Eidolon question

[bardulf]

i know an eidolon cant wear armor but can it use a shield?

[Artanthos]

Yes.

[bardulf]

tnks for the quick response.
i just started play a little while ago and dont know that much on game balance yet but isnt the summoner way over powered?
we are at 5th level and my tank fighter just seems like hes a crappy eidolon :)

[Artanthos]

Most often when the eidolon is overpowered, it is because of build errors.

If you could post the eidolon's complete build, there are usually people willing to edit it.

[j b 200]

I guess it depends on the meaning of the word "Can".

An eidolon can use a shield in that they are physically capable of using a shield if 1) they have hands and 2) they are proficient in shields.

Obviously if we are talking about a Bipedal eidolon, it already has hands and even another form, hands can be purchased with the Limbs evolution at the cost of 2 evo-points.

Eidolons are not proficient in any weapons, nor armor or shields. To gain weapon proficiency the eidolon can either take a feat or the Weapon Training evolution (again 2 pts). You can only gain armor/shield proficiency by taking the requisite feats.

So to answer your question:
An Eidolon that has hands either from an evolution or base form, and has taking the shield proficiency feat, can use shields.

[Funky Badger]

The Eidolon can still use the sheild if it is not proficient in it, but it takes the armour check penalties on attack rolls and rolls that involve moving. (CRB, pp 133)