I've managed to snag two really great shields in my game. I know I can't just wield both shields, but can I carry both and switch shields as needed? Rules say it takes one action to don/doff a shield, that's all I can find.
What I'd like to do is wield my Sentinel Shield (advantage on Perception and Initiative), then switch to my Shield +3 at the start of combat.
I think it would require two actions. Roll initiative with advantage, doff Sentinel first round, don +3 in second round, then 3rd round I'd start casting and/or attacking. I'd only have Bonus Actions those first two rounds, but I'm a Life Cleric and could use my Spiritual Weapon those rounds. Although my preference is to open combat with my Spirit Guardians.
Yepp, one action to doff first shield, and one action to don the next. Personally though, I would probably not lose two key actions to get advantage on those checks and just go with the +3 shield at all times :)
Form a realistic point of view (I think you have covered the RAW):
If both shields are large (e.g. like a Roman scutum or a high middle ages kite shield), you will not be able to carry one shield over your shoulder/on your back and wear the second shield on your (left) arm. You would not be able to fight or do anything than slowly moving forward on a flat surface. Two medium sized shield (e.g. round viking shield, high middle ages heater shield) , I would say it is very unlikely, but at least possible. (that's why soldiers had pack horses and knights had squires - to carry all that bulky stuff). Two small shields, like a buckler are no problem at all to be carried around. Those could be put on the hilt of a stowed sword or hung on a hook on the belt.
Yepp, one action to doff first shield, and one action to don the next. Personally though, I would probably not lose two key actions to get advantage on those checks and just go with the +3 shield at all times :)
I agree, you are better off giving the Sentinel Shield to someone else or selling it, rather than waste 2 rounds swapping shields.
Yeah, I decided to just keep the Shield +3. The Sentinel Shield would give me a better Initiative to get the Spirit Guardians up quicker, but the +3 to AC will be a phenomenal help to keep them up (SG is a Concentration spell).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
I've managed to snag two really great shields in my game. I know I can't just wield both shields, but can I carry both and switch shields as needed? Rules say it takes one action to don/doff a shield, that's all I can find.
What I'd like to do is wield my Sentinel Shield (advantage on Perception and Initiative), then switch to my Shield +3 at the start of combat.
I think it would require two actions. Roll initiative with advantage, doff Sentinel first round, don +3 in second round, then 3rd round I'd start casting and/or attacking. I'd only have Bonus Actions those first two rounds, but I'm a Life Cleric and could use my Spiritual Weapon those rounds. Although my preference is to open combat with my Spirit Guardians.
Thoughts, suggestions?
Yepp, one action to doff first shield, and one action to don the next. Personally though, I would probably not lose two key actions to get advantage on those checks and just go with the +3 shield at all times :)
Form a realistic point of view (I think you have covered the RAW):
If both shields are large (e.g. like a Roman scutum or a high middle ages kite shield), you will not be able to carry one shield over your shoulder/on your back and wear the second shield on your (left) arm. You would not be able to fight or do anything than slowly moving forward on a flat surface.
Two medium sized shield (e.g. round viking shield, high middle ages heater shield) , I would say it is very unlikely, but at least possible. (that's why soldiers had pack horses and knights had squires - to carry all that bulky stuff).
Two small shields, like a buckler are no problem at all to be carried around. Those could be put on the hilt of a stowed sword or hung on a hook on the belt.
I agree, you are better off giving the Sentinel Shield to someone else or selling it, rather than waste 2 rounds swapping shields.
Yeah, I decided to just keep the Shield +3. The Sentinel Shield would give me a better Initiative to get the Spirit Guardians up quicker, but the +3 to AC will be a phenomenal help to keep them up (SG is a Concentration spell).