Simple question, do you need 2 weapon fighting to perform a shield bash?
If not then what would be the penalties associated with it?
Simple question, do you need 2 weapon fighting to perform a shield bash?
If not then what would be the penalties associated with it?
Initially, uneducated deeply in the rules as I am, I am inclined to say 'No' you do not need 2 weapon fighting to perform a Shield Bash.
Of note, however, are the other threads that have been created that concern using a shield as a dedicated weapon in its own right.
Some other things.
When is this shield bash happening?
Is it made as an attack of opportunity? In which case it is/could/might be happening in the 'opponents' turn/phase.
Is the shield bash happening in the wielders turn/phase? In which case wouldn't the shield stop functioning defensive, hence loosing it's armor class bonus, and is now a blunt weapon?
Is the character now also making an effective second attack in their round? In which case the penalties for performing more than one attack action should apply.
I do hope my rambling helps in some small way. *bows*
Cheers!
Technically you don't need TWF to attack with an off hand weapon at all. You just suffer severe penalties for it.
With a shield bash, you suffer standard penalties for TWF (-6 with primary weapon and -10 with off hand). A light shield is a light weapon, so it reduces penalties by 2 on each side. TWF will lower the other penalties as well.
Technically you don't need TWF to attack with an off hand weapon at all. You just suffer severe penalties for it.
With a shield bash, you suffer standard penalties for TWF (-6 with primary weapon and -10 with off hand). A light shield is a light weapon, so it reduces penalties by 2 on each side. TWF will lower the other penalties as well.
Succinctly and accurately stated.
Worthy of note, however, is that you don't need to make two attacks at all. You could simply bash with your shield and NOT attack with the weapon in your other hand.
Doing so makes your shield attack your primary attack, and since you're not using two weapons, there are no TWF penalties.
Another note worthy of adding is that bashing with a shield is using your shield as a martial weapon, so you'll want to have Martial Weapon Proficiency, or else you'll take the -4 non-proficiencly penalty which stacks with the TWF penalty if you're also fighting TWF.