Is there any way to efficiently play a buckler ?

[Wayate]

I just started studying the I.33 codex IRL and was really interested by roleplaying it in cRPG. So simple question in title, just looking for some builds/advices from people who successfully played a buckler.

Yesterday, I tried a 18/18 on STF, 6 shield 5 IF with a round steel buckler & broad short sword (rather short but most accurate from an historical POV) and was disappointed : versatile, but best at nothing. It wasn't really a surprise, but I'm looking for some suggestions. Thank you. 

[Joseph Porta]

You got to use its blocking speed to your advantage and probably go with a min max build. imo 18/21 would be cool but 21/18 will get you a tad bit more damage.

Just take into account its low HP and extremely high body armor - shield breakers? Sheath or lose the shield.

Are you a hoplite or a 1her?

For a 1her id roll with 21/18 broad axe for the extra damage

Hoplite id roll 18/21 as you want to not glance whilst playing on reach.

Ditch some IF, a buckler is all about the quick blocking - REALLY QUICK. Better extra dmg or movement

[Wayate]

For a 1her id roll with 21/18 broad axe for the extra damage

According to the I.33, I can/will only use a sword (but which one..).

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But I'll follow your idea of reducing IF to get more damage, thank you.

[Johammeth]

The (diamond shaped) steel buckler was my 2nd loom, and still a favorite.

It's real strength is its insane strength-to-weight ratio, which lets you get maximum value out of high agi builds while still having ample protection from melee.

If you want a zippy fencer-type dude who relies on positioning/speed to open enemies up for a fatal lunge, you're looking at a 12/27 Espada build.

It has several drawbacks which can be annoying:
-Wonky/unreliable shield coverage from ranged.
-4PS cut damage swings are bad against anyone but light armor.
-Squishy as all hell.

Most of these drawbacks can be mitigated through proper fight selection though. You're fast enough that if you don't want to fight someone, you don't have to. Use your speed to pick advantageous fights, and it's a lot of fun.

Enjoy!

[Wayate]

you're looking at a 12/27 Espada build.

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I'll definitely give it a try !

EDIT : After a few minutes, as you said, SQUISHY AS HELL.

[Joseph Porta]

According to the I.33, I can/will only use a sword (but which one..).

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But I'll follow your idea of reducing IF to get more damage, thank you.

Broad short sword for best looks!

Second to that i'd go with a Simple sword - it's simplicity is lovely

[Wayate]

Simple sword ? In that case, arming version would be better.

[Nightmare798]

There is no way to play it effectivelly with this current fad of ¨hurr long axe cool viking durr¨ fad many people jumped lately. My shield lasts like three hits before falling apart, and I use knightly heater with 6 shield. Really such bullshit towards shielders. It is like there was something that halves ps of all melee classes except shielders untill they die.

Why the fuck do I invest 6 points into shield when there are classes that destroy it after 3-4 hits?

[Mallets]

There is no way to play it effectivelly with this current fad of ¨hurr long axe cool viking durr¨ fad many people jumped lately.

He could carry 3 bucklers along with a sword.  While not totally realistic, it will allow you to take more than 3 or 4 hits against axes.

[Wayate]

He could carry 3 bucklers along with a sword.  While not totally realistic, it will allow you to take more than 3 or 4 hits against axes.

That sounds heavy as fuck Sir. Would also mean a lot of upkeep.

[Mallets]

That sounds heavy as fuck Sir. Would also mean a lot of upkeep.

Obviously heavier... but not that heavy.  Each only weighs 1.5.  So 3 will but you at 4.5, the same weight as the Elite Cav Shield (lighter than the Knightly Heater that many use).

But yeah, the upkeep sucks!  Cause you may never pull out the 2nd or 3rd shield.  I'd say play it by ear.  If your buckler keeps getting broken easily, think about a 2nd.  If both get broken easy, think about a 3rd.  Or honestly at that point, just think about a different shield.  Though I know they whole point of this build is to go buck & sword.

I've carried 2 before to nice effect.  That second shield has saved me a few times.  Never carried a 3rd.

But your best bet is to carry just one, and avoid axes when possible.

[Wayate]

Obviously heavier... but not that heavy.  Each only weighs 1.5.  So 3 will but you at 4.5, the same weight as the Elite Cav Shield (lighter than the Knightly Heater that many use).

But yeah, the upkeep sucks!  Cause you may never pull out the 2nd or 3rd shield.  I'd say play it by ear.  If your buckler keeps getting broken easily, think about a 2nd.  If both get broken easy, think about a 3rd.  Or honestly at that point, just think about a different shield.  Though I know they whole point of this build is to go buck & sword.

I've carried 2 before to nice effect.  That second shield has saved me a few times.  Never carried a 3rd.

But your best bet is to carry just one, and avoid axes when possible.

I really like the idea and will give it a try tonight, thank you.

[Johammeth]

Just keep in mind that having a shield in your left hand + a shield on your back (or hip, in this case) saddles you with an absolutely crippling movement speed debuff

[Joseph Porta]

Sheath that shit or just use a normal shield.. Dont go carry around 3 of em dude

[Wayate]

Sheath that shit or just use a normal shield.. Dont go carry around 3 of em dude

Yes, the movement speed was horrible.