D&D 3E/3.5 Is the spiked chain too good? (3.5)

[lifebane]

Hi all, I am new hear so hopefully this isn't a topic that has been played out repeatedly before. In our group there is a character that has built his entire character around the use of the spiked chain. Serious min / max case. From the resaerch into the rules so far, there is no real weakness or drawback to using this weapon despite it's obvious reach advantage. The fact that it is not subject to the "drawback" in regards to reach and adjacent hexes makes it seem like well, a super weapon.

Is there a drawback to using this weapon? What options are open to the gm to compensate for this without punishing the rest of the group? And one thing that had gotten to the potn of rediculosu was combination of improved trip at extended range (reach), then AoO everytime they tried to get up, tripped again. The scenario really trivialized an encounter with some rather powerful creatures.

any feedback on this would be appreciated.

 

[Pyrex]

Spiked Chain is very good in certain circumstances. In other circumstances (say against a large or larger creature with 4+ feet) it's not really much better than a longsword.

Using a spiked chain also has two costs. 1) it costs a feat just to be proficient with it. Min/maxing it requires even more feats. 2) you can't use a shield.

Tripped opponents don't have to stand up immediately. They can fight from prone (-4 unless they have the appropriate feat) or they can 5' step (crawl) out of his reach and then stand up.

 

[DarkMaster]

Hi all, I am new hear so hopefully this isn't a topic that has been played out repeatedly before. In our group there is a character that has built his entire character around the use of the spiked chain. Serious min / max case. From the resaerch into the rules so far, there is no real weakness or drawback to using this weapon despite it's obvious reach advantage. The fact that it is not subject to the "drawback" in regards to reach and adjacent hexes makes it seem like well, a super weapon.

Is there a drawback to using this weapon? What options are open to the gm to compensate for this without punishing the rest of the group? And one thing that had gotten to the potn of rediculosu was combination of improved trip at extended range (reach), then AoO everytime they tried to get up, tripped again. The scenario really trivialized an encounter with some rather powerful creatures.

any feedback on this would be appreciated.

Exotic weapon = + 1 feat to use

average two handed damage = 5 quite low for a 2 handed weapon (Gsword is 7 great axe is 6.5)

Critical sucks x2 on 20;

{edit after reading previous post] You can use a shield, for the damaged caused.

also powerful creature shouldn't be that easy to trip, don't forget that trip attempt on stronger creature can easily lead to the PC either prone or disarmed.

 

[jgsugden]

Yes, it is too good.

The drawback is supposed to be the reduced base damage, but that difference gets to be insignificant at higher level. The 'option reach' of the weapon makes it too useful. The other extra abilities add on to the problem, but the core abuse is that darn 'option reach'.

I do not allow it in my game.

To better balance it, I suggest treating it as a one handed weapon that requires two hands to use. This reduces the PA to +1/-1 and gives the character only +str to damage instead of +(str X 1.5).

For another restriction, if you want to get really down and dirty, I suggest allowing cleaves to only be taken in a clockwise direction (within a 180 degree arch). You are supposed to be swinging the thing around ...

 

[Ovinomancer]

As for the trip issue, you can't trip a prone creature. Since AoO's interupt the action that caused them, you cannot trip a standing opponent as he is still prone for the AoO. IMO, but I've seen some posts that support this. This seriously reduces the trip hit, AoO trip hit, etc.

 

[Benben]

I'm certainly sick of them, as are most of my players.

Special Abilites:
Finesseable, and two handed. Only weapon like with these two options.
+2 To Disarm
Can be used for trip attacks.
Threatens at close and reach range.

Items of Note:
Two Handed gives +4 to disarm checks (+6 total for this weapon).

Disadvantages:
Bad critical
Average damage for a two-handed weapon. There are 4 other two-handed weapons that do 2D4 damage.
Exotic Weapon.

Over all I would say that the positives out the negatives. The synergistic effects of Improved Disarm and Improved Trip, really start to make it an powerful weapon. The 2-for-1 power attack bonus is icing on the cake.

 

[Deset Gled]

The spiked chain requires a lot to be put into it to make it effective. For the amount that the player has to pay, I think the outcome is pretty balanced.

What feats does said player have that makes him so effective?

 

[Shallown]

So far comparinga 12th great axe build, two weapon specialist and a spiked chain monkey they all come out about even though they have different strengths and are really a matter of application of appropriate tactics. You deal with each one a little differently. But I think in the grand scheme of things they are equals.

later

 

[Henry]

A person with Combat Reflexes, a spiked chain, a high strength, and proficiency is a terror to behold. But strangely, we have had only ONE spiked chain wielder in the past five games of D&D. It really doesn't make that much of an impact to us.

 

[Lamoni]

A person with Combat Reflexes, a spiked chain, a high strength, and proficiency is a terror to behold. But strangely, we have had only ONE spiked chain wielder in the past five games of D&D. It really doesn't make that much of an impact to us.

Our games are the same way... we never see them. I think the reason is because they are too easy to abuse. In character, I see no reason why he would not try to use the weapon in the most effective manner possible. Out of character, I see how it can easily be a balance issue. Therefore I avoid using the weapon so the temptation is no longer there.