Finessable double weapons?
- Thread starter Question
- Start date
Hypersmurf
Moderatarrrrh...
According to the Main FAQ, all of them. But only the off-end.
Is a double weapon considered a two-handed weapon
a one-handed weapon plus a light weapon, for the purposes
of feats such as Weapon Finesse and Power Attack?
A double weapon can be wielded in two ways, either as a
one-handed weapon and a light weapon, or as a single twohanded
weapon. Either way, it follows the normal rules for
using such weapons.
Wielding as Two Weapons: The primary end (the “onehanded
weapon”) adds your Strength modifier to damage, and
the secondary end (the “light weapon”) adds one-half your
Strength bonus to damage. When using Power Attack, bonus
damage applies only to the primary end. If you have Weapon
Finesse, you may add your Dexterity modifier instead of your
Strength modifier to attack rolls with the secondary end (but
not with the primary end).
Wielding as One Weapon: Add one-and-one-half your
Strength bonus to damage rolls. When using Power Attack,
double the bonus damage granted by the feat.
The Sage strongly recommends that characters who wield
double weapons record attack and damage values for both
methods of use, to speed play.
For what it's worth.
Note that this answer is supported by the Core rules, as long as one assumes that the text of the Power Attack feat that states "Normally, you treat a double weapon as a one-handed weapon and a light weapon" to be globally applicable. Since this assumption causes fewer headaches than assuming it is only relevant to the Power Attack feat, it's the one I favour... so I agree with the Sage here that the off-end can be finessed.
-Hyp.
Is a double weapon considered a two-handed weapon
a one-handed weapon plus a light weapon, for the purposes
of feats such as Weapon Finesse and Power Attack?
A double weapon can be wielded in two ways, either as a
one-handed weapon and a light weapon, or as a single twohanded
weapon. Either way, it follows the normal rules for
using such weapons.
Wielding as Two Weapons: The primary end (the “onehanded
weapon”) adds your Strength modifier to damage, and
the secondary end (the “light weapon”) adds one-half your
Strength bonus to damage. When using Power Attack, bonus
damage applies only to the primary end. If you have Weapon
Finesse, you may add your Dexterity modifier instead of your
Strength modifier to attack rolls with the secondary end (but
not with the primary end).
Wielding as One Weapon: Add one-and-one-half your
Strength bonus to damage rolls. When using Power Attack,
double the bonus damage granted by the feat.
The Sage strongly recommends that characters who wield
double weapons record attack and damage values for both
methods of use, to speed play.
For what it's worth.
Note that this answer is supported by the Core rules, as long as one assumes that the text of the Power Attack feat that states "Normally, you treat a double weapon as a one-handed weapon and a light weapon" to be globally applicable. Since this assumption causes fewer headaches than assuming it is only relevant to the Power Attack feat, it's the one I favour... so I agree with the Sage here that the off-end can be finessed.
-Hyp.
Hypersmurf
Moderatarrrrh...
Question said:
Ah. You could possibly make a case to a DM to allow it for the double scimitar from the Arms and Equipment Guide. It doesn't actually state that it can be used with the Weapon Finesse feat, but it does say "Despite its size, the weapon benefits more from quick, precise movement than from brute force". As a DM, I'd be able to be convinced to let it work.
Especially since Oversized Two-Weapon Fighting means someone can just use two rapiers to get a similar effect anyway.
-Hyp.
IIRC, the 3.0 Master of Chains PrC granted an ability that allowed a Spiked Chain to be used as a double weapon (which also changed it's reach to 5'). Considering it would cost three feats to do so (EWP, WF, and the new feat) to pull it off, I would allow this ability to be taken as a feat. Alternatively, you could look into updating the PrC for 3.5.
John Q. Mayhem
Explorer
I think staves should be able to be finessed. That's a house rule, though.
Similar Threads
