FASA Games, Inc.

Wanted to get some clarification on using a buckler with a bow. The description makes it pretty clear that you can have a buckler strapped on while using a bow but do you continue to get the defense bonus the buckler provides if using a bow?

The argument went back and forth a bit. On the one hand in ten seconds will you really be firing a bow and deflecting with the shield? That seems kind of crazy. But on the other hand it seems like the intention of it as written is that you get the bonus. So what is the official ruling on this?

Thanks!

Isn't this the entire point of a buckler? For use by archers?

D&D has lied to me for years!

The only type of buckler that I know for sure can be used while firing a bow is the eastern "steppe" buckler that has 2 chains for the handle so that you can also grip your reins in that hand (this is also because those cultures use the "thumb ring" style of draw so that the arrow is not against the bow-hand-side of the bow, but the other side).

Most European bucklers have a wooden/metal/leather "solid" handle.

There is another shield type (the "targe", "target", etc), which is a small shield strapped to the fore-arm with one strap and held by a soft handle-strap. This type of shield allows you to wield a dirk or small axe in the off-hand. See this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ1q-IfLDdo

This is pretty similar to how the discussion went down in the session. It seems that it would mean bucklers can't be used in combat. Except why does it mention you can equip a buckler when using a bow?

Correct shield terminology aside, is that flavor text to indicate that you can have a buckler at the ready or is it game text indicating you can gain the benefits of a buckler while using a bow?

I think it is a game rule that is historically inaccurate. Just a question of how much of a problem that is for your group, I guess.