I read several threads regarding the issue, so if I'm using LS and Mace I can totally cast, right?
Yes. It is generally agreed that a hand holding a light shield can cast. At the worst, you could always transfer the mace to the light shield hand and cast, then transfer it back, if necessary.
However, I want to ask you--why are you using a light shield instead of a buckler? I can't figure out a single reason anyone would ever do that unless they were two-weapon fighting, and I assume you're not doing that, right? I'm guessing you're a cleric, from the question, so, you wouldn't even be proficient in the shield bash from a light shield.
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I think buckler has text about losing your shield bonus if you use that hand to cast a spell... I could be misremembering, though.
EDIT: CRB, page 150.
Buckler: This small metal shield is worn strapped to
your forearm. You can use a bow or crossbow without
penalty while carrying it. You can also use your shield
arm to wield a weapon (whether you are using an offhand
weapon or using your off hand to help wield a twohanded
weapon), but you take a –1 penalty on attack rolls
while doing so. This penalty stacks with those that may
apply for fighting with your off hand and for fighting with
two weapons. In any case, if you use a weapon in your off
hand, you lose the buckler’s AC bonus until your next turn.
You can cast a spell with somatic components using your
shield arm, but you lose the buckler’s AC bonus until your
next turn. You can’t make a shield bash with a buckler.
It seems silly that something similar wouldn't happen with a light shield. I always assumed that the intention was for light shields to prevent spellcasting.
I think buckler has text about losing your shield bonus if you use that hand to cast a spell... I could be misremembering, though.
EDIT: CRB, page 150.
Buckler: This small metal shield is worn strapped to
your forearm. You can use a bow or crossbow without
penalty while carrying it. You can also use your shield
arm to wield a weapon (whether you are using an offhand
weapon or using your off hand to help wield a twohanded
weapon), but you take a –1 penalty on attack rolls
while doing so. This penalty stacks with those that may
apply for fighting with your off hand and for fighting with
two weapons. In any case, if you use a weapon in your off
hand, you lose the buckler’s AC bonus until your next turn.
You can cast a spell with somatic components using your
shield arm, but you lose the buckler’s AC bonus until your
next turn. You can’t make a shield bash with a buckler.It seems silly that something similar wouldn't happen with a light shield. I always assumed that the intention was for light shields to prevent spellcasting.
Light Shield mostly because of flavor, I like looking more tanky. And to be honest I'm completely confused about it. There is literally no advantage at using a buckler, it's rather stupid almost. But oh well, I'll take the Light Shield!
Yes, planning on being a Melee Support Cleric. It's a small party, 3 people, I think Barbarian, Rogue and Wizard. So they need heals/buffs, etc.
I'm just trying to make something that actually deals damage, can be in the frontline and heals/buffs people
You can bash with a light shield, but not with a buckler. That's the difference. Doesn't much matter for clerics that don't have proficiency for shield bashing.
Technically you can't cast a spell with a light shield hand, but since you can just swap your weapon into your other hand as a free action it doesn't matter. Unless for some reason you need to be wielding the weapon while you cast.
A quickdraw light shield and the quickdraw feat is a very handy option; you can cast spells or two-hand your weapon or whatever and then free-action your shield back into place between turns. Two-handed power attack heavy mace beatings are pretty deadly, and effectively doing it with a shield on one arm is bonus style points.
Light Shield vs Buckler:
Light Shield:
Can be used to hold an item.
Cannot be used to wield a weapon.
Cannot be used to cast with (free action to switch weapon to light shield hand and then cast with the main hand).
Cannot be used to shoot a weapon with.
Can be used to shield bash.
Buckler:
Can be used to hold an item.
Can be used to wield a weapon (-1Attack penalty and lose AC bonus)
Can be used to cast with (loses AC bonus, get around this by switching weapon to light shield hand and then cast with the main hand).
Can be used to shoot a bow or crossbow (lose AC bonus).
Cannot be used to shield bash.
Basically, if you want to shield bash and have some use of your shield hand then use a light shield. If you do not want to shield bash then use a buckler (excepting quickdraw light shields).
