D&D 5E Katana in 5th edition - finesse?

[Mercurius]

I hate to start an entire thread on such a small question, but I don't know a way around it. I'm just thinking that katana should be a finesse weapon considering that scimitar is.

My guess is that katana is d8 slashing, 3 lbs, finesse and versatile (d10). Of course that makes it "better" than the longsword because of finesse, which may be problematic, but I guess it should also be more expensive. I wish there was a way to reflect that the longsword has superior piercing capacity, which is the one advantage I've read that it has over the katana.

Also, do you think there is going to be anything like masterwork weapons?

 

[Mercurius]

Another thought. Maybe magic longswords should be finesse as well? It makes sense that they are lighter, easier to wield. Certainly an elven longsword would be finesse - but also quite a bit more expensive.

Just thinking out loud here.

 

[TwoSix]

It's a katana. Realistic stats should be

1d20 slashing versatile (2d20), reach, finesse, thrown (100/400)

 

[aarduini]

Personally,

I think the longsword should have the piercing quality as well, and the Katana gets the finesse quality. The katana should have another name as well "Elven Longsword", and elves get proficiency with that instead of the longsword.

They went back to a lot of things in this edition that second edition used that got corrected in later editions. Elves should not be proficient in longswords. Longswords are a strength weapon and elves use their agility best. Since the scimitar is a finesse weapon now (and all movies and pictures show elves using scimitars like weapons more than longswords IMO), the scimitar should have been the elves proficiency weapon.

In what instance would a non-combat oriented elf (who wouldn't already get the proficiency through his class) use a longsword. A scimitar, on the other hand, I can see my elf wizard using.

 

[NewJeffCT]

It's a katana. Realistic stats should be

1d20 slashing versatile (2d20), reach, finesse, thrown (100/400)

wrong, the katana needs to be at least 6d4 slashing, bludgeonging or piercing, versatile (12d4). It also grants a +4 shield bonus due to its awesomeness, and allows its wielder the ability to fly at twice their foot speed twice per day.

 

[Branduil]

It's a katana. Realistic stats should be

1d20 slashing versatile (2d20), reach, finesse, thrown (100/400)

Don't forget

Special: Folded Steel Sundering. As a result of the katana's superior forging using many layers of thinly folded steel, any time you hit with an attack against an enemy holding a weapon and/or shield, you can instead choose to deal damage to one weapon or shield they are holding.

 

[JonWake]

If a longsword isn't finesse, neither is a katana. A katana is usually heavier than a longsword. A katana is also more blade heavy than a longsword. Whereas the German longsword style relies on quick, snapping counter cuts, the kenjutsu style of the katana uses powerful, two-handed cleaving blows to incapacitate the enemy. Both styles use body positioning to remove you from the enemy's reach while putting the enemy in your reach.
Here, take a look at the differences.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln94E9AGYTc
vs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVuGDcggm44

 

[JC99]

Personally,

I think the longsword should have the piercing quality as well, and the Katana gets the finesse quality. The katana should have another name as well "Elven Longsword", and elves get proficiency with that instead of the longsword.

They went back to a lot of things in this edition that second edition used that got corrected in later editions. Elves should not be proficient in longswords. Longswords are a strength weapon and elves use their agility best. Since the scimitar is a finesse weapon now (and all movies and pictures show elves using scimitars like weapons more than longswords IMO), the scimitar should have been the elves proficiency weapon.

In what instance would a non-combat oriented elf (who wouldn't already get the proficiency through his class) use a longsword. A scimitar, on the other hand, I can see my elf wizard using.

You're in luck! Elves already get free proficiency with a 1d6 finesse weapon. It's called a shortsword, and it's perfect for dex characters. This leaves the longsword as a tool of the stronger-than-average elves.

 

[Thaumaturge]

blah blah facts blah blah.

Look, fact man, when we want facts, we'll call you. Until then, we are talking about katanas.

A katana is definitely Brutal 20.

And does double damage to incorporeal creatures.

Thaumaturge.

 

[NewJeffCT]

If a longsword isn't finesse, neither is a katana. A katana is usually heavier than a longsword. A katana is also more blade heavy than a longsword. Whereas the German longsword style relies on quick, snapping counter cuts, the kenjutsu style of the katana uses powerful, two-handed cleaving blows to incapacitate the enemy. Both styles use body positioning to remove you from the enemy's reach while putting the enemy in your reach.
Here, take a look at the differences.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln94E9AGYTc
vs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVuGDcggm44

It's kind of a running joke online that the katana is an almost mythic weapon barely short of the lighsaber in terms of desirability and sheer awesomeness.