D&D 5E Theorycrafting Versatile

[Quartz]

I've been thinking about the Versatile property, particularly with reference to the Longsword. At the moment the Versatile property means that this is one-handed weapon that can be used two-handed. But what if that were reversed: what if Versatile were to mean that this is a two-handed weapon that can be used one-handed? This is a nice but important distinction.

So how about this: a Versatile weapon always uses the higher die but takes a -2 penalty to damage if used one-handed? This represents the possibility of a bad strike. And it has a corollary: any one-handed weapon can be used two-handed for extra power (+1 damage).

 

[sim-h]

Are you going to keep a minimum damage of 1, or zero? Penalties to damage could reduce the damage to zero or negative. Probably why the rule as written is the way it is.

 

[Cap'n Kobold]

As I understand it, the main problem with the Versatile property is that the bit of extra damage when used two-handed cannot really compete against using it one-handed when factoring in shield use and fighting styles.

 

[Quartz]

Are you going to keep a minimum damage of 1, or zero? Penalties to damage could reduce the damage to zero or negative. Probably why the rule as written is the way it is.

I would see a minimum of 1 damage. But don't forget that there can be all sorts of additional effects on a hit - Smite Damage, Colossus Slayer, etc etc - which can all add to the damage.

As I understand it, the main problem with the Versatile property is that the bit of extra damage when used two-handed cannot really compete against using it one-handed when factoring in shield use and fighting styles.

Only the Duellist fighting style.

 

[200orcs]

That's too poweful. In Pathfinder there are entire archetypes and feats that do this, including giving it a minus to hit.

Think of it this way, do you consider a Barbarian with a shield and a greatsword OP or not? But as an archetype it would be balanced in my book.

Also if you can one hand a 2H weapon, can I dual wield it?

 

[Quartz]

Think of it this way, do you consider a Barbarian with a shield and a greatsword OP or not?

Under this suggestion, you can't wield a 2H weapon one-handed, only a Versatile weapon.

Also if you can one hand a 2H weapon, can I dual wield it?

No, you can one-hand a Versatile weapon, not a 2H weapon.

 

[Xeviat]

I'm not sure what you're hoping to change of this, but I do like the "use a one-handed weapon in two hands for +1 damage". It doesn't work for rapiers, but maybe if you switch your stance and palm the pommel you can get a little more force on a thrust.

What I'd like to see is there be a good reason for a fighter to use a longsword and no shield. Are they keeping their off-hand free for bonus action grabs? Do they get a higher attack bonus when wielding a weapon in one hand but more damage when wielding it in two? Like, I feel like there was a reason people fought with longswords instead of always going for something even bigger, even when most of the longsword techniques utilize two hands.

 

[The Crimson Binome]

But what if that were reversed: what if Versatile were to mean that this is a two-handed weapon that can be used one-handed? This is a nice but important distinction.

I don't exactly follow. Would you mind spelling out the difference? How would this change the way that the weapon is used, in practice?

 

[GlassJaw]

As I understand it, the main problem with the Versatile property is that the bit of extra damage when used two-handed cannot really compete against using it one-handed when factoring in shield use and fighting styles.

Well it's just that - it gives you another option. It's useful when you are fighting weak opponents and aren't concerned with the extra AC or you are fighting an enemy with a high attack bonus and you'll probably get hit regardless if you use a shield so every extra bit of damage helps.

Also useful if you are getting extra attacks, such as the round you use Action Surge.

 

[Quartz]

I don't exactly follow. Would you mind spelling out the difference? How would this change the way that the weapon is used, in practice?

Sorry, I thought my OP was very clear.

Current: a weapon with the Versatile property is a one-handed weapon that does increased damage when used as a two-handed weapon.

Theorycraft: a weapon with the Versatile property is a two-handed weapon that does reduced damage when used as a one-handed weapon.