An ancient unanswered question

[gamecat]

In all of my years playing D&D, how much damage does a blow with a burning torch do? I treat it as a flaming club, but that seems too powerful.

 

[Wolf72]

I always thought it was 1d3 bludgeon + flame damage ... I'd say if you did it as a touch attack you could flame someone (see the burning sidebar in the DMG)

 

[FRPGames]

I would say that it does minimal damage as a blunt weapon, but you could use it to make a melee touch attack to catch someone on fire. See the rules in the DMG. Ref save DC15 or take 1d6 per round until you put yourself out.

That seems realistic. What do you guys think?

 

[kreynolds]

I always thought it was 1d3 bludgeon + flame damage ... I'd say if you did it as a touch attack you could flame someone (see the burning sidebar in the DMG)

I dig this.

 

[twjensen]

Is there a rule?

First, you are at -4 to hit because it is an improvised weapon.

After that, you might do 1d6 + 1d6 fire, BUT

you'd be within your rights as DM to have the torch break if swung at full force by someone with a decent strength bonus (+3 or more str mod). I'd probably even throw in a % chance that it just breaks even if wielded by a wimp.

Normal melee weapons don't break, (unless consciously and convincingly sundered by an opponent,) that's how they're made. The average torch maker doesn't expect you to swing your torch at hardened steel shields, beat past swords or otherwise use it for weapon-like purposes.

 

[Caliban]

I've ruled that it does 1d2 bludgeoning damage +1d3 fire damage.

Torches are 1/3 the weight of a club (according to the PHB), so I have them do 1/3 the damage. and I have it do 1/2 the fire damage of a flaming weapon. This way it's not actually better than a normal club. (If it did 1d6+1d6 why would anyone use a regular club?)

 

[kreynolds]

I've ruled that it does 1d2 bludgeoning damage +1d3 fire damage.

Torches are 1/3 the weight of a club (according to the PHB), so I have them do 1/3 the damage. and I have it do 1/2 the fire damage of a flaming weapon. This way it's not actually better than a normal club. (If it did 1d6+1d6 why would anyone use a regular club?)

Well slap my butt and call me Sally! Where you been, Caliban? Anyways, there's a matter that requires your attention here. Apparently, you posted some home brew weapon enhancements but they have long since been buried within the bowels of this horribly broken message board engine.

 

[gamecat]

Wow, so many responses. Thanks all. Caliban, I think i'll use your adjucation as to the predicament.

 

[ThomasBJJ]

((SMACK)) "Sally!"

 

[Happiest_Sadist]

I'd rule it was a touch attack doing 1d3 fire.