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Thureen Buroch
Learned Scribe
169 Posts |
 Posted - 30 Jun 2005 : 21:02:34
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I am a dwarf who enjoys wielding a two handed sword. What are the rules about strapping a shield onto one's back? I'm sure that a person wouldn't get the full AC bonus because they wouldn't be able to move the shield to deflect enemy attacks. Any ideas?
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Goblins? *Slash* *Scream* *Thunk* What goblins? |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4689 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jun 2005 : 21:09:54
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I do not recall any official rules concerning this matter.
The best answer might be treat the same as a if using a 3.x Buckler.
In real world of course a shield on back provides some protection from being attack from that direction. |
"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon |
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Chosen of Bane
Senior Scribe
USA
552 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jun 2005 : 21:12:50
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| Officially, strapping a shield to ones back does nothing. A shield must be held in a hand that is wielding no other weapon so the character can react and use the shield to deflect blows. A buckler is different in that it does not require the total use of a hand but it still needs to be "buckled" to the arm and will not work effectively strapped to the back. |
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Forge
Learned Scribe
USA
218 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jun 2005 : 21:27:39
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A few facts to consider:
A slung shield normally hangs low on the body, effectively covering only the buttocks and thighs. Some lower back protection is afforded but easily negated by a downwards attack.
A shield that is strapped to the back hinders movement of the shoulders arms and chest (Important for catching your breath, trust me.)
I'd say that yes, the rules don't allow for more protection such as could be "realistically" be had, but they also don't enforce the very real limitations. (Like how does that work with a backpack on anyways?) |
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Thureen Buroch
Learned Scribe
169 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jun 2005 : 21:38:06
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| So, Kentinal, are you saying that it would provide the same AC bonus as a buckler? That sounds good. So, what about check penalty? Maybe check penalty 1 higher? |
Goblins? *Slash* *Scream* *Thunk* What goblins? |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4689 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jun 2005 : 21:48:46
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quote:
Originally posted by Thureen Buroch
So, Kentinal, are you saying that it would provide the same AC bonus as a buckler? That sounds good. So, what about check penalty? Maybe check penalty 1 higher?
I was considering no further check penality, though realism certainly could result in one depending on how shield was straped on. As indicated D&D is not realistic. |
"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jul 2005 : 00:18:18
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quote:
Originally posted by Thureen Buroch
I am a dwarf who enjoys wielding a two handed sword. What are the rules about strapping a shield onto one's back? I'm sure that a person wouldn't get the full AC bonus because they wouldn't be able to move the shield to deflect enemy attacks. Any ideas?
Congratulations, you're a turtle.    |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6666 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jul 2005 : 01:02:26
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Or of course, you could create the "Shield Dancer" feat that has a Weapon Specialization feat for a two-handed weapon as a prerequisite that gives you a shield bonus (to be determined by the DM) with some discussion re wearing (or not be able to wear) a backpack, some hindrances re Jump/Tumble checks, or something like that. Heck, what am I saying here - I'm the lore guy, not the rules guy!
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4689 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jul 2005 : 01:19:41
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quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
Or of course, you could create the "Shield Dancer" feat that has a Weapon Specialization feat for a two-handed weapon as a prerequisite that gives you a shield bonus (to be determined by the DM) with some discussion re wearing (or not be able to wear) a backpack, some hindrances re Jump/Tumble checks, or something like that. Heck, what am I saying here - I'm the lore guy, not the rules guy!
-- George Krashos
*LOL* Well if you do it as a feat, one could have such as feat of small shield for bonus a pre , for large shield feat, then of course tower shield word on back.
These shield/fighting feats would clearly be on the fight feat list. |
"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon |
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Thureen Buroch
Learned Scribe
169 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jul 2005 : 02:04:46
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A tower shield strapped on your back ... how great would that be.  Its hard to imagine my piddling (heightwise "Weak? Me -- weak? I don't think so *bullrushes insulter into wall*" --Thureen Buroch, dwarf) 3' 11" dwarf running around with a shield strapped to his back that sticks up over his head a good two and a half feet.
Anyway, thanks for all the help, guys. You all seem to know a lot. Speaking of which, I'm wondering, how did you all become stuff like "Master of Realmslore?" I'm not asking how I can get those fancy-lookin' stars, I'm just curious. |
Goblins? *Slash* *Scream* *Thunk* What goblins? |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jul 2005 : 02:20:41
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quote:
Originally posted by Thureen Buroch
Anyway, thanks for all the help, guys. You all seem to know a lot. Speaking of which, I'm wondering, how did you all become stuff like "Master of Realmslore?" I'm not asking how I can get those fancy-lookin' stars, I'm just curious.
Krash got the title because he is the Master.
Seriously, it's all by post count. You have to have a gazillion or so posts. As you climb in rank, you get more stars, and new titles at the same time. Master of Realmslore is one of the higher titles.  |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4689 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jul 2005 : 02:39:37
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quote:
Originally posted by Thureen Buroch
A tower shield strapped on your back ... how great would that be. Its hard to imagine my piddling (heightwise "Weak? Me -- weak? I don't think so *bullrushes insulter into wall*" --Thureen Buroch, dwarf) 3' 11" dwarf running around with a shield strapped to his back that sticks up over his head a good two and a half feet.
Anyway, thanks for all the help, guys. You all seem to know a lot. Speaking of which, I'm wondering, how did you all become stuff like "Master of Realmslore?" I'm not asking how I can get those fancy-lookin' stars, I'm just curious.
Candlekeep does try to do its best to aid. Though sometimes we wander a bit. There could be a small version of a tower shield as far as that goes, however I am unaware of any official lore is concerning this either. A Tower shield of course being one that covers head to feet.
A Drawen tower shiled should not be longer then 4 feet and more likely 3.5 feet.
As for ranks, for the most part, that is based on number of scrolls added to in certain sections of candlekeep. The count can be changed by "Big Al" (head moderator) should such be deemed needful. I have not noticing this occuring however have seen posts deleted. Be aware that just trying to run up a post count can bring down both options or even worst a banishment from these halls.
Alaundo might choose to revise or fither explaim by coments about what moderatoes can do to rank/title. I leave that for another.
Oh one additional thought. Shields or other armor in D&D design provide protection in an over all scheme of things. Not ever arrow shot at a person has to go though the shield and then the armor. The AC system (as much of the game) works with averages. Having extra arour even on back should increase the averages a little from being harmed. A more detailed system of course would require a far more complicated combat system and would of course slow the game down greatly.
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"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon |
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jul 2005 : 09:14:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Kentinal
As for ranks, for the most part, that is based on number of scrolls added to in certain sections of candlekeep. The count can be changed by "Big Al" (head moderator) should such be deemed needful. I have not noticing this occuring however have seen posts deleted. Be aware that just trying to run up a post count can bring down both options or even worst a banishment from these halls.
Alaundo might choose to revise or fither explaim by coments about what moderatoes can do to rank/title. I leave that for another.
Well met
Thank ye, Kentinal.
I won't dwell on this long here, as it is terribly off topic, but contributing Realmslore herein will give you progression through the ranks and make ye a true Master of Realmslore. Of course, this is not to see that it is the highest honor within Candlekeep....there may be more beyond
As Kentinal states, irrelevant and offense posts will be deleted, and the latter will cause a DECREASE in post count and possible banishment from the forums.
If ye have any further questions on this, please contact me.
Enjoy thy stay |
Alaundo
Candlekeep Forums Head Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
An Introduction to Candlekeep - by Ed Greenwood
The Candlekeep Compendium - Tomes of Realmslore penned by Scribes of Candlekeep
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Jindael
Senior Scribe
USA
357 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jul 2005 : 12:37:34
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In 2ed (and I do not recall if this was a rule, or if it was a houserule), we applied a -2 penalty to attack and damage if you wore your sheild on your back. Mostly because it restricted the movement of your torso and shoulders.
In 3ed, as Chosen of Bane states, there is no effect. It's just where you keep your shield when you aren't using it. If you really want a large chunk of metal protecting your back, wear armor.
Keep in mind one of the innate balancing factors of weapons is:
Two Handed = damage
Two Weapon = attacks
Sword and board = defense
But, seeing as how TWF'ers can pick up Two Weapon Defense, and get a sheild bonus with a feat, I can't see a reason why 2handers can't get a somewhat similar feat, despite the fact that 2handers are already the most powerful fighters.
Also, if you go with Kentinal's "3.x buckler" rule, I think that if you are using the arm with the buckler to attack, you suffer a -1 attack penalty. |
"You don't have a Soul. You are a Soul. You have a body."
-- C.S. Lewis |
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Shield
