heavy shield --> weapon?

[Dimers]

Sorry for such a basic question, but my search-fu is really failing me today ... I want to know how to make a heavy shield a weapon.

Background: Looking at a funny setup for a melee ranger|warden, Str+Wis, and I really don't want to give up shield use. The build requires Hybrid Talent spent on Guardian Might, and I'm worried about my defenses because I'll be making myself a pretty attractive target. Unfortunately, there are few ranger powers that work for a single melee weapon. But if I can make my heavy shield a functional weapon (through item or feat, NOT paragon path), I can delve into all the two-weapon ranger powers.

Can it be done without making the shield worthless as a shield?

[tcrudisi]

Kind of. It's not really a heavy shield, but you net the same bonuses.

The Spiked Shield both counts as a weapon and a light shield. It comes from AV1.

The Rhythm Blade enhancement increases your shield bonus to AC and Ref by +1. It is available at level 3+. It comes from AV2.

Combine the two, and you get a +2 shield bonus to AC and Ref. It also counts as a light blade weapon that is +2/1d6.

[Adoendithas]

If you want ranged, there's also the Throwing Shield in the AV...2? (I'm not sure. One of them.)

[Badgerish]

There are also the 'Fighting Shield' shield enhancements from a Dragon 385

Originally Posted by Fighting Shield

This shield can be used as a one-handed melee weapon with +3 proficiency, 1d6 damage, heavy blade, off-hand. It grants a +1 enhancement bonus to attack rolls and damage rolls when used as a melee weapon, and it deals 1d6 extra damage on a critical hit.

That's the IL1 version, there are higher level ones that count as different weapon groups.

[Alan_Pehnereas]

Dragon 385. You'll find exactly what you're looking for in here. Enjoy. :)

[Dimers]

Thanks, all. Good suggestions.

[Tegu8788]

I've also been looking for this kind of thing. Marvelous.

[Alan_Pehnereas]

Came from me trying to make a Ranger|Blackgaurd become a defender. Fun stuff.