Keraki wrote:
Love the idea and hope you are right. I could also see that the 'weapon' (as what you apply the runes to) are either shield spikes or shield boss. Text about shield bash
"A shield bash is not actually a weapon, but a maneuver in which you thrust or swing your shield to hit your foe with an impromptu attack."
So I could see a dilemma. Either way, even if that is true, while I don't think you'd get away from lightening the tower shield, I think everything else works. What comes to my mind is a shield with holes that mechanically change out rotating Buzzsaws, spikes, and charging pistons. Still thin integrates gauntlet would make a mechanic from those clasp on to you from the grip.
I would have to disagree because of this, "A shield can be used as a martial weapon for attacks, using the statistics listed for a shield bash on Table 6–7: Melee Weapons (page 280). The shield bash is an option only for shields that weren’t designed to be used as weapons. A shield can’t have runes added to it. You can also buy and attach a shield boss or shield spikes to a shield to make it a more practical weapon. These can be found on Table 6–7. These work like other weapons and can even be etched with runes." <- pg 277 CRB
Though I would agree that a shield with shield boss/spikes would be the safe option at a table since they can have runes attached to them like normal weapons.