Can you shield bash two-handed?

[Waffle_Neutral]

I'm making a character that only uses a shield, kinda like Eric from that old dungeons and dragons cartoon. So I was wondering, since shields are a one-handed martial weapon, can you wield it in two hands when you bash for that extra damage? He's going to be a cleric, so I'd like to wear a shield and keep one hand free to cast spells.

[David Thomassen]

Yes James Jacobs on "Off Hand Weapons" and a question about Shields and Power Attack. Light and Heavy shields are weapons (Bucklers are too light - use spiked armour, Tower Shields to heavy)

[LazarX]

Waffle_Neutral wrote:

I'm making a character that only uses a shield, kinda like Eric from that old dungeons and dragons cartoon. So I was wondering, since shields are a one-handed martial weapon, can you wield it in two hands when you bash for that extra damage? He's going to be a cleric, so I'd like to wear a shield and keep one hand free to cast spells.

Eric's not much of an inspiration. He mainly used his shield to cower behind it. The cartoon dates from that period when everyone figured they needed to include a "Dr. Smith" in thier regular cast.

[Waffle_Neutral]

LazarX wrote:

Waffle_Neutral wrote:

I'm making a character that only uses a shield, kinda like Eric from that old dungeons and dragons cartoon. So I was wondering, since shields are a one-handed martial weapon, can you wield it in two hands when you bash for that extra damage? He's going to be a cleric, so I'd like to wear a shield and keep one hand free to cast spells.

Eric's not much of an inspiration. He mainly used his shield to cower behind it. The cartoon dates from that period when everyone figured they needed to include a "Dr. Smith" in thier regular cast.

Now that you mention it, I seem to make a lot of Doctor Smith-type characters. He was the only reason to watch Lost in Space. Oh, the pain; the pain of it all!

[Waffle_Neutral]

David Thomassen wrote:

Yes James Jacobs on "Off Hand Weapons" and a question about Shields and Power Attack. Light and Heavy shields are weapons (Bucklers are too light - use spiked armour, Tower Shields to heavy)

Thanks!

[Jiggy]

This brand-spanking-new FAQ doesn't explicitly mention two-handing a shield, but might be relevant to the discussion.

[InsaneFox]

You treat heavy shields as one-handed weapons, light as light weapons. You can wield one-handed weapons in two hands for str 1 1/2.

With the faq jiggy provided, you can weild a shield as a main, two handed weapon as long as its a heavy shield.

Side note: With all this errata coming out... I may need to invest in a new PHB... though the duct tape holding it together DOES give it character.

[Jiggy]

InsaneFox wrote:

With the faq jiggy provided, you can weild a shield as a main, two handed weapon as long as its a heavy shield.

Well, it doesn't say that, but it's suddenly much easier to infer. :)

Quote:

Side note: With all this errata coming out... I may need to invest in a new PHB... though the duct tape holding it together DOES give it character.

And mad street cred.

[InsaneFox]

The only wording that casts doubt on my theory is the phrase, "For the purpose of penalties on attack rolls, treat a heavy shield as a one-handed weapon." Instead of saying that it IS a one-handed weapon.

Side: It also has what appears to be bite marks from a small animal on the back cover...

[Jiggy]

InsaneFox wrote:

The only wording that casts doubt on my theory is the phrase, "For the purpose of penalties on attack rolls, treat a heavy shield as a one-handed weapon." Instead of saying that it IS a one-handed weapon.

I presume that's for purposes of two-weapon fighting - it wouldn't reduce the penalties by 2 each the way a light weapon would.