The Grassy Gnoll
Explorer
Just checking I've got this right: anyone can fight with two weapons, so long as they are Light (PHB p195).
Restrictions:
- Only Light weapons
- No Ability Mod to damage (unless it's negative) for second attack
- Uses a Bonus Action
- No negative to hit that I can see?
Best damage from a Light weapon is 1d6 (scimitar or shortsword for martial, or handaxe for simple).
Assuming a fairly average STR of 12 (+1), average DPR assuming two hits would be (3.5+1)+(3.5)=8
Two Attacks = two Attack rolls = two chances to Crit.
Compare the same character (STR 12) using the best possible martial weapon in average damage terms, the greatsword (2d6, two handed). Average damage is (3.5)+(3.5)+1, or 8. Exactly the same average but only one chance to Crit.
Max damage on the other hand (assuming no crits):
Two scimitars = (6+1)+6 = 13
Greatsword = (6+6)+1 = 13
Whatever the STR mod, it scales in the same way. But Scimitars and shortsword both count as Finesse so your DEXy midnight runners can take advantage of their high Dex. Only Wizards and Sorcerors don't have proficiency in the relevant weapon (ie simple weapons or one of the specifically stated weapons). Everyone else can take advantage of this. Bards, Monks, Barbarians, Rogues, Warlocks, Clerics, etc.
Even a Fighter taking Two Weapon Fighting Style needs to use Light weapons (only the DW feat permits better damage weapons, and Feats are Optional - so this doesn't take Feats like GWM into account).
It just occurred to me, that wielding two light weapons will generally be a much better tactic than one serious weapon for a lot of classes, if for no other reason than it gives you two chances to Crit.
I I know it uses your Bonus action but especially at lower levels folks like the Barbarian can go play with this and have fun.
Am I wrong here, have I missed something?
if I'm right, is this something others have noticed?
if so, have your players implemented it?
and if I'm right, is this not a bit broken?
Restrictions:
- Only Light weapons
- No Ability Mod to damage (unless it's negative) for second attack
- Uses a Bonus Action
- No negative to hit that I can see?
Best damage from a Light weapon is 1d6 (scimitar or shortsword for martial, or handaxe for simple).
Assuming a fairly average STR of 12 (+1), average DPR assuming two hits would be (3.5+1)+(3.5)=8
Two Attacks = two Attack rolls = two chances to Crit.
Compare the same character (STR 12) using the best possible martial weapon in average damage terms, the greatsword (2d6, two handed). Average damage is (3.5)+(3.5)+1, or 8. Exactly the same average but only one chance to Crit.
Max damage on the other hand (assuming no crits):
Two scimitars = (6+1)+6 = 13
Greatsword = (6+6)+1 = 13
Whatever the STR mod, it scales in the same way. But Scimitars and shortsword both count as Finesse so your DEXy midnight runners can take advantage of their high Dex. Only Wizards and Sorcerors don't have proficiency in the relevant weapon (ie simple weapons or one of the specifically stated weapons). Everyone else can take advantage of this. Bards, Monks, Barbarians, Rogues, Warlocks, Clerics, etc.
Even a Fighter taking Two Weapon Fighting Style needs to use Light weapons (only the DW feat permits better damage weapons, and Feats are Optional - so this doesn't take Feats like GWM into account).
It just occurred to me, that wielding two light weapons will generally be a much better tactic than one serious weapon for a lot of classes, if for no other reason than it gives you two chances to Crit.
I I know it uses your Bonus action but especially at lower levels folks like the Barbarian can go play with this and have fun.
Am I wrong here, have I missed something?
if I'm right, is this something others have noticed?
if so, have your players implemented it?
and if I'm right, is this not a bit broken?
Last edited: