Eidelon with Shield

[joeyfixit]

The Eidelon description says that the beast can't wear armor of any kind, because it interferes with the connection to the Summoner.

What about Shields? Do they count as armor? Can a biped or a critter with limbs use one?

[SaddestPanda]

I don't see why they would not be able to. However, they would not be proficient with a shield, so all of the normal penalties would apply.

[Restores100HP]

Don't shields normally count as "armor"?

Generally, it makes sense that an eidolon could wield one, but I think it's going to be up to your GM.

[joeyfixit]

SaddestPanda wrote:

I don't see why they would not be able to. However, they would not be proficient with a shield, so all of the normal penalties would apply.

Not if you're a multiclassing synthesist. A dip in Fighter, Barbarian, Paladin would get you all the martial weapon proficiencies, and more.

[Restores100HP]

joeyfixit wrote:

SaddestPanda wrote:

I don't see why they would not be able to. However, they would not be proficient with a shield, so all of the normal penalties would apply.

Not if you're a multiclassing synthesist. A dip in Fighter, Barbarian, Paladin would get you all the martial weapon proficiencies, and more.

True. Or you could just use a masterwork light shield. Then you don't have to worry about the penalties.

[blackbloodtroll]

There are traits that give you proficiency with shields.
I believe there are a number of them in the new Varisian book.

[MassivePauldrons]

Restores100HP wrote:

joeyfixit wrote:

SaddestPanda wrote:

I don't see why they would not be able to. However, they would not be proficient with a shield, so all of the normal penalties would apply.

Not if you're a multiclassing synthesist. A dip in Fighter, Barbarian, Paladin would get you all the martial weapon proficiencies, and more.

True. Or you could just use a masterwork light shield. Then you don't have to worry about the penalties.

I believe the penalties being referred to are the ones for non-proficiency not just the regular armor check.

Edit: Oh lol, nvm I guess what you describe would work.

[HaraldKlak]

joeyfixit wrote:

Not if you're a multiclassing synthesist. A dip in Fighter, Barbarian, Paladin would get you all the martial weapon proficiencies, and more.

On the other hand, the synthesist doesn't have much need for it, given that Shielded Meld and the greater version, grants him a shield bonus.

[LazarX]

Restores100HP wrote:

Don't shields normally count as "armor"?

Generally, it makes sense that an eidolon could wield one, but I think it's going to be up to your GM.

No, shields count as shields. Shield Proficiency is even it's own feat tree. It's even a different bonus to AC. (Martial classes generally have the base one for free)

[joeyfixit]

HaraldKlak wrote:

joeyfixit wrote:

Not if you're a multiclassing synthesist. A dip in Fighter, Barbarian, Paladin would get you all the martial weapon proficiencies, and more.

On the other hand, the synthesist doesn't have much need for it, given that Shielded Meld and the greater version, grants him a shield bonus.

True, but that doesn't kick in til level four. If you're going to have the proficiency anyway (like the character I'm rolling up), carring the shield around can help fill the gap at lower levels.

[Chris Lambertz]

Moved thread.

[joeyfixit]

Chris Lambertz wrote:

Moved thread.

Ah, right. Sorry, it's been a while.