties (see Masterwork Armor, page 126)." But look on the Shield entry for Shield Bash (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/equipment/armor.htm#shieldHeavyWoodenorSteel):
An enhancement bonus on a shield does not improve the effectiveness of a shield bash made with it, but the shield can be made into a magic weapon in its own right. We always ruled that you'd need to spend 450gp (150 for the Shield, 300 for the Bash) before you could start enchanting it with both Shield and Weapon enhancements. But during conversation with a new player, the question came up.

I could conceivably see spending only the 150, and letting that be enough to qualify for Weapon enhancements.

We also discussed an Adamantine Shield (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/specialMaterials.htm#adamantine), which he used as his main point of reference. The options were to accept the Shield entry flat out, add 300gp, use the Weapon entry and add 150gp, or (the most ridiculous) combine the two costs. I ruled 2,320gp, but figured it was time to get some RAW on the matter.

[RagnaroksChosen]

Specifically concerning #2 (the only thing that wasn't a best guess or house ruling) But look on the Shield entry for Shield Bash (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/equipment/armor.htm#shieldHeavyWoodenorSteel): We always ruled that you'd need to spend 450gp (150 for the Shield, 300 for the Bash) before you could start enchanting it with both Shield and Weapon enhancements. But during conversation with a new player, the question came up.

I could conceivably see spending only the 150, and letting that be enough to qualify for Weapon enhancements.

We also discussed an Adamantine Shield (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/specialMaterials.htm#adamantine), which he used as his main point of reference. The options were to accept the Shield entry flat out, add 300gp, use the Weapon entry and add 150gp, or (the most ridiculous) combine the two costs. I ruled 2,320gp, but figured it was time to get some RAW on the matter.

This depends on how the shield is set up.
For a regular shield it would be 150gp. And you can enchant it as a weapon.
Now if you wanted shield spikes/razors then those would need to be master work which would cost 300. Once an item is masterwork its masterwork, even with the rules quotes above I don't see why you would differentiate the two unless you where using spikes/razors.

Side note though, I know my group we had a player that liked shield bashing I ruled (and this may be correct) that a shield can have 2 enhancements on it. 1 as a shield and 1 as a weapon. I think he had a +1 blinding /+2 flaming small steel shield.

[Jeraa]

4: If I wore a Buckler without Improved Buckler Defense and attacked, I would be denied the its Shield Bonus. Would I lose other benefits (such as Fortification, or a Shield Crystal)?
THe buckler entry in the PHB says you only loose the buckler's AC bonus, not everything.


5: I remember an old rule printed in 3.0 (maybe in the A&EG) that you could use Armor Enchantments (such as Fortification) on Bracers of Armor. Was this ever reprinted specifically in a 3.5 book? (My group is very specific about 3.0 VS 3.5, and doesn't include the updates)
It was in the 3.0 book Arms and Equipment Guide. And no that was never printed in a 3.5 book (AS far as I can tell.)


7: Shield bonuses don't stack, but does this limit you to benefiting from the Enchantments from multiple Shields? For example, If I was wearing a +3 Empyreal Buckler in one hand (wielding a longsword...because I don't know #4, let's assume Improved Buckler Defense), and had a +3 Heavy Fortification Tower Shield in the other, would I be able to boost my saves & still be immune to Critical Hits & Sneak Attacks?

The shields AC bonuses would not stack, but everything else would, including enchantments on those bucklers.

[Funkyodor]

It's a moot point for Admantine/Mithril shields, since the cost of the material includes the masterwork cost.


Adamantine is so costly that weapons and armor made from it are always of masterwork quality; the masterwork cost is included in the prices given below.

Weapons or armors fashioned from mithral are always masterwork items as well; the masterwork cost is included in the prices given below.

[The Random NPC]

I'm playing around with some ideas, and I need some questions clarified. I do know about Person Man's Shield Guide (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123630), but I don't think these are covered there.

1: One of my Players suggests that Improved Buckler Defense lets you retain your Shield bonus when using a 2-Handed Weapon. I was always under the impression it only let you retain it while attacking with your (usually) Off-Hand Weapon (when TWFing). Is he correct?
If he isn't it isn't an unreasonable ruling.


2: When enchanting a Shield as a Weapon, do you have to pay 300gp to make it a Masterwork Weapon, or does the 150gp you paid to make it a Masterwork Shield cover that? Similarly, what do I pay for an Adamantine Shield that I want to wield as an Adamantine Weapon?

3: Can I attach a Weapon Crystal and a Shield Crystal to a Shield, if it meets the Masterwork/Enchantment requirements? What about a Shield Crystal on the Shield, and a Weapon Crystal on the Shield Spikes (I assume the same would apply to Armor & Armor Spikes)?
I would just use a spiked shield and avoid the question.


4: If I wore a Buckler without Improved Buckler Defense and attacked, I would be denied the its Shield Bonus. Would I lose other benefits (such as Fortification, or a Shield Crystal)?
I don't believe you do, as long as you also took any penelties associated with the shield. If I remember correctly you can have a shield strapped to your arm, without weilding it.


7: Shield bonuses don't stack, but does this limit you to benefiting from the Enchantments from multiple Shields? For example, If I was wearing a +3 Empyreal Buckler in one hand (wielding a longsword...because I don't know #4, let's assume Improved Buckler Defense), and had a +3 Heavy Fortification Tower Shield in the other, would I be able to boost my saves & still be immune to Critical Hits & Sneak Attacks?
Yes!

[Adamantrue]

OK, to recap:
1: One of my Players suggests that Improved Buckler Defense lets you retain your Shield bonus when using a 2-Handed Weapon. I was always under the impression it only let you retain it while attacking with your (usually) Off-Hand Weapon (when TWFing). Is he correct? No one seems to think its unreasonable, but no one has definitively answered with the hard RAW. I'd like to know for sure.
2: When enchanting a Shield as a Weapon, do you have to pay 300gp to make it a Masterwork Weapon, or does the 150gp you paid to make it a Masterwork Shield cover that? Similarly, what do I pay for an Adamantine Shield that I want to wield as an Adamantine Weapon? The impression I'm getting is that you only need to pay 150gp or the Shield entry for a Special Material. I'm not going to be able to get an enhancement bonus on Attack Rolls with it outside of Magic, but those are the only costs.
3: Can I attach a Weapon Crystal and a Shield Crystal to a Shield, if it meets the Masterwork/Enchantment requirements? What about a Shield Crystal on the Shield, and a Weapon Crystal on the Shield Spikes (I assume the same would apply to Armor & Armor Spikes)? No one's chimed in on this one yet.
4: If I wore a Buckler without Improved Buckler Defense and attacked, I would be denied the its Shield Bonus. Would I lose other benefits (such as Fortification, or a Shield Crystal)? It sounds like I keep the Enchantments here. I'm liking that.
5: I remember an old rule printed in 3.0 (maybe in the A&EG) that you could use Armor Enchantments (such as Fortification) on Bracers of Armor. Was this ever reprinted specifically in a 3.5 book? (My group is very specific about 3.0 VS 3.5, and doesn't include the updates) Hard answered. Sadly, it is no.
6: The Knight (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060501a&page=2)'s Shield Block ability or Shield Specialization...when using a Rider's Shield, does the Mount benefit from the increased Shield Bonus as well? The Mount wouldn't gain any of the other benefits of a Magic Rider's Shield (such as Fortification), would it? No response here yet.
7: Shield bonuses don't stack, but does this limit you to benefiting from the Enchantments from multiple Shields? For example, If I was wearing a +3 Empyreal Buckler in one hand (wielding a longsword...because I don't know #4, let's assume Improved Buckler Defense), and had a +3 Heavy Fortification Tower Shield in the other, would I be able to boost my saves & still be immune to Critical Hits & Sneak Attacks? It sounds like doing this works.

I'm surprised there weren't more specific answers here. Plenty of "I believe" or "I think" or "I'd allow"...but not as much that was definite.

[Quietus]

1: One of my Players suggests that Improved Buckler Defense lets you retain your Shield bonus when using a 2-Handed Weapon. I was always under the impression it only let you retain it while attacking with your (usually) Off-Hand Weapon (when TWFing). Is he correct?

The rule is that you retain your Shield bonus when attacking with your off-hand. When using a two handed weapon, you're using your off hand to do so, thus you would retain your shield bonus.

When attacking without Improved Buckler Defense, the only thing you lose is the bonus to AC; You definitely keep the other enchantments.


7: Shield bonuses don't stack, but does this limit you to benefiting from the Enchantments from multiple Shields? For example, If I was wearing a +3 Empyreal Buckler in one hand (wielding a longsword...because I don't know #4, let's assume Improved Buckler Defense), and had a +3 Heavy Fortification Tower Shield in the other, would I be able to boost my saves & still be immune to Critical Hits & Sneak Attacks?

Yes. The bonuses to AC wouldn't stack; You'd get only the larger of the two, as they're both "Shield bonuses", barring the possibility that the Empyreal quality changes that. I think one thing out there altered a shield's AC type to deflection, though I can't remember what. But you would gain the benefits of both enchantments.

Amusingly, you wouldn't need the Improved Buckler Defense feat in order to maintain your Buckler's AC bonus here, if it were larger than your tower shield's (such as if you use the tower shield for cover). You only lose the buckler's bonus to AC if you attack with your off hand; In this case, your one-handed longsword is wielded in your main hand.

In fact, running along those lines; If you were using a buckler with a greatsword, as an example, and you had the improved buckler defense, there's two possibilities. Either the greatsword counts as your off-hand, as I described above, and you get to keep your AC due to Improved Buckler Defense. If your DM insists that using a two handed weapon precludes using an off hand, then you can use your buckler and retain the full bonus to AC when fighting with a two handed weapon, without using the Improved Buckler Defense feat, because you only lose that bonus to AC when attacking with your off hand.

[Greenish]

I think one thing out there altered a shield's AC type to deflection, though I can't remember what.Riverine from Stormwrack, only half the bonus.

[Adamantrue]

There comes a point where literally interpreting the rules begins to defy common sense, let alone RAI. I'll just roll with Improved Buckler Defense working with a 2-Hander. That just leaves two more for now.
3: Can I attach a Weapon Crystal and a Shield Crystal to a Shield, if it meets the Masterwork/Enchantment requirements? What about a Shield Crystal on the Shield, and a Weapon Crystal on the Shield Spikes (I assume the same would apply to Armor & Armor Spikes)?
6: The Knight (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060501a&page=2)'s Shield Block ability or Shield Specialization...when using a Rider's Shield, does the Mount benefit from the increased Shield Bonus as well? The Mount wouldn't gain any of the other benefits of a Magic Rider's Shield (such as Fortification), would it?

[Diarmuid]

You could only add a single crystal to a shield as per the MIC items only have a single "slot" for crystals.

That being said, a shield should be able to hold a Weapon Augment or a Shield augment as it listed in both sections of the Equipment chapter.

Since a shield spike can be enchanted separately with it's own enhancement/enchantments, I dont see why it couldnt also hold a Weapon Augment crystal.

Another interesting note, is that Armor Crystals can be placed on any item that grants an armor bonus to AC. So while you cant enchant up your Bracers of Armor, you could put an Armor Augment Crystal on them.

[Gwendol]

On question 6: Yes to the first part and a tentative no to the latter part of the question. This has to do with magic items needed to be equipped to confer the magic abilities. That said, it will probably be down to a DM call in the end. What does the description of the Rider's Shield say?

[Voyager_I]

Does this mean I could be wearing a Mithril Buckler on each arm while also being protected by a Dancing Large Shield?

Because damn, another two places to stuff enchantments on every character sounds pretty cool.

[Rebel7284]

Does this mean I could be wearing a Mithril Buckler on each arm while also being protected by a Dancing Large Shield?

Because damn, another two places to stuff enchantments on every character sounds pretty cool.

This works, although note that you would get -2 to your attack roll (-1 per buckler).

[Adamantrue]

On question 6: Yes to the first part and a tentative no to the latter part of the question. This has to do with magic items needed to be equipped to confer the magic abilities. That said, it will probably be down to a DM call in the end. What does the description of the Rider's Shield say?
If you have the Exotic Shield Proficiency (rider’s shield) feat and use a rider’s shield, you and your mount both gain the benefit of the shield’s AC bonus. From what it looks like, and what I've always assumed, is that it just applies the Shield Bonus.

[Diarmuid]

This works, although note that you would get -2 to your attack roll (-1 per buckler).

Not if they're Mithril and dont have an ACP.

[Hiro Protagonest]

Not if they're Mithril and dont have an ACP.

...The attack penalty and the ACP are two different things.

[Diarmuid]

Well slap my butt and call my Suzie...I coulda sworn the Attack penalty was related to the ACP.

The more you know...

[Diarmuid]

Well slap my butt and call my Suzie...I coulda sworn the Attack penalty was related to the ACP.

The more you know...

[Diarmuid]

Well slap my butt and call my Suzie...I coulda sworn the Attack penalty was related to the ACP.

The more you know...

[Voyager_I]

...The attack penalty and the ACP are two different things.

A somewhat liberal reading of the rules could let a ranged character get away without, and even a strict interpretation still just gives them a -1. It's also a -1 to each hand, so the only builds that will ever take the full -2 penalty are 2h'ers.

I can think of some mages that would be willing to take -1 on their rays for another pile of enchantments, especially since being able to split up the +X equivalents among three sources could make them dramatically cheaper.

[panaikhan]

There was a weapon from Dark Sun 2E that was a sword strapped to a shield, that I built a fighter around.
Happily, the same weapon (more or less) has appeared in Pathfinder (fluff-wise, it's a horned animal skull, or whatever).
I'd love to hear how people would think the TWF / TWD / shield specialisation feats would stack with something that is explicitly a wearpon AND a shield.

[Voyager_I]

Well, shield bonuses don't stack, so wielding two of them wouldn't increase your AC any more than the first. It wouldn't really be a problem for you; you just don't get a double shield bonus. The reason I'd be using three shields (one on each arm plus a dancer) would be purely to have more places to spread out enchantments.

[Gwendol]

From what it looks like, and what I've always assumed, is that it just applies the Shield Bonus.

From the text you quoted I would agree.

[Cieyrin]

1: One of my Players suggests that Improved Buckler Defense lets you retain your Shield bonus when using a 2-Handed Weapon. I was always under the impression it only let you retain it while attacking with your (usually) Off-Hand Weapon (when TWFing). Is he correct?

By RAW, the feat only helps in the situation where you have a separate weapon in your buckler hand and it doesn't touch on the situation of two-handing weapons. Also by RAW, when using a two-handed weapon with a buckler, you don't lose the AC bonus, so it's a case of something being not well-written.


2: When enchanting a Shield as a Weapon, do you have to pay 300gp to make it a Masterwork Weapon, or does the 150gp you paid to make it a Masterwork Shield cover that? Similarly, what do I pay for an Adamantine Shield that I want to wield as an Adamantine Weapon?

You don't need to buy an adamantine shield as an adamantine weapon to get the benefits, you just pay for it as a shield. As for the Masterwork, I believe you can't buy it as a Masterwork weapon, since its primarily a defensive item. Masterworking it as a shield still opens it up for enchanting as a weapon, so there's no benefit for paying the extra 300 when you can just buy it as a +1 Bashing and just build off of Bashing to further enchant it as a weapon, since it's a +1 weapon because of bashing.


3: Can I attach a Weapon Crystal and a Shield Crystal to a Shield, if it meets the Masterwork/Enchantment requirements? What about a Shield Crystal on the Shield, and a Weapon Crystal on the Shield Spikes (I assume the same would apply to Armor & Armor Spikes)?

It's one crystal per weapon or shield, regardless of the type.

As for the shield spikes, it's a common misnomer that they're treated as a separate weapon from the shield. All shield spikes do is enhance the damage and change the damage type of the shield, it doesn't give you a separate slot. Check the weapon table in your PHB, there is no entry for shield spikes, just nonspiked and spiked shields. Armor Spikes are a separate weapon, however, and can get away with being enchanted separately and having their own augment crystal slot.

If you want a real trick, enchant your gauntlets as separate weapons or get a dastana and chahar-aina and enchant those for more slots.


4: If I wore a Buckler without Improved Buckler Defense and attacked, I would be denied the its Shield Bonus. Would I lose other benefits (such as Fortification, or a Shield Crystal)?

You would keep those benefits, they aren't an AC bonus.


5: I remember an old rule printed in 3.0 (maybe in the A&EG) that you could use Armor Enchantments (such as Fortification) on Bracers of Armor. Was this ever reprinted specifically in a 3.5 book? (My group is very specific about 3.0 VS 3.5, and doesn't include the updates)

The rules from Arms and Equipment Guide is the only place those rules exist. Since it wasn't updated in 3.5, they're grandfathered into the rules, so they should be fine to use.


6: The Knight (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060501a&page=2)'s Shield Block ability or Shield Specialization...when using a Rider's Shield, does the Mount benefit from the increased Shield Bonus as well? The Mount wouldn't gain any of the other benefits of a Magic Rider's Shield (such as Fortification), would it?

Rider's Shield imparts your shield bonus to the mount, which includes any changes to it. It doesn't extend any other benefits of the shield to your mount.


7: Shield bonuses don't stack, but does this limit you to benefiting from the Enchantments from multiple Shields? For example, If I was wearing a +3 Empyreal Buckler in one hand (wielding a longsword...because I don't know #4, let's assume Improved Buckler Defense), and had a +3 Heavy Fortification Tower Shield in the other, would I be able to boost my saves & still be immune to Critical Hits & Sneak Attacks?

The only restriction there is you just get the highest shield bonus to AC, special abilities still all apply.

[Adamantrue]

By RAW, the feat only helps in the situation where you have a separate weapon in your buckler hand and it doesn't touch on the situation of two-handing weapons. Also by RAW, when using a two-handed weapon with a buckler, you don't lose the AC bonus, so it's a case of something being not well-written. Well, faced with those alternatives, I'll go with Improved Buckler Defense allowing you to keep the Shield Bonus with a 2-Hander.
You don't need to buy an adamantine shield as an adamantine weapon to get the benefits, you just pay for it as a shield. As for the Masterwork, I believe you can't buy it as a Masterwork weapon, since its primarily a defensive item. Masterworking it as a shield still opens it up for enchanting as a weapon, so there's no benefit for paying the extra 300 when you can just buy it as a +1 Bashing and just build off of Bashing to further enchant it as a weapon, since it's a +1 weapon because of bashing. You have to specifically get the Bashing (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicItems/magicArmor.htm#bashing) ability to begin enchanting it as a Weapon? I mean, its cheaper and all...but it doesn't seem right.
It's one crystal per weapon or shield, regardless of the type.

As for the shield spikes, it's a common misnomer that they're treated as a separate weapon from the shield. All shield spikes do is enhance the damage and change the damage type of the shield, it doesn't give you a separate slot. Check the weapon table in your PHB, there is no entry for shield spikes, just nonspiked and spiked shields. Armor Spikes are a separate weapon, however, and can get away with being enchanted separately and having their own augment crystal slot.

If you want a real trick, enchant your gauntlets as separate weapons or get a dastana and chahar-aina and enchant those for more slots. Sadly, that makes sense.
The rules from Arms and Equipment Guide is the only place those rules exist. Since it wasn't updated in 3.5, they're grandfathered into the rules, so they should be fine to use. We're pretty specific about 3.0 VS 3.5. I'd like that to change in a few key areas eventually.
Rider's Shield imparts your shield bonus to the mount, which includes any changes to it. It doesn't extend any other benefits of the shield to your mount. Cool.
The only restriction there is you just get the highest shield bonus to AC, special abilities still all apply. Also cool.

[Cieyrin]

You have to specifically get the Bashing (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicItems/magicArmor.htm#bashing) ability to begin enchanting it as a Weapon? I mean, its cheaper and all...but it doesn't seem right.

By no means. All I was saying is save yourself some moneys and pick it up via Bashing rather than spend the 2k enchanting it as a +1 weapon. I mean, I suppose I could see someone not taking Bashing but I don't see why they would, since that's a +1 and a damage increase in one nice package.

[Averis Vol]

Does this mean I could be wearing a Mithril Buckler on each arm while also being protected by a Dancing Large Shield?

Because damn, another two places to stuff enchantments on every character sounds pretty cool.

any character only has a single shield slot, unless you were to take the epic feat that gave you extra slots, so as RAW i don't believe you can use more then one shield. just like they can only make use of two rings, one necklace or one set of gloves.

Edit: or is this whole thing generally frowned upon because holding more then one shield is moronic?

[Diarmuid]

any character only has a single shield slot, unless you were to take the epic feat that gave you extra slots, so as RAW i don't believe you can use more then one shield. just like they can only make use of two rings, one necklace or one set of gloves.

Edit: or is this whole thing generally frowned upon because holding more then one shield is moronic?

There is no "shield" slot with regards to magic items.



A humanoid-shaped body can be decked out in magic gear consisting of one item from each of the following groups, keyed to which place on the body the item is worn.

One headband, hat, helmet, or phylactery on the head
One pair of eye lenses or goggles on or over the eyes
One amulet, brooch, medallion, necklace, periapt, or scarab around the neck
One vest, vestment, or shirt on the torso
One robe or suit of armor on the body (over a vest, vestment, or shirt)
One belt around the waist (over a robe or suit of armor)
One cloak, cape, or mantle around the shoulders (over a robe or suit of armor)
One pair of bracers or bracelets on the arms or wrists
One glove, pair of gloves, or pair of gauntlets on the hands
One ring on each hand (or two rings on one hand)
One pair of boots or shoes on the feet

[Averis Vol]

huh? that confuses me to no end :smallannoyed: alright then, ignore my comment.

[Cieyrin]

huh? that confuses me to no end :smallannoyed: alright then, ignore my comment.

You hold shields in your hand, no slots involved. There isn't a weapon slot, either.

[Averis Vol]

eh, i guess i figured since you couldnt have more then one shield bonus using more then one shield was just a moot point. regardless of how silly it would look the extra shield slots do sound beneficial if i were building a caster or something for stats alone.

[Person_Man]

Looks like everything has been answered. But I'm an obsessive list maker who tends to Google myself when I need an answer to a D&D question (because there's a strong chance that I've researched an answer to it at some point or another), so for my own benefit here is what I would rule if I was your DM:


1: One of my Players suggests that Improved Buckler Defense lets you retain your Shield bonus when using a 2-Handed Weapon. I was always under the impression it only let you retain it while attacking with your (usually) Off-Hand Weapon (when TWFing). Is he correct?

Improved Buckler Defense reads "You can attack with an off-hand weapon while retaining a buckler's shield bonus to your Armor Class." Using a Two Handed Weapon is not attacking with an off handed weapon, and thus your player is wrong. But I would be happy to give you a homebrew feat that allowed you to fully use and benefit from any shield with any weapon.


2: When enchanting a Shield as a Weapon, do you have to pay 300gp to make it a Masterwork Weapon, or does the 150gp you paid to make it a Masterwork Shield cover that? Similarly, what do I pay for an Adamantine Shield that I want to wield as an Adamantine Weapon?

You pay for it once, and being masterwork is included in the cost of all adamantine weapons and armor by default. Shields are listed as a martial weapon and on the armor chart, so I would give you the cheaper weapon cost (which makes RAI sense as well, since it's not as big or heavy as a suit of armor). Thus a masterwork adamantine shield costs 3,000 gp plus the base cost of whatever shield you are using.


3: Can I attach a Weapon Crystal and a Shield Crystal to a Shield, if it meets the Masterwork/Enchantment requirements? What about a Shield Crystal on the Shield, and a Weapon Crystal on the Shield Spikes (I assume the same would apply to Armor & Armor Spikes)?

RAW (Magic Item Compendium) it only has one slot. But I'm a nice DM, so I would give you the option to use both.


4: If I wore a Buckler without Improved Buckler Defense and attacked, I would be denied the its Shield Bonus. Would I lose other benefits (such as Fortification, or a Shield Crystal)?

RAW states that you only lose the AC bonus. And I would rule that as RAI also.


5: I remember an old rule printed in 3.0 (maybe in the A&EG) that you could use Armor Enchantments (such as Fortification) on Bracers of Armor. Was this ever reprinted specifically in a 3.5 book? (My group is very specific about 3.0 VS 3.5, and doesn't include the updates)

I've never seen it anywhere but in A&E. By default, 3.0 is supposed to be grandfathered into 3.5 unless it was updated. I would allow it, especially if you were a Monk-ish character.



6: The Knight (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060501a&page=2)'s Shield Block ability or Shield Specialization...when using a Rider's Shield, does the Mount benefit from the increased Shield Bonus as well? The Mount wouldn't gain any of the other benefits of a Magic Rider's Shield (such as Fortification), would it?

Yes, your mount would also benefit from anything that improved your Shield bonus to AC. It works particularly well for Paladin's with the Divine Shield feat. However, your mount would not benefit from any secondary enchantments to your Shield which do not effect the AC bonus, such as Fortification, Energy Resistance, etc.


7: Shield bonuses don't stack, but does this limit you to benefiting from the Enchantments from multiple Shields? For example, If I was wearing a +3 Empyreal Buckler in one hand (wielding a longsword...because I don't know #4, let's assume Improved Buckler Defense), and had a +3 Heavy Fortification Tower Shield in the other, would I be able to boost my saves & still be immune to Critical Hits & Sneak Attacks?

Yup. Only the higher Shield AC bonus would apply, but everything else would work fine. I would be fine with a TWF Captain America with a shield in each hand.

[Cieyrin]

eh, i guess i figured since you couldnt have more then one shield bonus using more then one shield was just a moot point. regardless of how silly it would look the extra shield slots do sound beneficial if i were building a caster or something for stats alone.

That's just from bonuses not stacking of the same type. You only get the highest bonus of that type, except if its a Dodge, most Circumstance or unnamed bonus. Since both shields provide a shield bonus to AC, you only get the highest one at a time. Special abilities on the shields are Shield bonuses, so they all get added on.


Consensus

Nice to see we generally agree. :smallsmile: