D&D 3E/3.5 3.5e: Double Weapon

[Shin Okada]

Game-mechanic-wise, are there any reason for using a double weapon over a two-handed-weapon plus armor spike?

It seems that the latter combination is far much better in damage output.

 

[Wyvernhand]

There are some reasons, but not many. The biggest is probably Exotic Weapon Master's Flurry of Strikes, which can only be used with a double weapon or spiked chain. Another is if you are a Revenant Blade (ECS) with a Valenar Double Scimitar. Also, if you were TWFing with a Shalalieghed and Spiked quarterstaff, you'd be hard pressed to find a weapon/spike combo that can out damage those spells.

But other than that, no. Both get 1.5x Str when you don't get to make a full attack (since you are only attacking with one end), but the normal 2hander probably has better features, a higher base damage size, and probably doesn't require EWP to use.

Then again, most damage doesn't come from the weapons base, but rather from other sources of bonus damage, so in the long run, the gap will be pretty small.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Game-mechanic-wise, are there any reason for using a double weapon over a two-handed-weapon plus armor spike?

Weapon-specific feats apply to both ends of the double weapon, but only to one or the other of your two-handed weapon and armor spikes combo.

 

[Shin Okada]

Weapon-specific feats apply to both ends of the double weapon, but only to one or the other of your two-handed weapon and armor spikes combo.

Yeah. But while two Weapon Focus feats costs 2 feat slots, an Exotic Weapon Proficiency plus Weapon Focus also costs 2 feat slots. And most PCs have other better feats to take than to take specific weapon feats. So, it seems that only a pure (or almost pure) fighters will be benefited from it. And if the said fighter happens to take levels in Tempest...

By the way, I am not sure if a two-handed weapon gains str bonus or 1 and 1/2 of strength bonus to damage roll when using two-weapons. Where can I find the rules which clarifies this issue?