Spiked
Buckler: The spiked buckler is the only effective form of the
armed shield, for larger ones are too difficult
to MOVE quickly, and
their projections form too easy a hold
for opponents. The spiked buckler
functions defensively as a standard [buckler],
capable of aiding the
wielder's protection from <1> attack.
Well-made spiked bucklers will
have an edged spike, althought he effective
attack is by buckler thrust
and seldom, if ever, a slash. When the
wielder is fighting within arm's
length of an opponent, the spiked buckler
can be used for a separate
attack during the round. Such attack is
always made after the initial
weapon attack, if any. Only <1> such
extra attack per round is possible.
If the spiked buckler is a second attack
mode, the attack is made
at -2 hit probability, this penalty being
cumulative with any others which are
applicable. <ie. fighting
with two weapons, cf. DMG.70>