A way to balance the greataxe with the greatsword

[Stalker0]

We all know the d12 of a greataxe is a little weaker than the 2d6 of the greatsword. How about an easy way to beef up the greataxe a little is give it a +1 on critical confirmation rolls?

 

[charlesatan]

2d6 averages 7, 1d12 averages as 6.5 -- overall an almost negligible difference.

The Greatsword has a 19-20/x2 threat range while the Greataxe has x3 -- a fair trade as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Agamemnon]

The average damage is the same, but 2d6 has a probability curve, the 1d12 does not.

 

[charlesatan]

The much-maligned d12...

 

[Stalker0]

2d6 averages 7, 1d12 averages as 6.5 -- overall an almost negligible difference.

Completely agree, but then again so is a +1 to attack rolls on critical on critical confirmations

Keep in mind too that greatsword have more hp than greataxes, doesnt' come up often but its there none the less.

 

[Darklone]

I use greataxes as slashing and bludgeoning weapons. That works.

 

[Nifft]

I use greataxes as slashing and bludgeoning weapons. That works.

That's a really nice one. Axes are quite heavy, and bludgeoning damage is a good damage type.

Thanks, -- N

 

[mhensley]

The great axe is a bit weaker than the great sword even when you add in crits. The average damage for a great sword is 7.7. The great axe is 7.15.

 

[Vyvyan Basterd]

I think they're balanced just fine.

Greatsword is the choice for consistancy. It's difficult to get that lucky 11 or 12, but equally difficult to get that unlucky 2 or 3 (and you'll never get the truly unlucky 1).

Greataxe is the choice for luck. Chance defies averages sometimes. Back in 1E when rolling up the hp for a high level Barbarian I rolled nothing lower than a 10 on a handfull of d12s. The same could happen when using the axe.

 

[hong]

It doesn't need balancing. IME the sheer pose value from a x3 crit with a greataxe makes up for everything else.