Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Kalani Aug 27, 2014 11:59:24	During discussions in the arcane focus:staff thread, it occured to me that a Wizards arcane staff results in an unusual and most likely unintentional interaction with the Tavern Brawler Feat. Before I discuss this interaction, I must first establish a few key points regarding the arcane focus, and how it functions as a weapon.   Firstly, an arcane focus is not a weapon. Therefore, should an arcane focus be used as a weapon, it must follow the rules for Improvised weapons (p147-148).   Improvised Weapons (p147-148) In many cases, an improvised weapon is similar to an actual weapon and can be treated as such. For example, a table leg is akin to a club. At the DMs option, a character proficient with a weapon can use a similar object as if it were that weapon and use his or her proficiency bonus. These two points result in separate interactions with the rules.   An arcane focus (staff) is similar to a quarterstaff, and can be used as such. It is not however, a weapon. At all times, the arcane focus is treated as an improvised weapon. This is an important distinction.   When used as an improvised quarterstaff, an arcane staff has the following properties: d6 damage, versatile (d8), simple weapon. With that being said however, you may not be able to add your proficiency bonus to attack rolls made with your arcane staff (subject to DM approval, see clause 2 above).   Having established the arcane focus as an improvised quarterstaff, we can now discuss its interaction with the Tavern Brawler feat.   Tavern Brawler (p170) Increase your Strength or Constitution score by 1, to a maximum of 20. You are proficient with improvised weapons and unarmed strikes. When you hit a creature with an unarmed strike or an improvised weapon on your turn, you can use a bonus action to attemp to grapple the target. The arcane focus is always treated as an improvised weapon, and therefore - a strict interpretation of these rules allows a wizard to make a melee attack with their arcane focus, and then a bonus action grapple. Druids can achieve an identical result with their druidic focus (staff).   Under normal circumstances, your ability to add your proficiency bonus to attack rolls with improvised weapons is subject to DM approval, the Tavern Brawler feat grants proficiency with improvised weapons, making DM permission irrelevant.   This is an odd situation, as a Fighter with the Tavern Brawler feat is unable to gain the same benefit when making an attack with an actual quarterstaff.    Edit: This post has been edited to correct an oversight on my part, regarding improvised weapon proficiency.
#2 Timborama Aug 27, 2014 12:11:52	Kalani wrote:
#3 Captain_Kobold Aug 27, 2014 12:29:06	Is there any particular reason that a "specially constructed staff" would not count as a quarterstaff?
#4 NN1 Aug 27, 2014 12:43:38	A fighter can get a wizard's staff or, better yet, buy a broom, to get the same benefit from the tavern brawler feat.
#5 Kattahn Aug 27, 2014 13:31:55	I like the idea of a fighter discarding his staff and picking up a stick, so that he'll be more effective in battle.
#6 Kalani Aug 27, 2014 13:39:32	Captain_Kobold wrote:
#7 Kalani Aug 27, 2014 13:44:02	Kattahn wrote:
(Reply to #7) Undrhil	Kalani wrote:
(Reply to #7) NN1	Kalani wrote:
#10 Kalani Aug 27, 2014 18:17:59	NN1 wrote: