Post by michael on Feb 8, 2011 17:31:43 GMT -5
I have a question about the buckler. I know the way we've been playing, you don't take an attack penalty to bows, but you still lose the buckler's AC bonus when you attack. But the way it's phrased, I'm not sure if you actually would lose the AC bonus.
The line I italicized is the first to use the word "weapon", and it's clear from the preceding sentence that the term "weapon" here does not include bows and crossbows. When they go on to talk about the AC penalty, they keep using the blanket term weapon, and nothing in the text indicates that bows and crossbows are now suddenly included.
As far as how it would actually work, I could see it going both ways. On one side, when you wield a bow, you keep your offhand still, and use it to hold the weapon steady for a clear shot. The arm itself isn't flailing about like it would be when you're swinging a melee weapon, so it would be much easier to bring it to bear. On the other hand, that arm is still busy doing something.
Your thoughts?
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 off-hand weapon or using your off hand to help wield a two-handed 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.
The line I italicized is the first to use the word "weapon", and it's clear from the preceding sentence that the term "weapon" here does not include bows and crossbows. When they go on to talk about the AC penalty, they keep using the blanket term weapon, and nothing in the text indicates that bows and crossbows are now suddenly included.
As far as how it would actually work, I could see it going both ways. On one side, when you wield a bow, you keep your offhand still, and use it to hold the weapon steady for a clear shot. The arm itself isn't flailing about like it would be when you're swinging a melee weapon, so it would be much easier to bring it to bear. On the other hand, that arm is still busy doing something.
Your thoughts?