Post/Author/DateTime	Post
PoorHobo 01-01-07, 10:47 AM	What are the best exotic weapons? The ones that are worth a feat or as close to it as possible. I'm looking to get at least 5 - 10 of the best exotics out there. Thanks..
dengarbountyhunter 01-01-07, 10:56 AM	Best stats? Best balance? Coolest? You want to muchkin or to add cool but balanced weapons to your campaign? You can create a weapon that deals 2d12, +4 to disarm, all three types of damage, 15 feet reach but you can attack adjacent creatures and possibility to trip... Except if you care for game balance (why would anyone use anything else than that weapon?). Oh and from official sources, homebrew or both? Because posting full stats for official weapons is against the Code of Conduct (and don't get me started with the "less than 1% of the book's content" thing except if you have a source to back up the fact that you can do this; if it's not written somewhere that you can post things that are not Open Game Content, then I prefer to assume that you cannot).
Drucilla_Rocks_my_Socks 01-01-07, 11:01 AM	Core only and not rediculous? Spiked chain. It's great.
dengarbountyhunter 01-01-07, 11:14 AM	The spiked chain is ridiculous. Well, from both "real-world physics" AND "D&D Dungeon Master concerned about game balance" points of view...
TB 01-01-07, 11:15 AM	Spiked Chain is good, I'm using that in one game. It does good damage (2d4 medium) and a reach. Using that with the combat reflexes feat allows you to get several AoO... That CAN be very useful. And I have a centaur ranger using a dire flail. If you have two weapon fighting it opens up some really cool options. Dire Flail seemed like a good option. It has many uses. I also read something about some sort of a dagger tipped whip. I'm not sure if it was a homebrew or not. But the idea of having a 15 foot reach and doing a decent amount of damage is quite appealing.
dengarbountyhunter 01-01-07, 11:44 AM	Whip-dagger? It's basically a whip, but whitout the "it sucks" part (unability do damage armored foes). I don't like the spiked chain because it's better than all weapons, and makes their use obsolete. Why would any fighter use any other melee weapon than the spiked chain? Anyway, none of my players have shown interest in having one anyway. They might prefer a weapon that fits their personality over a good weapon, who knows... Well, I'm tired of not contributing to the thread, so... Look in the Complete Warrior and Complete Adventurer. There are about 10 exotic weapons in these two books together, and they're mostly good. Arms and Equipment Guide is the way to go, though I fear that it's only 3.0...
Regular_K 01-01-07, 02:22 PM	If you have the strength for it, and you don't think it's utterly absurd, the Fullblade from Arms and Equipment Guide. Does amazing damage, not a bad crit, but it's a weapon of Huge size, so I didn't allow my players to use it.
draconic_swine 01-01-07, 02:26 PM	As dengarbountyhunter said, what determines the "best" exotic weapons depends on what you're looking for. Check out this (http://realmshelps.dandello.net/cgi-bin/weapons.pl?all) page for a huge list of exotic weapons from various sources; the only downside is it doesn't mention whether any of them are light, one-handed, or two-handed, although common sense should help determine most of them.
DarkRhystar 01-01-07, 03:04 PM	The truth of the matter is that the real question isn't what is a good exotic weapon, but what is the value the Exotic Weapon Proficiency feat? Your average exotic weapon in comparison to an equivalent martial weapon: Deals 1 extra point of damage on average or has a slightly expanded critical threat range or has a slightly higher critical multiplier. In most cases, the Exotic Weapon Proficiency feat isn't a worthwhile choice (IMO). However, there are a few powerful weapons like the Spiked Chain that offer a bit more. Those few weapons offer something that makes spending a whole feat on them worth considering. Then someone calls them broken.
Drucilla_Rocks_my_Socks 01-01-07, 03:15 PM	The spiked chain is ridiculous. Well, from both "real-world physics" AND "D&D Dungeon Master concerned about game balance" points of view... By rediculous I meant like the Elfblade, which is just a god damned sword, but it's somehow special because those stupid pinko elves made it. Or like the special drow spiked chains and swords in the quintessential drow. Also the chain weapons in savage species are pretty nasty. Theres one that is basically a speiked chain, but without the +2 to disarm, but it can be used as a double weapon. This means you can be a 2 weapon fighter AND a trip crazy AoO chain wielder at the same time. Best of all you don't have to enchant each side of the seperately like you have to do to a normal double weapon, which saves you a good amount of cash.
Shedeo 01-01-07, 03:27 PM	If you have the strength for it, and you don't think it's utterly absurd, the Fullblade from Arms and Equipment Guide. Does amazing damage, not a bad crit, but it's a weapon of Huge size, so I didn't allow my players to use it. Actually, its only of Large size, or should be at the very least. Its just a scaled-up bastard sword. As far as mechanically the best, Spiked Chain. Flavor-wise? For me, the best exotic weapon would be the aforementioned Fullblade, or the Great Scimitar. Great weapons right there. I have a penchant for big swords though, so maybe that's just me. If I had to go with a light weapon, the Thinblade from CW rocks the cake.
SunTzuWarmaster 01-01-07, 03:48 PM	I like the whip-dagger. Perhaps better known as a short-sword-on-a-rope.
GhostStepper 01-01-07, 03:48 PM	Actually i think the kusari-gama could actualy be better than the spiked chain. Sure you cant get 1.5x strength damage or extra power attack damage but your not weilding a kusari-gama or spiked chain for the straight damage output. Nothing says "battlefield control" like dual wielding 2 tripping weapons that threaten 10' with Combat Expertise, Double Hit and Improved Trip.
Grimmsfeld 01-01-07, 03:49 PM	1. Spiked Chain. Despite being physically retarded in the real world, the game is based on fantasy combat; no one wants to be a real world fighter with real world weapons. The spiked chain is overflowing with utility, and is a great choice for Exotic Weapon Proficiency. 2. Flindbar, Monster Manual III. Kind of like a big-arse nunchaku, which grants disarm attempts on a critical threat. A very nice weapon, flind characters treat it as a martial weapon. 3. Gythka, Expanded Psionics Handbook. The double weapon of champions; basically a double bastard sword, but only threatens on a 20. Thri-Kreen are automatically proficient. 4. Dire Flail. As the Two-Bladed Sword below, but with disarm and trip goodness. 5. Two-Bladed Sword/Orc Double Axe. A slight damage boost compared to the usual limits on Two Weapon Fighting, although you're still beat by Oversized Two Weapon Fighting with Bastard Swords, but that's an extra feat on top of Exotic Weapon Proficiency. 6. Yuan-ti Serpent Bow, Secrets of Xen'drik. Can switch from a longbow to a short sword without having to draw/store weapons, and attacks can be made interchangably. A step above Quick Draw. Hopefuls: Whip-Dagger(S&F); 15 foot reach with a dagger at the cost of provoking on every attack, meh. Orcish Shotput(S&F); great damage, large threat range, large multiplier, requires either a high strength score or at least medium size to wield properly, don't remember which. Drow Scorpion Chain (Secrets of Xen'drik); a non-retarded, WotC version of the much vaunted Drow Spiked Chain; lower damage than a regular spiked chain, but has some nice racial feats based around it. Those are the ones I'm familiar with right off hand...
Mogarth_Warheart 01-01-07, 03:50 PM	warmace
GhostStepper 01-01-07, 04:04 PM	warmace The damage and crit is not bad, but that AC penalty hurts. Weilding 2 with the EWP and OTWF would be pretty flashy too, but depending on your DM the AC penalties might stack.
Angatyr 01-01-07, 09:46 PM	At first glance, loads of exotic dnd weapons look totally stupid in real-world, but with a little research, they actually do work, just require a lot of training (that's why they are exotic) here are some "unrealistic" dnd weapons used in the real world: Whip-dagger (kung-fu) three-segment staff (kung-fu) dire flail (mughal indians) spiked chain (pretty much the same function as a manriki-gusari from japan) kusari-gama (actual weapon from japan) duom (kung-fu) there are more, but I am still recovering from new years, so thinking is hard. as for dnd unrealistic weapons NOT represented in real world (that I can find): gyrspike WTF any double-bladed axes (esp orcish double axe) scythe (great for grass, not for animals) gnome hooked hammer two bladed sword double bow ARRRGH! MANY others
GhostStepper 01-01-07, 10:02 PM	At first glance, loads of exotic dnd weapons look totally stupid in real-world, but with a little research, they actually do work, just require a lot of training (that's why they are exotic) here are some "unrealistic" dnd weapons used in the real world: ... spiked chain (pretty much the same function as a manriki-gusari from japan) Depends on what artwork you go by. If you go by the PHB illustration it would in no way work like anything in the real world and thats why so many people have an issue with it. Youd kill yourself just trying to swing it. Of course it doesnt have to look that way and still function the way it does as described in the rules. Some of the pics in the PHB2 are pretty good, limiting the spikes to the parts near ther end.
Angatyr 01-01-07, 10:28 PM	Depends on what artwork you go by. ... ... it doesnt have to look that way and still function the way it does as described in the rules. Some of the pics in the PHB2 are pretty good, limiting the spikes to the parts near ther end. my sentiments exactly. The PHB illustrations are often very far from the text description and rules representation of the weapon. example: PHB rapier piccie is neither a rapier nor a piercing weapon. the wording and rules are fine for spiked chain, just visualise it with the PHBII picture.
Phantomwar 01-01-07, 11:00 PM	I personally like the Warmace from Complete Warrior I like having a d12 weapon in one hand could be very powerful with two weapon fighting
NoldorForce 01-02-07, 12:40 AM	Spiked/Scorpion Chain (I prefer scorpion for the threat range), found respectively in the SRD and Races of Eberron/Ruins of Xendrik. [Silly meaningless apostrophe!] The staple of any melee build that does more than just hit. Jovar, in the Planar Handbook. Doesn't do much, but quite useful as an animated two-hander. Thinblade from Complete Warrior if you're looking for a light weapon. Nothing for one-handed weapons, sadly. Arcana Evolved has the swordaxe (nasty critical weapon), battle claws (gauntlet-style slashing), and main gauche (tiny daggers that are great for parrying), but none of them are WotC material.
IdleAltruism 01-02-07, 12:50 AM	The three sectioned staff is by far the best exotic weapon.
Toptomcat 01-02-07, 12:59 AM	For ranged fighters, the greatbow is a nice little damage boost.
PoorHobo 01-03-07, 09:02 PM	Not a Bump, Just a thanks for everyone who provided input, your efforts were not wasted
StabHappy 01-03-07, 09:07 PM	Elven Thin Blades and Great bows are pretty good
Fallenangel359 01-03-07, 10:57 PM	talenta sarrash is just plain nasty 1d10 19-20 4x critical Skiprocks can be fun
wonlee76 01-03-07, 11:05 PM	talenta sarrash is just plain nasty 1d10 19-20 4x critical The Talenta Sarrash was erratad. Not as cool as it once was. My vote: Elven Courtblade (Races of the Wild): Two Handed Finesseable weapon with the threat range of a scimitar. In and of itself, not very good synergy (dex to hit, strength for 1.5 strength boost) but it synergizes so well with the Champion of Correllon Lantheran prestige class. ;)
TheRealOrion 01-05-07, 09:33 PM	On the spiked-chain discussion, that is absolutely an Asian Martial Arts weapon. A manriki kusari in Japan, and I can't recall the name for it in China, but watch almost any Jet Li movie, and he'll put a weight on a string and do a lot of the same moves (he did his training in 'iron whip' technique, so he likes to show it off). The only unrealistic quality of it in D&D, as the spiked-chain, is the sick-ass damage potential. All the tripping and reach and stuff would be find, but 2d4 is totally unreasonable. 1d4 is more appropriate, but then the manriki kusari is way lighter than a spiked-chain. Part of the function of the thing is that you could tuck the chain away, conceal it at a moment's notice. The spiked-chain is a much heavier affair. Still, 2d4 is out of line.
Wharin 01-06-07, 09:06 AM	My favorite is the Dwarven Warpike. Its a Halberd with reach and better damage. Everything I want and more.
Tetsubo 01-06-07, 09:28 AM	On the spiked-chain discussion, that is absolutely an Asian Martial Arts weapon. A manriki kusari in Japan, and I can't recall the name for it in China, but watch almost any Jet Li movie, and he'll put a weight on a string and do a lot of the same moves (he did his training in 'iron whip' technique, so he likes to show it off). The only unrealistic quality of it in D&D, as the spiked-chain, is the sick-ass damage potential. All the tripping and reach and stuff would be find, but 2d4 is totally unreasonable. 1d4 is more appropriate, but then the manriki kusari is way lighter than a spiked-chain. Part of the function of the thing is that you could tuck the chain away, conceal it at a moment's notice. The spiked-chain is a much heavier affair. Still, 2d4 is out of line. I actually find the damage rating for the SP to be the least silly aspect of the cheesiest weapon in the game. The absolutely silliest aspect is that in EVERY single illustration it has spikes projecting from the weapons links. Thus making the weapon useless. One illustration even shows the users hands bleeding... but that's just fluff. The mechanical silliness is that as a Piercing weapon the SP can be used underwater... that right there is monumental insanity... Also the weapon is the Uber-device meant to take advantage of the rules themselves. It is a Meta-weapon. My hatred for the SP knows no bounds...
Ocom 01-06-07, 09:58 AM	Umm.. Melee? Two handed? Great Falchion I think it was from Sandstorm.
FiestFan 01-06-07, 11:09 AM	2 from Frostburn: Sugliin - 2d8 damage. Icechucker - d12 x3 at range.
Scarps 01-06-07, 11:25 AM	I like the Fullblade
Moribund 01-06-07, 07:34 PM	Harpoon! from Stormwrack. Nothing like a weapon that can hamper an enemy. With Brutal Throw you can make a counter-intuitive Strength-based ranged build. I made a 9th-level build with a +20/+15 attack that deals 1d10+12 damage.