Bastard swords and waraxes [Archive] - Wizards Community

Bastard swords and waraxes [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
paladin2019
03-10-07, 12:16 AM I'm having a problem with these weapons. Mechanically, they are roughly equal halberds but are exotic weapons. I understand the reasoning of this distinction; what "fighter" with a 13+ Strength wouldn't use one rather than a longsword or a battleaxe? But I don't think the damage die increase and shield use merit a feat. Nor do I think these weapons should be downgraded to martial weapons.

My solution is to add a special ability to them for proficient users, like most other exotic weapons:

1) These weapons always count as being wielded 2 handed, even when used in one hand. Thus, a proficient character still adds 1.5x Str bonus when using a shield.

or

2) As these weapons are the hybrid between the longsword and greatsword and the battleaxe and greataxe, Weapon Focus and its subsequent feats apply to the three weapon "family" equally.

Thoughts? Or am I overthinking things?
cwslyclgh
03-10-07, 12:46 AM Or am I overthinking things?this would be my vote.
DarkRhystar
03-10-07, 01:36 AM Thoughts? Or am I overthinking things?

With the exception of a very few specific weapons, Exotic Weapon Proficiency is a joke and not worth the feat spent for it.

With the exception of the aforementioned exceptions, exotic weapons are somewhat well-balanced against each other; if you change a couple, be prepared to re-examine them in general.
MikeN
03-10-07, 02:34 AM With the exception of a very few specific weapons, Exotic Weapon Proficiency is a joke and not worth the feat spent for it.

With the exception of the aforementioned exceptions, exotic weapons are somewhat well-balanced against each other; if you change a couple, be prepared to re-examine them in general.

On the whole, I agree. PrC's like Exotic Weapon Master make some exotic weapons a bit better though.
Watchman
03-10-07, 07:17 AM I've had these two pegged as rather strictly "flavour" or "concept" weapons for a while now. A point here or there doesn't really mean much given what the HP values start looking like at mid levels. Although IIRC Dwarves had Familiarity with the Waraxe, so that one might actually have more general application.
Moccanime
03-10-07, 07:39 AM Use the weapon group rules instead. They both make exotic weapons more accessible and improve the worth of the weapon focus feat tree.
http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/35/sovelior_sage/unearthedFeats.html

It also make it easier for me as a GM to reward usefull but varied weapons to someone who take the weapon focus feats.
FreAkOuTRG
03-10-07, 10:50 AM There are quite a few good exotic weapons right here (http://realmshelps.dandello.net/cgi-bin/weapons.pl?all)

Combining these exotic weapons with the Kensai (not the prestige class) and Targetteer fighter variants from Dragon Magazine makes a good choice.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
paladin2019 03-10-07, 12:16 AM	I'm having a problem with these weapons. Mechanically, they are roughly equal halberds but are exotic weapons. I understand the reasoning of this distinction; what "fighter" with a 13+ Strength wouldn't use one rather than a longsword or a battleaxe? But I don't think the damage die increase and shield use merit a feat. Nor do I think these weapons should be downgraded to martial weapons. My solution is to add a special ability to them for proficient users, like most other exotic weapons: 1) These weapons always count as being wielded 2 handed, even when used in one hand. Thus, a proficient character still adds 1.5x Str bonus when using a shield. or 2) As these weapons are the hybrid between the longsword and greatsword and the battleaxe and greataxe, Weapon Focus and its subsequent feats apply to the three weapon "family" equally. Thoughts? Or am I overthinking things?
cwslyclgh 03-10-07, 12:46 AM	Or am I overthinking things?this would be my vote.
DarkRhystar 03-10-07, 01:36 AM	Thoughts? Or am I overthinking things? With the exception of a very few specific weapons, Exotic Weapon Proficiency is a joke and not worth the feat spent for it. With the exception of the aforementioned exceptions, exotic weapons are somewhat well-balanced against each other; if you change a couple, be prepared to re-examine them in general.
MikeN 03-10-07, 02:34 AM	With the exception of a very few specific weapons, Exotic Weapon Proficiency is a joke and not worth the feat spent for it. With the exception of the aforementioned exceptions, exotic weapons are somewhat well-balanced against each other; if you change a couple, be prepared to re-examine them in general. On the whole, I agree. PrC's like Exotic Weapon Master make some exotic weapons a bit better though.
Watchman 03-10-07, 07:17 AM	I've had these two pegged as rather strictly "flavour" or "concept" weapons for a while now. A point here or there doesn't really mean much given what the HP values start looking like at mid levels. Although IIRC Dwarves had Familiarity with the Waraxe, so that one might actually have more general application.
Moccanime 03-10-07, 07:39 AM	Use the weapon group rules instead. They both make exotic weapons more accessible and improve the worth of the weapon focus feat tree. http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/35/sovelior_sage/unearthedFeats.html It also make it easier for me as a GM to reward usefull but varied weapons to someone who take the weapon focus feats.
FreAkOuTRG 03-10-07, 10:50 AM	There are quite a few good exotic weapons right here (http://realmshelps.dandello.net/cgi-bin/weapons.pl?all) Combining these exotic weapons with the Kensai (not the prestige class) and Targetteer fighter variants from Dragon Magazine makes a good choice.