Best Spiked Chain build? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Best Spiked Chain build? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
PerennialRook
07-06-05, 02:32 AM I was looking for help again with my Drow. The game did not start on time, so I had a little more time to fine tune.

A 28th level Drow (fighter/tempest/exotic weapon master)

I have perfect twf, monkey grip, finesse, oversized twf, great cleave, spring attack, combat reflexes, and the flurry of strikes exotic weapon master class feature.

Also, question: how long is (what is the reach of) a large creatures spiked chain (monkey gripped).

The weapon is a +5 Large Keen Spiked Chain of Speed (bought for both sides).

Any tweaks or hints from some professionals would be appreciated.

-PK
Kintara
07-06-05, 02:48 AM Spiked chains ain't double weapons....

Do you mean the chain from the gatling chaingun tripper? I think that's in the Arms and Equipment Guide, or something.

I suppose you could take Wield Oversized Weapon, if you're in Epic, but that means having a 25 Str. And you'd need two.
rilem
07-06-05, 07:30 AM correct, the gatling tripper uses the blunt chain (OA, SavSpec. and A&EG), which can be either a double weapon or a reach weapon, but not both. 1d6 damage, btw.

The reach of a weapon doesn't change based on the weapon's size. It's the wielder's reach that matters.

Tempest is a pretty poor choice for this sort of thing — it's a pretty poor PrC to begin with, as it doesn't give the bonus damage you need to make TWF work. Plus, since you'll constantly be shifting between TWF and reach (depending on circumstances), investing 5 levels in a TWF-only class limits your effectiveness.

Finally, you should be able to find much better enhancements for your chain:

- Since your weapon is blunt, you can't make it keen, only Impact.
- Even impact is a bad idea — chain builds are about control, not crits.
- Enchanting something to +5 is always a bad idea, unless you're a solo PC. Get the party cleric or wizard to cast Greater Magic Weapon on it.
Auxryn
07-08-05, 04:38 PM According to Savage species and the A&EG, a spiked chain sized for a Large creature gives a large creature 20ft reach and a medium creature 15ft reach. You will have to wield it in both hands and possess monkey grip.

There are smaller chains in some books that you might increase the size of and still wield in both hands using Monkey Grip.
This is a bad idea for a reach build since reach builds are generally built around attacks of opportunity. It's better to take an attack of opportunity with a two-handed weapon than just one of your two one-handed weapons.
Elderich
07-11-05, 10:51 PM I suggest a better reach weapon is the Kusari (DMG p145)
Bacris
07-11-05, 10:59 PM Elderich, thank you for pointing out that Kusari-gama. I think you've inspired me to re-think my Psychic Weapon Master build :)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
PerennialRook 07-06-05, 02:32 AM	I was looking for help again with my Drow. The game did not start on time, so I had a little more time to fine tune. A 28th level Drow (fighter/tempest/exotic weapon master) I have perfect twf, monkey grip, finesse, oversized twf, great cleave, spring attack, combat reflexes, and the flurry of strikes exotic weapon master class feature. Also, question: how long is (what is the reach of) a large creatures spiked chain (monkey gripped). The weapon is a +5 Large Keen Spiked Chain of Speed (bought for both sides). Any tweaks or hints from some professionals would be appreciated. -PK
Kintara 07-06-05, 02:48 AM	Spiked chains ain't double weapons.... Do you mean the chain from the gatling chaingun tripper? I think that's in the Arms and Equipment Guide, or something. I suppose you could take Wield Oversized Weapon, if you're in Epic, but that means having a 25 Str. And you'd need two.
rilem 07-06-05, 07:30 AM	correct, the gatling tripper uses the blunt chain (OA, SavSpec. and A&EG), which can be either a double weapon or a reach weapon, but not both. 1d6 damage, btw. The reach of a weapon doesn't change based on the weapon's size. It's the wielder's reach that matters. Tempest is a pretty poor choice for this sort of thing — it's a pretty poor PrC to begin with, as it doesn't give the bonus damage you need to make TWF work. Plus, since you'll constantly be shifting between TWF and reach (depending on circumstances), investing 5 levels in a TWF-only class limits your effectiveness. Finally, you should be able to find much better enhancements for your chain: - Since your weapon is blunt, you can't make it keen, only Impact. - Even impact is a bad idea — chain builds are about control, not crits. - Enchanting something to +5 is always a bad idea, unless you're a solo PC. Get the party cleric or wizard to cast Greater Magic Weapon on it.
Auxryn 07-08-05, 04:38 PM	According to Savage species and the A&EG, a spiked chain sized for a Large creature gives a large creature 20ft reach and a medium creature 15ft reach. You will have to wield it in both hands and possess monkey grip. There are smaller chains in some books that you might increase the size of and still wield in both hands using Monkey Grip. This is a bad idea for a reach build since reach builds are generally built around attacks of opportunity. It's better to take an attack of opportunity with a two-handed weapon than just one of your two one-handed weapons.
Elderich 07-11-05, 10:51 PM	I suggest a better reach weapon is the Kusari (DMG p145)
Bacris 07-11-05, 10:59 PM	Elderich, thank you for pointing out that Kusari-gama. I think you've inspired me to re-think my Psychic Weapon Master build :)