Magical shields

[quiet riot]

My bard is currently using a +1 spiked quickdraw shield of bashing.

When bashing, I don't get the +1 to my enhancement bonus, except the bashing ability makes it function as a +1 weapon.

The spikes state that they can be made into a magical weapon in their own right. Does this mean that I can spend 2000gp to give my shield spiked an additional +1, or would it technically be a +3 enhancement, because of the shield's bonuses? Or would it be a +2 because the bashing ability already makes it a +1 weapon when used to bash?

Someone please explain how enchanted shields are supposed to operate so I can figure this out.

[blackbloodtroll]

2000gp to enchant the spikes.

That's it.

[quiet riot]

Does the shield being masterwork make the spikes masterwork, or do I need to pay to make them masterwork? Can they be made of a different material than the shield? For instance if I want adamantine spikes on a steel shield? Do I pay for the cost of an adamantine weapon? or do I need to make the whole shield adamantine?

[blackbloodtroll]

The Spikes will need to be Masterwork.

When enchanting the shield, or the spikes, you treat them as separate entities.

They can even be made of different Special Materials.

Such as a Mithral Shield with Adamantine shield spikes.

[quiet riot]

Thanks, that's all I need to know ^.^

[Dragonchess Player]

Also, the functional +1 from the bashing ability overlaps (does not stack) with any weapon enhancement bonus on the shield/shield spikes.

As a side note, the Shield Master feat "add[s] your shield's enhancement bonus to attacks and damage rolls made with the shield as if it was a weapon enhancement bonus." Ultimately, adding weapon enhancement bonuses to a bashing shield is money poorly spent most of the time.

[blackbloodtroll]

Indeed.

You usually only do it to get some weapon enchantments.

Agile is a cool one.

[KainPen]

yeah Shield master feat is the way to go. if you are playing to at least level 11. if you don't think you character will make it til that level then invest magical spike. but if you are going to at least level 11+ upgrade shield to +5 and spend rest of your money on belts, armor, and other magic items.