Harkone
2007-03-15, 02:43 PM
This was originally posted in the "Spartan Warrior" thread, because that discussion included commentary on shields. Here it is in its own thread for all to partake of.
I have some comments regarding the weakness of the shield in D&D. Most single-class fighter-types, using the basic PHB rules, would be fools to use any kind of shield instead of using a two-handed weapon. I noticed in my campaigns that every fighter, barbarian, or paladin (or the equivalent) was using a greatsword (or something similar); no one used one-handed weapons at all, let alone the varied one-handed weapons available (even the rogues used rapiers, not shortswords or daggers, for example). I also noticed that as the game progresses, especially to the higher levels, bonuses to hit far outpaced AC. Everyone, PC, NPC, or monster, was hitting way too easily.
I rectified these situations by modifying shields as follows and creating the defense bonus.
Shields
Light Shields grant a +2 to AC; they are otherwise as listed in the PHB.
Heavy Shields grant a +3 to AC, and this bonus increases based on the wielder's Base Attack Bonus. For every 4 points of BAB, the AC bonus granted by the heavy shield goes up by 1. So, at BAB+4, the heavy shield grants a +4 AC; at BAB+8, the heavy shield grants a +5 AC, etc.; they are otherwise as listed in the PHB.
Bucklers grant a +1 armor bonus that stacks with armor's armor bonus; however, any enhancement to the buckler does not stack with the armor's enhancement bonus unless the buckler is used as a shield; they are otherwise as listed in the PHB.
Defense Bonus:
When a character is armed, he/she receives a defense bonus to his AC against all melee attacks. This bonus does not apply to ranged attacks, touch AC, or flat-footed AC. The exact bonus depends on what sort of weapon(s) the character is wielding:
Situation #1: (+1 AC/3 levels or HD -2, maximum +4 total): using a weapon two-handed or using two one-handed weapons
Situation #2: (+1 AC/3 levels or HD, maximum +6 total): using a one-handed weapon, using a one-handed weapon and a light weapon, using a double weapon, using natural weapons, or using a one-handed weapon and a shield
Situation #3: (+1 AC/3 levels or HD +2, maximum +8 total): using one light weapon, using two light weapons, using an unarmed strike, or using a light weapon and a shield
Examples:
Level 3 character w/ greatsword: +0
4-HD Ogre w/ Large greatclub: +0
Level 7 character w/ longsword and shield: +2
Level 10 character w/ battle axe and hand axe: +3
Level 13 character w/ 2 light maces: +6
30-HD Dragon (w/ natural weapons): +6
Level 17 character w/ dagger: +7
Level 20 character w/ shortsword: +8
I have found these changes (used over the last 4 years or so) have made the weapon-and-shield fighter much more appealing to use, both as a PC or as foes. For example, in my Forgotten Realms campaigns the basic soldiers of the church of Bane, Zhentarim, etc., wield heavy shields and shortswords. With Shield Specialization (PHB II), Phalanx Fighting (Lords of Darkness, and probably elsewhere too), and my rules, they are quite formidable, and quite different from the standard greatsword- or bastard sword-wielding fighters one commonly encounters.
Hope this is helpful.
I have some comments regarding the weakness of the shield in D&D. Most single-class fighter-types, using the basic PHB rules, would be fools to use any kind of shield instead of using a two-handed weapon. I noticed in my campaigns that every fighter, barbarian, or paladin (or the equivalent) was using a greatsword (or something similar); no one used one-handed weapons at all, let alone the varied one-handed weapons available (even the rogues used rapiers, not shortswords or daggers, for example). I also noticed that as the game progresses, especially to the higher levels, bonuses to hit far outpaced AC. Everyone, PC, NPC, or monster, was hitting way too easily.
I rectified these situations by modifying shields as follows and creating the defense bonus.
Shields
Light Shields grant a +2 to AC; they are otherwise as listed in the PHB.
Heavy Shields grant a +3 to AC, and this bonus increases based on the wielder's Base Attack Bonus. For every 4 points of BAB, the AC bonus granted by the heavy shield goes up by 1. So, at BAB+4, the heavy shield grants a +4 AC; at BAB+8, the heavy shield grants a +5 AC, etc.; they are otherwise as listed in the PHB.
Bucklers grant a +1 armor bonus that stacks with armor's armor bonus; however, any enhancement to the buckler does not stack with the armor's enhancement bonus unless the buckler is used as a shield; they are otherwise as listed in the PHB.
Defense Bonus:
When a character is armed, he/she receives a defense bonus to his AC against all melee attacks. This bonus does not apply to ranged attacks, touch AC, or flat-footed AC. The exact bonus depends on what sort of weapon(s) the character is wielding:
Situation #1: (+1 AC/3 levels or HD -2, maximum +4 total): using a weapon two-handed or using two one-handed weapons
Situation #2: (+1 AC/3 levels or HD, maximum +6 total): using a one-handed weapon, using a one-handed weapon and a light weapon, using a double weapon, using natural weapons, or using a one-handed weapon and a shield
Situation #3: (+1 AC/3 levels or HD +2, maximum +8 total): using one light weapon, using two light weapons, using an unarmed strike, or using a light weapon and a shield
Examples:
Level 3 character w/ greatsword: +0
4-HD Ogre w/ Large greatclub: +0
Level 7 character w/ longsword and shield: +2
Level 10 character w/ battle axe and hand axe: +3
Level 13 character w/ 2 light maces: +6
30-HD Dragon (w/ natural weapons): +6
Level 17 character w/ dagger: +7
Level 20 character w/ shortsword: +8
I have found these changes (used over the last 4 years or so) have made the weapon-and-shield fighter much more appealing to use, both as a PC or as foes. For example, in my Forgotten Realms campaigns the basic soldiers of the church of Bane, Zhentarim, etc., wield heavy shields and shortswords. With Shield Specialization (PHB II), Phalanx Fighting (Lords of Darkness, and probably elsewhere too), and my rules, they are quite formidable, and quite different from the standard greatsword- or bastard sword-wielding fighters one commonly encounters.
Hope this is helpful.