D&D 3E/3.5 3.5 Weapon question

[AeroDm]

Of course I can't XP you again, but thanks!

Fear not, I did it not for the xp but for the lulz.

Edit--xcel updated to account for an equal distribution of crit confirmations.

 

[RedTonic]

Not to derail the lively discussion, but I put together a spreadsheet that highlights the tradeoff. The damage variance is a function of the to hit ratio (and crit confirm) as well as the bonus to damage that is multiplied. You can adjust the crit range at the top of the "Comparison" tab to see how things change.

For the most part, the longsword does has a higher expected damage per attack than the scimitar when the damage bonus is low and you are likely to hit. The scimitar has a higher expected damage output per attack when damage bonus is high and you are likely to hit. The difference becomes negligible if you are unlikely to hit.

Thank you so much! I really like this.

 

[AeroDm]

Thank you so much! I really like this.

Be sure to check out the newest version above. Much more accurate with the input of Patryn of Elvenshae.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

For the heck of it, I've tossed together my own version, as well.

There might be a bug or two in it, but I think I've got everything down correctly.

I also included a stacking ImpCrit, Keen Scimitar vs. a Longsword +2 comparison, for giggles.

 

[AeroDm]

For the heck of it, I've tossed together my own version, as well.

There might be a bug or two in it, but I think I've got everything down correctly.

I also included a stacking ImpCrit, Keen Scimitar vs. a Longsword +2 comparison, for giggles.

Looks great and helpful. My one criticism is that the "box of believability" seems a bit constrained. With strength, magic, spec, and power attack, a bonus above +12 seems pretty doable particularly if it is two-handed power attack. Either way, adds more to the base of understanding. Good additions.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Looks great and helpful. My one criticism is that the "box of believability" seems a bit constrained. With strength, magic, spec, and power attack, a bonus above +12 seems pretty doable particularly if it is two-handed power attack. Either way, adds more to the base of understanding. Good additions.

Heh heh heh.

Yeah, I figured there might be a bit of pushback on the exact parameters of the box, but I figured it would cover the ranges you'd see in 80% of cases.

And thanks for the compliments!

EDIT: Also, most of the magic bonuses - enhancement, usually - belong over in the weapon details, so that's about +1 to +5 of the "additional variability" that'll already be accounted for. -10/+20 two-handed Power Attacking, though, is certainly without the bounds of possibility.

 

[RedTonic]

Thank you two for your hard work. Those are pretty cool! I tried to give you XP, AeroDM, but alas, I can't until I spread more love around.

 

[Eridanis]

This thread has moved so fast that I feel like it's closing the barn door after the horses are stolen, but it never hurts to remind people to please be civil to one another. Stay away from the name-calling or there will be consequences.

 

[AeroDm]

This thread has moved so fast that I feel like it's closing the barn door after the horses are stolen, but it never hurts to remind people to please be civil to one another. Stay away from the name-calling or there will be consequences.

That's right Elvenshae. Quit trying to one-up me with your valuable contributions!
(Yes, I get that it wasn't intended at us...)

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

That's right Elvenshae. Quit trying to one-up me with your valuable contributions!
(Yes, I get that it wasn't intended at us...)

Now I'm wondering what the heck I missed!

Thanks for the fun diversion today.