I remember reading a post a while back that mentioned another game using Hit Dice to determine damage, instead of the weapon. For example, a Fighter would do d10 damage regardless of weapon type, while a Barbarian would do d12 and a Wizard would do d6.
I don't remember which game or the specifics, but this stuck in my head. I liked the idea that a Fighter would be better with any weapon than a Wizard would be. This opened up the option for character's to choose "cool" options over optimized weapons, and solved the rapier issue. With this approach each weapon would have rider clauses that would give the player options.
For example:
Long Sword - Cutting, Parry, Versatile
Shield - Bashing, Cover, Block
Great Axe - Cutting, Cleave
Dagger - Piercing, Thrown, Grappling
Mace - Bashing, Stunning
Spear - Piercing, Reach, Versatile, Thrown
So a Fighter with a Long Sword and Shield would be able to choose to attack with the sword for cutting damage and use the shield to block the attacks of one opponent (adding half proficiency to AC as a bonus against one foe) or to bash with the shield and use the sword to parry one attack (adding half proficiency as a bonus against one attack) or drop the shield and use the sword two-handed for more damage (add half proficiency as a bonus to damage)
On the other hand, a Fighter using two Daggers would be able to choose between throwing one or attacking with both (adding half proficiency as a bonus to damage) and be able to use his daggers within grappling distance.
This is just a rough idea right now, and the rider clauses for the various weapons would need to be worked out, but what are your thoughts? Could something like this work for D&D? If so, what suggestions would you make?
I don't remember which game or the specifics, but this stuck in my head. I liked the idea that a Fighter would be better with any weapon than a Wizard would be. This opened up the option for character's to choose "cool" options over optimized weapons, and solved the rapier issue. With this approach each weapon would have rider clauses that would give the player options.
For example:
Long Sword - Cutting, Parry, Versatile
Shield - Bashing, Cover, Block
Great Axe - Cutting, Cleave
Dagger - Piercing, Thrown, Grappling
Mace - Bashing, Stunning
Spear - Piercing, Reach, Versatile, Thrown
So a Fighter with a Long Sword and Shield would be able to choose to attack with the sword for cutting damage and use the shield to block the attacks of one opponent (adding half proficiency to AC as a bonus against one foe) or to bash with the shield and use the sword to parry one attack (adding half proficiency as a bonus against one attack) or drop the shield and use the sword two-handed for more damage (add half proficiency as a bonus to damage)
On the other hand, a Fighter using two Daggers would be able to choose between throwing one or attacking with both (adding half proficiency as a bonus to damage) and be able to use his daggers within grappling distance.
This is just a rough idea right now, and the rider clauses for the various weapons would need to be worked out, but what are your thoughts? Could something like this work for D&D? If so, what suggestions would you make?