BUCKLER Shields used with TWO HANDED Weapons?

Can a buckler be used at the same time as a two-handed weapon, such as a greatsword, zweihander or Dane axe?

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[fistnusilly]

Getting to the "Can two bucklers be used with a two handed weapon?" question... sign of a true professional.

[dynamicworlds]

You could solve these problems with some modifications...but then you're basically just iterating towards designing a gauntlet.

[tedhodge]

For those curious, the D&D rule states:
"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 don’t get the buckler’s AC bonus for the rest of the round. "
So, they have you take a -1 hit penalty. Fairly significant, but not crippling. More interestingly, you don't get an AC (armor class) bonus. So there is effectively no benefit in combat to doing this in D&D.

[Hushashabega]

If I'm not mistaken the D&D ruleset referred to was specifically the 3rd edition, where bucklers are erroneously depicted as tiny shields you strap to your forearm.

[tedhodge]

I've not been so concerned of Matt Easton hurting himself as I have been watching this video.

[davidbrennan]

Bucklers are like Cow and you can never have too much Cow Bell.

I look forward to the episode on a +1 Mace.

[BlackHeart]

Interestingly, my local HEMA school, The Chicago Swordplay Guild, has a couple people who have what they call rondell shield gloves, basically gloves with disk shields attached that are just big enough to cover their hands.

[theghosthero]

Outside of Europe but the Peruvian mochica city states of the early middle age that left us thousands of artworks show that their favored way of fighting was with a two handed club with a butt spike and using in their left hand a small strapped buckler, meaning their favorite way of fighting was two handed weapons with bucklers.

[stocktonjoans]

"I don't know if that's in the D&D rule book"

I have a feeling there'll be homebrew rules very soon after this

[lazywaysef]

Thanks for the video Matt, I had often seen descriptions of users of the Sarissa also using a Pelta (usually strapped on the shoulder) this video helped me finally visualize what that might look like.

[azrasashima]

"im drowning in shields."
Shad would be proud.

[baconsarny-geddon]

I only ever use four bucklers- One on each hand, and one on each foot. I feel naked without them.

[williamkilmer]

Several years ago Paul Wagner of Stoccata showed in one of his videos a very small finger buckler on a thin strap that he used to protect his hand using a particular sword. Don't recall the name of the video or where he said the bucker was from, but IIRC he indicated it was based on a historical example from somewhere.

[Mtonazzi]

A friend of mine hung his kite shield from the gigeue and only used the first strap at the elbow junction. Then he used a pole weapon, having the shield covering the side opposite of the "hitty" side of his weapon. It was worth taking note

[hellentomazin]

D&D 3.5e description for buckler doesn't actually describe a 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 don’t get the buckler’s AC bonus for the rest of the round.

You can’t bash someone with a buckler."

That is very common with DnD, the book describes a weapon and gives it a name that wasn't the name given to the weapon described historically.

[dlatrexswords]

Matt Easton: real-time mythbusting with bucklers!

[NevisYsbryd]

Lol, I and another person already answered that question. I adore that you actually made a video responding to it.

Gauntlets would be more effective while reducing dexterity less. Bucklers defend by active defense more than cover in the manner of larger shields.

Similarly for defending from missile fire, the compromise defense with the two-handed weapon would likely be less effective than dropping the polearm, drawing your sidearm, going in defending yourself with the shield as much as possible, and then engaging with a sword or such once in reach, rather than getting shot with more arrows due to half-committed defense with the shield.

[genghisgalahad]

Missed opportunity to say, “Buckle up!” And “All hands on deck!”

[mallardtheduck]

I like those small steel buckler. Being a rapier and Side-Sword practitioner, I need a nice one. That is a nice design Matt!

[ryanjamesloyd]

I always assumed, in D&D a buckler was strapped to, say, the vambrace, leaving the hands free. Or like the irish guy in braveheart- it appeared that his buckler was strapped to his wrist or the back of his hand, rather than being a boss grip, thus leaving his hand more or less free. (though it's been quite some time since I've seen that)