Using Double Weapons One Handed [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTimePost
Howie23

05-31-07, 12:59 PM
You guys seriously rule that "A creature wielding a quarterstaff in one hand can’t use it as a double weapon—only one end of the weapon can be used in any given round." only applies when the weapon is smaller than the character using it? That's making a fairly large logical leap and assuming that the rules are addressing an extreme outside case directly---something they almost never do.


I'm referring to passage under double weapons on page PHB 113. The logical leap, large or small that it may be, is that a double weapon is naturally a two-handed weapon. Two-handed weapons of size appropriate to the character cannot be wielded one-handed. So, it takes an undersized weapon, or appropriate feats, to use it it one-handed.

David
gomeztoo

05-31-07, 01:33 PM
If it helps to confuse the topic: I never actually considered using a double-bladed sword as a one handed weapon...
Mommy was an Orc

05-31-07, 03:15 PM
I'm referring to passage under double weapons on page PHB 113. The logical leap, large or small that it may be, is that a double weapon is naturally a two-handed weapon. Two-handed weapons of size appropriate to the character cannot be wielded one-handed. So, it takes an undersized weapon, or appropriate feats, to use it it one-handed.

David

By the way, this should probably help - the PHB is explicit that it is referring to a case of a small double weapon, where the SRD removed that essential part.
Howie23

05-31-07, 03:30 PM
By the way, this should probably help - the PHB is explicit that it is referring to a case of a small double weapon, where the SRD removed that essential part.

That may go a long way toward clearing up difference of opinion on this. Thanks.

Anyone know what the leatherbound has?

David
solbergb

05-31-07, 07:21 PM
Even with just the SRD, the RAW is there, it's just more indirect.

Every single double-weapon is listed as a "2-handed" weapon on the charts.

The only way to weild a 2-handed weapon in one hand is if it is a size smaller.

Therefore they MUST be talking about a smaller sized double weapon (similar to the extra rules on using size smaller reach weapons taking away your reach - the only one-handed reach weapons in the PHB are lance when mounted and whip)
TWG_Prometheus

06-01-07, 11:33 AM
I wasn't aware of the PHB reference MwaO pointed out, and the intent of the passage is clear even if it doesn't actually say that you couldn't do it with a Medium weapon. (It only gives a Medium character using a small weapon as an example) More wonderful WotC editing at work...
lseelba

06-03-07, 03:26 PM
Even with just the SRD, the RAW is there, it's just more indirect.

Every single double-weapon is listed as a "2-handed" weapon on the charts.

The only way to weild a 2-handed weapon in one hand is if it is a size smaller.

Therefore they MUST be talking about a smaller sized double weapon (similar to the extra rules on using size smaller reach weapons taking away your reach - the only one-handed reach weapons in the PHB are lance when mounted and whip)

In LG, can centaurs use a lance one handed and therefore get reach while still using a shield?
Timlagor

06-03-07, 04:31 PM
In LG, can centaurs use a lance one handed and therefore get reach while still using a shield?

No. Centaurs are not mounted.
You may get some GMs who allow it but don't expect there to be many.
lseelba

06-03-07, 06:48 PM
No. Centaurs are not mounted.
You may get some GMs who allow it but don't expect there to be many.

Does it deal double damage on a charge with a lance as per the Monster Manual entry?
clannagh

06-03-07, 08:33 PM
Does it deal double damage on a charge with a lance as per the Monster Manual entry?

No, they are not Monster Manual Centaurs .. or Races of Faerun Centaurs (which get mounted feats for free).

They are Centaurs as described in Races of the Wild with a few minor changes specifically described in the Bright Sands Source Document.
Timlagor

06-03-07, 11:00 PM
Most GMs will give the double damage ime.
Gelth

06-04-07, 03:50 PM
Most GMs will give the double damage ime.

This will vary by area, I suspect. I've waffled back and forth on this one, partly because I do play a Centaur, and I'm currently leaning towards not allowing double damage while charging with a Lance.
I could be convinced, it would just be hard (because it would benefit me directly).

--Penn, Ket Triad
ShinAkuma2

06-04-07, 05:50 PM
Most GMs will give the double damage ime.

Most GMs that don't follow the rules.