FASA Games, Inc.

The 4E Talent 'Shield Bash' says:

"If the adept makes a successful close combat Attack test, he may make a Shield Bash test as a Damage test, with Physical Armor reducing the result."

Does this mean if you have a shield you can use Unarmed Combat as your Attack Test for Shield Bash? It's a close combat Attack Test.

I would rule Melee Weapons (I'm more of the opinion that shields are weapons), but if it was with a bracer/cestus-style-gauntlet, or "targe" (scottish strapped to the fore-arm) round shield, or other attached shield, I would let the character use Unarmed Combat. This still takes an action/bonus-attack, so you could use Second Weapon, your first attack from Air Dance (if you have a bonus attack to follow up with), etc, etc.

Actually, since Shield Bash is listed as a Simple action, you can make one anytime you're in melee. Which means it wouldn't take a bonus attack like second weapon or any other talents that give a second attack to use this.

Actually shield bash is just a damage test which is why it is listed as a simple action. It must be used with an actual Attack action and the attack follows its rules as to what type of action it is. A melee attack would be a standard action, a second attack and second weapon would be simple actions but follow their rules, momentum Attack is a simple action but follows its rules etc... The point is it does require an attack action that you have available.

Looking at it further though Your interpretation does make sense as it is listed as a simple action whereas crushing blow, down strike, and surprise strike are listed as a free action. In previous editions crushing blow was considered a damage test. Maybe that has changed from previous editions or shield bash should be listed as a free action. Not sure which is the intent at this point.

The adept must use an attack talent (Melee Weapon, Second Attack, etc) and hit the target.

He then uses Shield Bash as the damage test (the same way a Beastmaster uses Claw Shape for damage after a successful attack with Unarmed Combat).

The talent does not provide any kind of extra attack action on its own.

(As an addendum, the whole simple/free action thing is messed up and inconsistent.)

Ed3 was the same as Ed4. You bad powergamer