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Its up to the DM i can see both sides of the story.
1: specifically says it functions like a shield,
2: however, it has no weight and no penalty at all
Basically here is my own thoughts on this little tid-bit. Its not limiting monks movements, it has no weight and no penalty what so ever. In my own eyes, i ask myself how would this hinder a monk? answer is it wouldn't. why? because no limiting factors, reason a monk cant use his abilities in armor is because it LIMITS his mobility, reason a monk cant use a shield and his monk skills is again because it limits his range of motion. So would having a weightless shield REALLY take away his monk powers? answer is no probably not however! doesn't mean he knows how to use it and would use shield as a non-proficient weapon.
First key to D&D is to look at things from a logical stand point, and to me logically speaking as a big martial artist fan in real life, cant see this shield hindering monk that much, i might however impose that he cant flurry while shields active since shield could well get in way of his flurry strikes or give him a negative to hit when doing so unproficient.
just my two sense take it how you will.
I agree. It makes me curious about monks in light leather armor with no ACP either. I wouldn't limit the monk from being able to use the ring, but it does open the door to other things with no ACP.. then again that is why we draw lines.
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I don't know if this was covered but you can get a potion of (shield of faith) which has a lesser bonus but the same duration.
(b) Shield of faith
Range : touch
Target: creature touched
Duration 1 min. / level
This spell creates a shimmering, magical field around the target that averts and deflects attacks. The spell grants +2 deflection bonus to AC , with an addtional +1 to the bonus for every six levels you have(up to +5 deflection bonus at 18th level).
cost is minimal and still is good for any level cuz' monks don't get any deflection bonus @ all. IMH
cost is minimal and still is good for any level cuz' monks don't get any deflection bonus @ all. IMH
Yeah but they can get that deflection bonus from a ring of deflection, what the OP is looking for is a shield bonus...
Which is a beast of a different strip and actually harder to come across for the monk.
So if you Shield Bash with it does it do force damage?If someone is falling and you cast wall of force underneath them do they take force damage?
I would say no in both cases... So the shield would do bludgeoning damage as James said.
I would be inclined to say that it's auto-crit auto-confirmed vorpal slashing damage, as walls of force are vertical-only. :)
However, houseruling aside, fall damage is fall damage unless you're falling into a spiked pit or something of the ilk.
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I'm running my first campaign and one of the players has a ring of force. He has a lot more DM experience then me, and he is making the argument that the ring of force is a shield that can block spells (like a wall of force). I just want your opinion on this, since I'm only seeing it as a heavy shield (+2ac) that is basically unbreakable, weightless and functional against incorporeal. He feels that it should do more since he payed 8000 gp for it. How would you handle this situation, or is there just something I missed that solves this argument.
The ring of force shield may be a wavy issue when concerning monks, but it definitely does not block any spells. He may be getting confused because the shield SPELL blocks one spell, magic missile, but the Ring of Force Shield is not the shield spell.
So, no, the ring cannot block any spell in any way, shape, or form. I would be willing to say that you could get the shield's AC bonus against incorporeal touch attacks (as it is a force effect).
Potions are perfect in that regard for non-casters. :)
The Shield spell and any "personal" spells cannot be made into potions.
The is how I would use the shield spell on a monk:
Cracked Vibrant Purple Prism Ioun Stone (2000gp, p49 of seeker of secrets, stores 1 spell level)
Wand of Shield
Ranks in UMD. Keep trying to use it on your ioun stone between battles. When battle starts, use the shield spell stored in the ioun stone.
Note: The ioun stone only stores minimum magic (ie: CL1) so there is no reason for the wand to be more than CL1 either.
Alternately: 1 level of Wizard + the Trait Magical Knack (+2CL)
As for the force ring, I would say no..a Monk cannot use it because the wording states it is as a shield.
- Gauss
The dm that penalizes a monk for using a ring of force shield deserves a slap.
Ciaran Barnes, while I agree that a Ring of Force Shield should be usable by a Monk (the flavor is right) the phrasing of the Ring of Force Shield does not support it. It does state that it is used as a Heavy Shield which means it would penalize a monk.
- Gauss
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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we need to decide whether this item is a shield or a ring that just gives a shield bonus.
If it is a shield then it can be enchanted as one and used to shield bash and use shield feats and other things real shields can do. It also will take up a shield magic item slot and allow one to use 2 other rings while its functioning.
If it is a ring with a shield bonus, then one can hold and use items with that hand and doesnt allow another ring, monks could use it without penalty this way as well.
It is neither of these things. Read the item description:
" this simple ring generates a shield-sized (and shield-shaped) wall of force that stays with the ring and can be wielded by the wearer as if it were a heavy shield (+2 AC)"
You can't add magical enhancements to a wall of force and you can't enhance a ring that generates one either. You can't use another ring in that hand because it is a magical ring that summons the wall. There is no shield magic item slot.
While the ring is generating that shield made of force, the wearer wields it as if it were a heavy steel shield. He can use shield feats with it, bash with it, whatever. Whether it means the monks can use it or the character's hand is occupied holding the shield or not is a bit wobblier.
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Dennis Baker: Minor correction, there IS a magic item 'shield' slot. (Note: If you meant 'this does not occupy a shield slot' I agree.)
Armor: suits of armor.
Belts: belts and girdles.
Body: robes and vestments.
Chest: mantles, shirts, and vests.
Eyes: eyes, glasses, and goggles.
Feet: boots, shoes, and slippers.
Hands: gauntlets and gloves.
Head: circlets, crowns, hats, helms, and masks.
Headband: headbands and phylacteries.
Neck: amulets, brooches, medallions, necklaces, periapts,
and scarabs.
Ring (up to two): rings.
Shield: shields.
Shoulders: capes and cloaks.
Wrist: bracelets and bracers.
- Gauss
It is not a shield. It is a fall of force wielded as if it were one. I don't think you even need to be proficient in shields to benefit from the ring. That's how I read it anyhow.
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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Dennis Baker: Minor correction, there IS a magic item 'shield' slot. (Note: If you meant 'this does not occupy a shield slot' I agree.)
*shrug* That's not what I meant, but regardless, it is a ring and uses the ring slot. I guess technically you could use this and a shield at the same time, but since all magical shields provide a +2 shield bonus or better it's kind of pointless.
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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It is not a shield. It is a fall of force wielded as if it were one. I don't think you even need to be proficient in shields to benefit from the ring. That's how I read it anyhow.
What exactly is the difference? You benefit from a shield even if you are not proficient also, you just apply the ACP to more rolls (including attack rolls).
As far as I can see, the ring of force shield is no different than a shield with no spell failure penalty, no weight, and no ACP.
Dennis Baker, that is why I made the second half of my comment. I wasn't sure which you meant. :)
Ciaran Barnes: Nobody needs to have proficiency in a Masterwork Buckler in order to use it either. And a Mithral Buckler has no arcane spell failure so wizards can use it with impunity.
Note: The buckler statements also apply to Small Shields but since you need Martial weapon proficiencies to make a shield bash (without penalty) then there is (usually) no reason to use a small shield over a buckler.
- Gauss
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An iron band, this simple ring generates a shield-sized (and shield-shaped) wall of force that stays with the ring and can be wielded by the wearer as if it were a heavy shield (+2 AC). This special creation has no armor check penalty or arcane spell failure chance since it is weightless and encumbrance-free. It can be activated and deactivated at will as a free action.By the previous opinion that means you can only use this ring if you have the shield proficiency. It is weightless and was clearly designed with a wizard in mind.
I would say yes a monk can use it but I am just crazy that way.
I have to agree with this, the ring of force shield seems to me to be a way of giving those that do not or cannot use a shield, a shield effect, without the penalties. I'd allow it.
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my problem is the text that says "can be wielded as a shield". The monk must "wield" it so that means he loses his monk bonus to AC.
Actually anyone who wants the ring's "shield" bonus to armor must have a hand free to wield/grab it.
Late guy here! One way to circumvent this would probably be to put a continuous Shield spell on a magic item. But to reach higher CL's it might be quite expensive, 4000 GP times the Caster Level. BUT you're immune to Magic Missile, the most horrific spell of them all :D
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Can a monk use a Ring of Force Shield without penalty?
IMarv
RAW no.
Thematically, it makes no sense that he would be penalized. It's a floating wall of force!
Nonsensical RAW Yes: you could rule that the monk is wearing a ring that acts like a shield. The monk can wear rings without penalty.
I have to agree with this, the ring of force shield seems to me to be a way of giving those that do not or cannot use a shield, a shield effect, without the penalties. I'd allow it.An iron band, this simple ring generates a shield-sized (and shield-shaped) wall of force that stays with the ring and can be wielded by the wearer as if it were a heavy shield (+2 AC). This special creation has no armor check penalty or arcane spell failure chance since it is weightless and encumbrance-free. It can be activated and deactivated at will as a free action.By the previous opinion that means you can only use this ring if you have the shield proficiency. It is weightless and was clearly designed with a wizard in mind.
I would say yes a monk can use it but I am just crazy that way.
This is a great way to look at it.
Keep in mind, a real +2 heavy shield give +4 shield AC and is half the cost of the ring.
The weared of the ring is not actually using a shield. Very specifically says "like a shield".
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Let me put this to bed (caster level 1 shield spell ring):
Use-activated or continuous magic item creation:Spell level x caster level x 2,000gp (x2 cost for spells with durations in minutes)
If my math is correct...
It isn't because you used the wrong formula.
Unfortunately Shield can NOT be made into a potion spell because it's a personal range spell.Potions are perfect in that regard for non-casters. :)Reckless is correct.
On the other hand, you can use a shield spell without penalty if you can get a way to cast it.
I love how someone comes in and corrects this every couple of years. I really hope it happens again in 2016.
The is how I would use the shield spell on a monk:
Cracked Vibrant Purple Prism Ioun Stone (2000gp, p49 of seeker of secrets, stores 1 spell level)Wand of Shield
Ranks in UMD. Keep trying to use it on your ioun stone between battles. When battle starts, use the shield spell stored in the ioun stone.
Note: The ioun stone only stores minimum magic (ie: CL1) so there is no reason for the wand to be more than CL1 either.
Alternately: 1 level of Wizard + the Trait Magical Knack (+2CL)
As for the force ring, I would say no..a Monk cannot use it because the wording states it is as a shield.
- Gauss
There's also the Cloak of the Hedge Wizard, abjuration. It takes the shoulder slot, but it lets you cast Resistance and Prestidigitation at will, and Shield and Endure Elements once per day. At only 2500 gp, it's a great option for lower level characters.
Can a monk use a Ring of Force Shield without penalty?
IMarv
Not quite.
"When wearing armor, using a shield, or carrying a medium or heavy load, a monk loses his AC bonus, as well as his fast movement and flurry of blows ability."
"An iron band, this simple ring generates a shield-sized (and shield shaped) wall of force that stays with the ring and can be wielded by the wearer as if it were a heavy shield (+2 AC).
Any time the monk activates and wields the shield, he suffers the penalties listed above. So even if he uses free actions to turn it off at the begining of his turn and back on after his turn, he will lose his AC bonus from Monk levels and Wisdom. Not likely that the +2AC would be a fair trade, useless at level 8, detrimental at 12th level.
I disagree, the As If implies you get the benefits of the heavy shield as if carrying one, but you are not actually carrying one. Which is what the class feature calls for. Since they are not actually using a shield, just gaining the benefits of it.
The dm that penalizes a monk for using a ring of force shield deserves a slap.I also make the monk take the -4 proficient penalty on unarmed attacks.
"Unarmed Strike: At 1st level, a monk gains Improved Unarmed Strike as a bonus feat."
Turn it off beginning of round
do monk-ey things
Turn it back on end of round
That doesn't help when one of the monk-ey things you want to do is add wisdom bonus to AC between your turns.
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Turn it off beginning of round
do monk-ey things
Turn it back on end of roundThat doesn't help when one of the monk-ey things you want to do is add wisdom bonus to AC between your turns.
Monk, prd:
AC Bonus (Ex): When unarmored and unencumbered, the monk adds his Wisdom bonus (if any) to his AC and his CMD. In addition, a monk gains a +1 bonus to AC and CMD at 4th level. This bonus increases by 1 for every four monk levels thereafter, up to a maximum of +5 at 20th level.These bonuses to AC apply even against touch attacks or when the monk is flat-footed. He loses these bonuses when he is immobilized or helpless, when he wears any armor, when he carries a shield, or when he carries a medium or heavy load.
--> a ring of force shield is not a shield, it's in the ring slot: the monk is therefore not carrying a shield
ring of force shield, prd:
This special creation has no armor check penalty or arcane spell failure chance since it is weightless and encumbrance-free.
--> this addresses the question of encumbrance; therefore the monk is unarmored and unencumbered, and therefore retains his monk AC bonus.
Turn it off beginning of round
do monk-ey things
Turn it back on end of roundThat doesn't help when one of the monk-ey things you want to do is add wisdom bonus to AC between your turns.
Monk, prd:
AC Bonus (Ex): When unarmored and unencumbered, the monk adds his Wisdom bonus (if any) to his AC and his CMD. In addition, a monk gains a +1 bonus to AC and CMD at 4th level. This bonus increases by 1 for every four monk levels thereafter, up to a maximum of +5 at 20th level.These bonuses to AC apply even against touch attacks or when the monk is flat-footed. He loses these bonuses when he is immobilized or helpless, when he wears any armor, when he carries a shield, or when he carries a medium or heavy load.
--> a ring of force shield is not a shield, it's in the ring slot: the monk is therefore not carrying a shield
ring of force shield, prd:
This special creation has no armor check penalty or arcane spell failure chance since it is weightless and encumbrance-free.--> this addresses the question of encumbrance; therefore the monk is unarmored and unencumbered, and therefore retains his monk AC bonus.
But in that case, turning the ring off and on as Purple Dragon Knight suggests is unnecessary -- you would only need to do that on the rare occasions when you need to do something that requires two free hands.
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bingo... that clause is in there for wizards who require a free hand to cast during their round... once the casting is done, they can turn it back on again
for monks: rare occasion that require two free hands may not be so rare after all, as in the case of grappler builds... which require two hands so as not to suffer a grappling penalty
(ref: grapple, prd --> "Humanoid creatures without two free hands attempting to grapple a foe take a –4 penalty on the combat maneuver roll.")
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(note: due to the ring projecting a force field as opposed to the user holding the shield handle in his hand, one could also argue that the ring allows the user to carry something small in his hand like a wand or potion while the projecting field is on, similar to the wording found under the light shield description, i.e. "A light shield's weight lets you carry other items in that hand, although you cannot use weapons with it.")