I personally find the "shield pop" maneuver a little unstylish, but I agree it seems legal. I guess you could even use a more damaging two-handed weapon like a greatsword since you'd only need 1 hand to hold it while you've got the shield out (maybe add armor spikes for AoOs)
On the other hand, You don't have to use DD to get the +2 bonus to hit demoralized opponents from Order of the Cockatrice. I'm guessing that if you put that +2 attack bonus into a spreadsheet vs the damage bonuses for two-handing your sword the difference in average damage output would be pretty small (measured against the target AC for appropriately leveled foes)
I personally find the "shield pop" maneuver a little unstylish, but I agree it seems legal. I guess you could even use a more damaging two-handed weapon like a greatsword since you'd only need 1 hand to hold it while you've got the shield out (maybe add armor spikes for AoOs)
On the other hand, You don't have to use DD to get the +2 bonus to hit demoralized opponents from Order of the Cockatrice. I'm guessing that if you put that +2 attack bonus into a spreadsheet vs the damage bonuses for two-handing your sword the difference in average damage output would be pretty small (measured against the target AC for appropriately leveled foes)
The reason for the shift I had to 1h/shield was that my DM hinted at me that there is a particularly nice warhammer in the AP, so that'll be my weapon once I get it. Also yes, the shield trick is definitely odd, but it's certainly legal. How would armor spikes help with AoOs though?
The Braggert ability of the Cockatrice is only a morale bonus, same as my Beacon of Evil, so while it'd get me 1 extra to hit against demoralized enemies, it'll eventually be nullified once my Beacon gives +2 morale bonuses, so it's hardly a game changer.
The armor spikes would be for if you wanted to use a two-handed weapon for your full attack but hold it in one hand (unusable) while you have your shield out. That's not a concern for the warhammer.
I didn't notice the overlap between the Beacon and DD (or rather I forgot about it). I'd say that makes DD not worth the dip!
The armor spikes would be for if you wanted to use a two-handed weapon for your full attack but hold it in one hand (unusable) while you have your shield out. That's not a concern for the warhammer.
I didn't notice the overlap between the Beacon and DD (or rather I forgot about it). I'd say that makes DD not worth the dip!
Gotcha. I think we got a winner then finally! Appreciate the help from you and everyone.