SoreLoser32
First Post
If i am using a +2 Sword and I hit with the hilt is it still considered +2 or does the enchantment somehow differentiate between the hilt and blade?
-
NOW LIVE! Into the Woods--new character species, eerie monsters, and haunting villains to populate the woodlands of your D&D games.
+2 Sword
- Thread starter SoreLoser32
- Start date
the Jester
Legend
DM's call, but I would say the whole thing is +2.
There's a far stronger argument against this in 3e, with the precedent of double weapons, though.
There's a far stronger argument against this in 3e, with the precedent of double weapons, though.
The double weapon does 2 things: it gives the other side actual weapon damage, and each end can have different enchantments.
The sword pommel would get the +2, but would do damage as an improvised weapon.
The sword pommel would get the +2, but would do damage as an improvised weapon.
... then you're hitting stuff with the wrong end. Try holding it with the sharp bit pointing away from you.
Sheesh, damn 1st-level characters. Any wonder most of 'em die?
El Mahdi
Muad'Dib of the Anauroch
Long Answer:
In real medieval combat, every part of the sword is used for attack...and swordsmen are trained in using every part. And in D&D, just like HP and most other mechanical representations in-game, Attack rolls are an abstract quantification of all attempted attacks in a 6-second period (one round). That attack roll represents six-seconds worth of slashes, stabs, attempting to shove the cross-guard through your opponents eye, bashing them in the head or face with the pommel, etc. The +2 bonus of the sword represents a magical enhancement that makes the sword sharper, stronger, lighter and better balanced than a non-magical sword - resulting in a sword that's +2 better at attacking (and damage). Since the attack roll is an abstract quantification, that includes attacks with the crossguard, pommel, or blade.
So...
Short Answer:
Yes, the +2 applies to attacks with any part of the sword.
In real medieval combat, every part of the sword is used for attack...and swordsmen are trained in using every part. And in D&D, just like HP and most other mechanical representations in-game, Attack rolls are an abstract quantification of all attempted attacks in a 6-second period (one round). That attack roll represents six-seconds worth of slashes, stabs, attempting to shove the cross-guard through your opponents eye, bashing them in the head or face with the pommel, etc. The +2 bonus of the sword represents a magical enhancement that makes the sword sharper, stronger, lighter and better balanced than a non-magical sword - resulting in a sword that's +2 better at attacking (and damage). Since the attack roll is an abstract quantification, that includes attacks with the crossguard, pommel, or blade.
So...
Short Answer:
Yes, the +2 applies to attacks with any part of the sword.
Scott DeWar
Prof. Emeritus-Supernatural Events/Countermeasure
Long Answer:
[snip]
So...
Short Answer:
Yes, the +2 applies to attacks with any part of the sword.
[MENTION=59506]El Mahdi[/MENTION], does the +2 count in avoiding hurricanes and tropical storms!?
Squire James
Explorer
I guess this question would be relevant if there was a 1e monster that required a +2 weapon to harm it, but it had to be subdued rather than slain. Back before we had DR, we had monsters who were simply immune to weapons of less than a certain "plus".
frankthedm
First Post
It will be up to the DM, but IMHO 1d8 slashing damage of a long sword is assuming you are striking with the blade and that is what is enhanced on the weapon. Plus this prevents folks with the wrong weapon from trying to cheesily sneak around damage type DR.
I've always run it as the business end of the weapon, IE Blade (tip to tang) for a sword or head for an axe / spear / polearm is what has the enhancement.
Also if the enhancement is adding to all parts of the weapon, then any part of the weapon being broken will ruin it's enchantment. I've always felt it was better for weapon handles and hafts to be replaceable.
I've always run it as the business end of the weapon, IE Blade (tip to tang) for a sword or head for an axe / spear / polearm is what has the enhancement.
Also if the enhancement is adding to all parts of the weapon, then any part of the weapon being broken will ruin it's enchantment. I've always felt it was better for weapon handles and hafts to be replaceable.
Last edited:
Similar Threads
