Single Shield Only

[cranewings]

For a first level fighter, is it legal to take Shield Focus, Improved Shield Bash, and Power Attacks as your three feats; then fight with a single shield two handed, gaining its AC bonus and dealing like 1d3+9 when you hit?

[mplindustries]

Yes, assuming you have a +4 Strength mod.

You should probably be using a Large Spiked Shield for extra damage.

[blackbloodtroll]

It's a one-handed weapon. Totally legit.

[Lastoth]

Technically there is nothing stopping you from two handing it unless it's a light weapon.

[cranewings]

One of my players has been doing it. I wrote it up for him when he asked for a captain America character.

I think his damage bonus is only +7, but with his +1 armor and shield, at only level 3 his AC is like 26 or so. It is pretty sick. Especially with the combat reflexes glave wielding paladin following him everywhere.

[TarkXT]

As a GM I'd call you silly as hell. But nothign would stop you from doing it.

[blackbloodtroll]

Spartan throws his spear, then charges into melee with both hands on his shield. You tell him he is silly.

[Zonto]

I did this in 3.5 with my paladin. It was fun. I didn't 2-hand the shield, though; I had a +5 defending rapier in my "off hand"!

It was pretty funny. The full-plate-wearing character charges you, blocking your attacks with his weapon, and beating your face in with his shield. Good times.