Does the Dueling Fighting Style Work with a Shield in the Off Hand in D&D 5E?
The Dueling fighting style from the Player's Handbook grants a +2 bonus to attack rolls when using a one-handed weapon without a shield. However, there is some debate about whether this bonus applies if the character is using a shield in their off hand.
The rules for the Dueling fighting style do not explicitly state that the character cannot use a shield. However, the rules for shields state that "a shield provides a +2 bonus to AC." This suggests that the +2 bonus from the Dueling fighting style is meant to replace the +2 bonus from a shield.
Ultimately, it is up to the DM to decide whether the Dueling fighting style works with a shield in the off hand. However, there are several arguments that can be made in favor of allowing it.
First, the Dueling fighting style is intended to represent a character who is skilled in one-handed combat. This does not necessarily mean that they cannot use a shield, as shields are often used in one-handed combat.
Second, the Dueling fighting style is not broken if it works with a shield. The +2 bonus to attack rolls is still less than the +3 bonus that a character would get from using a two-handed weapon.
Finally, allowing the Dueling fighting style to work with a shield gives players more options in character creation. It allows them to create characters who are skilled in one-handed combat but still want the protection of a shield.
Related Questions
- Can the Dueling fighting style be used with a two-handed weapon? No, it can only be used with one-handed weapons.
- Can the Dueling fighting style be used with a ranged weapon? No, it can only be used with melee weapons.
- Can the Dueling fighting style be used with a natural weapon? No, it can only be used with manufactured weapons.
- Can the Dueling fighting style be used with a monk's unarmed strikes? No, unarmed strikes are not weapons.
- Can the Dueling fighting style be used with a spell attack? No, it can only be used with weapon attacks.
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