Dwarf weapon of choice?? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Dwarf weapon of choice?? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Ragnar_Frostaxe
04-03-07, 07:18 PM Hey I was wondering if there would be possible for a dwarf to wield a great axe as his main weapon. I ask because although there`s no real reason why they shouldn´t, most people tend to frown upon the idea. Toughts??
folletrap
04-03-07, 08:19 PM In the party i'm DMing there is a dwarf with grat axe as main weapon...and he's a really tough boy....
Burningspear
04-03-07, 10:13 PM Hey I was wondering if there would be possible for a dwarf to wield a great axe as his main weapon. I ask because although there`s no real reason why they shouldn´t, most people tend to frown upon the idea. Toughts??

It might be considered Cardboard, and done to death/ boredom, to have any dwarf or Berserker/ Barbarian fight with a Great axe or 2handed sword.
apart from that you are free to do as you like :tie:

i prefer Dwarven War axe or Just a nice hammer, not as "effective" but fun in story line..
i see dwarves popping kneecaps with a hammer, great fun :plotting:

its a shame the 2 handed hammer is so ridiculously bad compared to the axe,
if i would go from warhammer to greater warhammer, according to the rules it would go from 1D8 to 2D6, but it only goes to a 1D10, why????
BadCatMan
04-03-07, 10:30 PM That's because the Maul is a two-handed-martial/one-handed-exotic weapon like the Bastard Sword and Waraxe.

Unfortunately the only other big hammers around are also exotic.

A hammer not unlike the Greataxe should be 1d12/x3.

There's every reason for a dwarf to wield a greataxe, mainly because it's damn cool.
Burningspear
04-03-07, 10:36 PM That's because the Maul is a two-handed-martial/one-handed-exotic weapon like the Bastard Sword and Waraxe.
Where in heavens name did u get that from?, not the campaign setting book of faeruhn, there its just a large martial wpn.

Unfortunately the only other big hammers around are also exotic.

A hammer not unlike the Greataxe should be 1d12/x3.

There's every reason for a dwarf to wield a greataxe, mainly because it's damn cool.

growing 1 size from 1D8 should go to 2D6, not 1D12...
so imo it should also for the Greataxe be 2D6, as the weapons is not less effective then a Greatsword but just different in fighting style,

and coolness wise, its a matter of taste, and it aint mine :looloo: :tie:
BadCatMan
04-03-07, 11:19 PM The Maul got updated to 3.5 in Complete Warrior.
Burningspear
04-03-07, 11:33 PM Imo a load of crap, that "update", more like downgrade to me....

:uh-huh: :bump:

but thanks for pointing it out to me, at least i know what you are on about..
bondious
04-04-07, 03:17 PM A two-weapon fighting Dwarf (fighter/ranger, possibly) wielding a heavy pick and a warhammer or battleaxe sounds pretty cool, to me. OR, to avoid a -4, maybe a heavy pick and a hand axe.

And I've always thought that a Dwarf using a heavy flail sounded pretty cool, too.
Mad Mage
04-04-07, 05:09 PM Greataxe is a common selection for a (shield) dwarf.

According to Races of Faerun, these are common weapons for Shield Dwarves:

1-handed melee weapons:
- Longswords
- Battleaxes
- Handaxes
- Short swords
- Spiked guantlets
- Light hammers
- War hammers
- Light picks
- Heavy picks
- Dwarven waraxes

2-handed melee weapons
- Spiked chains
- Greataxes
- Mauls
- Dwarven urgrosh

Ranged Weapons
- Throwing axes
- Crossbows

More unusual weapons
- Spiked helmets (RoF pg. 156)
- Horned helmets (RoF pg. 156)
- Spike shooters (RoF pg. 157)
Eatable_Dice
04-04-07, 11:17 PM Dwarfs with spiked chains...now that is odd.
The_Shaman
04-05-07, 11:17 AM You can always use the "goliath" greathammer from Races of Stone. It looks pretty much like what a dwarf might like, and it has a good set of damage and critical rate.
Mad Mage
04-05-07, 01:34 PM Dwarfs with spiked chains...now that is odd.

Heh, well, there was that Prestige Class article on the WotC page about the Exotic Weapon Master that featured a Hill Dwarf (the Greyhawk/Core D&D equivalent to Faerun's Shield Dwarves) that primarily used a spiked chain. Said dwarf also tended to use a dwarven waraxe for fighting in close quarters, due to the nature of the spiked chain as a reach weapon.

If you ask, me, though, I could see some dwarves using one.
The_Shaman
04-05-07, 03:47 PM I somehow can't really imagine a dwarf with a big sword. I mean, a spiked chain or a similar weapon could fit a dwarf with a more "oriental" feel, but a dwarf with a shield and a broadsword just looks a bit odd imo.
Burningspear
04-05-07, 06:49 PM I somehow can't really imagine a dwarf with a big sword. I mean, a spiked chain or a similar weapon could fit a dwarf with a more "oriental" feel, but a dwarf with a shield and a broadsword just looks a bit odd imo.

I can see a Red haired Kilted dwarf with a buckler and a "Broad"sword perfectly :tie:
Fabius Maximus
04-05-07, 07:01 PM I can see a Red haired Kilted dwarf with a buckler and a "Broad"sword perfectly :tie:
Yeah, but then you have him speak in a different dialect/accent than scottish, if you don't want a cheese overload in your game... ;)
Burningspear
04-05-07, 07:17 PM Yeah, but then you have him speak in a different dialect/accent than scottish, if you don't want a cheese overload in your game... ;)

I like Dana Blue and Blue Stilton cheeses, thats "cheesy" enough i guess ;)
Mad Mage
04-05-07, 08:10 PM Here are some references to dwarves using longswords.

1) The dwarf deity Vergadain has a longsword as his favored weapon.

2) A dwarf (I forget his name; he was only a bit part) wielded a longsword in The Lone Drow.

3) Brelm, the dwarf guard of the Adventure Mart in Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn wielded what looked like a longsword. I tested the graphics of both a longsword and a shortsword on both a character and Brelm and can just about confirm that it appears Brelm uses a +1 longsword.

Oh, and according to the AD&D to 3.X Edition conversion book, a claymore is more than likely considered a bastard sword. ;)
Burningspear
04-05-07, 08:58 PM Oh, and according to the AD&D to 3.X Edition conversion book, a claymore is more than likely considered a bastard sword. ;)

I know, bastard sword and all:yuck: :tie: ...lol.
bitter thorn
04-06-07, 07:44 PM Hey I was wondering if there would be possible for a dwarf to wield a great axe as his main weapon. I ask because although there`s no real reason why they shouldn´t, most people tend to frown upon the idea. Toughts??

Many FR Dwarves weild great axes to excellent effect, however the combination of heavy armor, shield and Dwarven waraxe is basically the norm for Dwarven fighters. A solid AC and hit points and 1d10 for for your main weapon is a winning formula against humanoids that heavily out number you.

Elite PC fighter types may want to optimize thier ability to PA enemy heavy hitters like giants, of course. This is in no way inconsistant with the Dwarven mindset and history in FR.
Faraer
04-08-07, 02:07 PM The image of dwarves (or other humanoids) wielding slashing/bludgeoning weapons longer than they are tall comes from sources, such as Citadel Miniatures and manga, outside the Realms. (Its impracticality in confined spaces underground makes it even less likely.) While I wouldn't disallow it, I wouldn't play a dwarf PC myself with such a comically big weapon.
gothmaug
04-09-07, 06:25 PM I somehow can't really imagine a dwarf with a big sword. I mean, a spiked chain or a similar weapon could fit a dwarf with a more "oriental" feel, but a dwarf with a shield and a broadsword just looks a bit odd imo.

J.R.R Tolkien's "The Hobbit" which is where we base our DnD Dwarves on has many many dwarves using the old sword and board. Thorin (if you haven't read it, he's the reigning dwarven king-in-exile) has the last name of oakenshield. He also wields a sword called Orcrist the "goblin-cleaver".

Yes Gimli in loTR uses axes, but tolkien's dwarves are usually portrayed as close quarter marital combat types using swords/axes/hammers and picks.

Hence our DnD dwarvves :)
The_Shaman
04-09-07, 07:30 PM I know, Tolkien in general prefered swords, it's just that the dwarf+axe archetype is very vividly etched in my brain. Darn ;) .
GothicDan
04-09-07, 08:26 PM Weren't the above-mentioned swords Elven made?
Mad Mage
04-10-07, 12:23 PM Weren't the above-mentioned swords Elven made?

Yes, Orcrist and Glamdring were Elven-made.
gothmaug
04-10-07, 01:14 PM Yes, Orcrist and Glamdring were Elven-made.

Yep they were. And the famous "Elven" mithril chain armor was crafted by the dwarves of Thorbaddin for the elven royalty.

So elves make dwarven weapons and dwarves make elven armor. Heh.. kind of puts a whole wrinkle in the traditional roles of these races in DnD. Wonder if it was intentional or poor reading comprehension by ole Gary Gygax/Dave Areneson?

Gothmaug

P.S. Yes i know thorin, gandalf and bilbo originally found thier elven blades, but i was just pointing out that in tolkien's world we see elves as weaponsmiths and dwarves as armorsmiths.
bondious
04-10-07, 10:46 PM P.S. Yes i know thorin, gandalf and bilbo originally found thier elven blades, but i was just pointing out that in tolkien's world we see elves as weaponsmiths and dwarves as armorsmiths.

Remember that the dwarves created Narsil, one of the more notable weapons in Middle Earth, which lends a bit of credit to the dwarven weaponsmithing prowess. Of course it was the elves who re-forged it into Andúril, but that's probably because Narsil's fragmented pieces were in the elves custody.

Either way, it seems that in Tolkien's world that the dwarves AND elves had a prowess at the forge.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Ragnar_Frostaxe 04-03-07, 07:18 PM	Hey I was wondering if there would be possible for a dwarf to wield a great axe as his main weapon. I ask because although there`s no real reason why they shouldn´t, most people tend to frown upon the idea. Toughts??
folletrap 04-03-07, 08:19 PM	In the party i'm DMing there is a dwarf with grat axe as main weapon...and he's a really tough boy....
Burningspear 04-03-07, 10:13 PM	Hey I was wondering if there would be possible for a dwarf to wield a great axe as his main weapon. I ask because although there`s no real reason why they shouldn´t, most people tend to frown upon the idea. Toughts?? It might be considered Cardboard, and done to death/ boredom, to have any dwarf or Berserker/ Barbarian fight with a Great axe or 2handed sword. apart from that you are free to do as you like :tie: i prefer Dwarven War axe or Just a nice hammer, not as "effective" but fun in story line.. i see dwarves popping kneecaps with a hammer, great fun :plotting: its a shame the 2 handed hammer is so ridiculously bad compared to the axe, if i would go from warhammer to greater warhammer, according to the rules it would go from 1D8 to 2D6, but it only goes to a 1D10, why????
BadCatMan 04-03-07, 10:30 PM	That's because the Maul is a two-handed-martial/one-handed-exotic weapon like the Bastard Sword and Waraxe. Unfortunately the only other big hammers around are also exotic. A hammer not unlike the Greataxe should be 1d12/x3. There's every reason for a dwarf to wield a greataxe, mainly because it's damn cool.
Burningspear 04-03-07, 10:36 PM	That's because the Maul is a two-handed-martial/one-handed-exotic weapon like the Bastard Sword and Waraxe. Where in heavens name did u get that from?, not the campaign setting book of faeruhn, there its just a large martial wpn. Unfortunately the only other big hammers around are also exotic. A hammer not unlike the Greataxe should be 1d12/x3. There's every reason for a dwarf to wield a greataxe, mainly because it's damn cool. growing 1 size from 1D8 should go to 2D6, not 1D12... so imo it should also for the Greataxe be 2D6, as the weapons is not less effective then a Greatsword but just different in fighting style, and coolness wise, its a matter of taste, and it aint mine :looloo: :tie:
BadCatMan 04-03-07, 11:19 PM	The Maul got updated to 3.5 in Complete Warrior.
Burningspear 04-03-07, 11:33 PM	Imo a load of crap, that "update", more like downgrade to me.... :uh-huh: :bump: but thanks for pointing it out to me, at least i know what you are on about..
bondious 04-04-07, 03:17 PM	A two-weapon fighting Dwarf (fighter/ranger, possibly) wielding a heavy pick and a warhammer or battleaxe sounds pretty cool, to me. OR, to avoid a -4, maybe a heavy pick and a hand axe. And I've always thought that a Dwarf using a heavy flail sounded pretty cool, too.
Mad Mage 04-04-07, 05:09 PM	Greataxe is a common selection for a (shield) dwarf. According to Races of Faerun, these are common weapons for Shield Dwarves: 1-handed melee weapons: - Longswords - Battleaxes - Handaxes - Short swords - Spiked guantlets - Light hammers - War hammers - Light picks - Heavy picks - Dwarven waraxes 2-handed melee weapons - Spiked chains - Greataxes - Mauls - Dwarven urgrosh Ranged Weapons - Throwing axes - Crossbows More unusual weapons - Spiked helmets (RoF pg. 156) - Horned helmets (RoF pg. 156) - Spike shooters (RoF pg. 157)
Eatable_Dice 04-04-07, 11:17 PM	Dwarfs with spiked chains...now that is odd.
The_Shaman 04-05-07, 11:17 AM	You can always use the "goliath" greathammer from Races of Stone. It looks pretty much like what a dwarf might like, and it has a good set of damage and critical rate.
Mad Mage 04-05-07, 01:34 PM	Dwarfs with spiked chains...now that is odd. Heh, well, there was that Prestige Class article on the WotC page about the Exotic Weapon Master that featured a Hill Dwarf (the Greyhawk/Core D&D equivalent to Faerun's Shield Dwarves) that primarily used a spiked chain. Said dwarf also tended to use a dwarven waraxe for fighting in close quarters, due to the nature of the spiked chain as a reach weapon. If you ask, me, though, I could see some dwarves using one.
The_Shaman 04-05-07, 03:47 PM	I somehow can't really imagine a dwarf with a big sword. I mean, a spiked chain or a similar weapon could fit a dwarf with a more "oriental" feel, but a dwarf with a shield and a broadsword just looks a bit odd imo.
Burningspear 04-05-07, 06:49 PM	I somehow can't really imagine a dwarf with a big sword. I mean, a spiked chain or a similar weapon could fit a dwarf with a more "oriental" feel, but a dwarf with a shield and a broadsword just looks a bit odd imo. I can see a Red haired Kilted dwarf with a buckler and a "Broad"sword perfectly :tie:
Fabius Maximus 04-05-07, 07:01 PM	I can see a Red haired Kilted dwarf with a buckler and a "Broad"sword perfectly :tie: Yeah, but then you have him speak in a different dialect/accent than scottish, if you don't want a cheese overload in your game... ;)
Burningspear 04-05-07, 07:17 PM	Yeah, but then you have him speak in a different dialect/accent than scottish, if you don't want a cheese overload in your game... ;) I like Dana Blue and Blue Stilton cheeses, thats "cheesy" enough i guess ;)
Mad Mage 04-05-07, 08:10 PM	Here are some references to dwarves using longswords. 1) The dwarf deity Vergadain has a longsword as his favored weapon. 2) A dwarf (I forget his name; he was only a bit part) wielded a longsword in The Lone Drow. 3) Brelm, the dwarf guard of the Adventure Mart in Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn wielded what looked like a longsword. I tested the graphics of both a longsword and a shortsword on both a character and Brelm and can just about confirm that it appears Brelm uses a +1 longsword. Oh, and according to the AD&D to 3.X Edition conversion book, a claymore is more than likely considered a bastard sword. ;)
Burningspear 04-05-07, 08:58 PM	Oh, and according to the AD&D to 3.X Edition conversion book, a claymore is more than likely considered a bastard sword. ;) I know, bastard sword and all:yuck: :tie: ...lol.
bitter thorn 04-06-07, 07:44 PM	Hey I was wondering if there would be possible for a dwarf to wield a great axe as his main weapon. I ask because although there`s no real reason why they shouldn´t, most people tend to frown upon the idea. Toughts?? Many FR Dwarves weild great axes to excellent effect, however the combination of heavy armor, shield and Dwarven waraxe is basically the norm for Dwarven fighters. A solid AC and hit points and 1d10 for for your main weapon is a winning formula against humanoids that heavily out number you. Elite PC fighter types may want to optimize thier ability to PA enemy heavy hitters like giants, of course. This is in no way inconsistant with the Dwarven mindset and history in FR.
Faraer 04-08-07, 02:07 PM	The image of dwarves (or other humanoids) wielding slashing/bludgeoning weapons longer than they are tall comes from sources, such as Citadel Miniatures and manga, outside the Realms. (Its impracticality in confined spaces underground makes it even less likely.) While I wouldn't disallow it, I wouldn't play a dwarf PC myself with such a comically big weapon.
gothmaug 04-09-07, 06:25 PM	I somehow can't really imagine a dwarf with a big sword. I mean, a spiked chain or a similar weapon could fit a dwarf with a more "oriental" feel, but a dwarf with a shield and a broadsword just looks a bit odd imo. J.R.R Tolkien's "The Hobbit" which is where we base our DnD Dwarves on has many many dwarves using the old sword and board. Thorin (if you haven't read it, he's the reigning dwarven king-in-exile) has the last name of oakenshield. He also wields a sword called Orcrist the "goblin-cleaver". Yes Gimli in loTR uses axes, but tolkien's dwarves are usually portrayed as close quarter marital combat types using swords/axes/hammers and picks. Hence our DnD dwarvves :)
The_Shaman 04-09-07, 07:30 PM	I know, Tolkien in general prefered swords, it's just that the dwarf+axe archetype is very vividly etched in my brain. Darn ;) .
GothicDan 04-09-07, 08:26 PM	Weren't the above-mentioned swords Elven made?
Mad Mage 04-10-07, 12:23 PM	Weren't the above-mentioned swords Elven made? Yes, Orcrist and Glamdring were Elven-made.
gothmaug 04-10-07, 01:14 PM	Yes, Orcrist and Glamdring were Elven-made. Yep they were. And the famous "Elven" mithril chain armor was crafted by the dwarves of Thorbaddin for the elven royalty. So elves make dwarven weapons and dwarves make elven armor. Heh.. kind of puts a whole wrinkle in the traditional roles of these races in DnD. Wonder if it was intentional or poor reading comprehension by ole Gary Gygax/Dave Areneson? Gothmaug P.S. Yes i know thorin, gandalf and bilbo originally found thier elven blades, but i was just pointing out that in tolkien's world we see elves as weaponsmiths and dwarves as armorsmiths.
bondious 04-10-07, 10:46 PM	P.S. Yes i know thorin, gandalf and bilbo originally found thier elven blades, but i was just pointing out that in tolkien's world we see elves as weaponsmiths and dwarves as armorsmiths. Remember that the dwarves created Narsil, one of the more notable weapons in Middle Earth, which lends a bit of credit to the dwarven weaponsmithing prowess. Of course it was the elves who re-forged it into Andúril, but that's probably because Narsil's fragmented pieces were in the elves custody. Either way, it seems that in Tolkien's world that the dwarves AND elves had a prowess at the forge.