Main gauche + combat expertise

[Tuzon Thume]

I would suggest that the defense bonus would apply only against an opponent fighting with small weapons or only against a finesse fighting opponent perhaps. No way that dagger'd stop that great axe or great sword

 

[Tuzon Thume]

Shouldn't it be considered an exotic weapon since it would require intensive training.

 

[Nyaricus]

Shouldn't it be considered an exotic weapon since it would require intensive training.

FSTS puts it as a Martial weapon - but i could see the argument here. Maybe that would be a bad idea . . . but hey, i dunno :S

 

[magic_gathering2001]

I would say martial for the +1 shield bonus against finessable weapons and exotic for a +1 against one handed weapons

 

[Nyaricus]

well, that "+1"/bonus in general would depend on which version on the rules you use - but the set-up is awesome with the "vs this type of weapon". Go with it!

 

[Cabral]

Actually, I don't think the bonus vrs types of weapons is a good idea. While the Main Gauche is good at catching weapons, this is better represented in a Sunder or Disarm bonus than an AC bonus. The AC bonus should be more of a deflection motion (which is effective against all weapons) than a catching motion.

If I include a main gauche, it'll provide a +1 shield bonus when fighting defensively or a +2 shield bonus when using total defense. (this combined with 5 ranks of tumble makes a rapier/main gauche fighter pretty effective)