Can an axe be a good ranged weapon?

[Ave Rage]

I began thinking about making a character who's main theme would be "masked lumber jack" who's main attack would be to hurl an axe at apponents. As much as I'd like to play this character I don't know how effective a ranged-axe-attack would be.

Have any of you made a sword-tossing character? How'd he/she fair?

Also, he'll be somewhat of a 'superhero / zorro' so I'm going to put a ton into con/dex/intell. He' sgoing to be a bard and more than likely be taking the finesse feat.

Last thing. Since the theme of the character would be lumberjacking, how would I explain the characters actions to a Ranger or some other nature-loving class/creature as to not piss them off?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

[OaxacanWarrior]

A throwing ax is just as good of a ranged weapon as a dagger is, only it does more damage (I think, IDHMBIFOM). So get a bunch of throwing axes and a good sturdy belt. : )

As to explaining to rangers/druids and such, you can say that you only chop down the dead and dying trees freeing up space in the forest for new strong trees to grow. You can also plant a tree for every tree you cut down or something like that too and possibly even multi-class into ranger or druid eventually.

Good luck!!

- Ryan

 

[Elder-Basilisk]

Last thing. Since the theme of the character would be lumberjacking, how would I explain the characters actions to a Ranger or some other nature-loving class/creature as to not piss them off?

Are the nature loving rangers and druids in the party? If not, don't worry about explaining your actions. Just tell the nature lovers to go hug a spotted owl. Either that or pick a sharp enchanted axe from your belt and glare at them saying "To this day, I've never used this axe on a tree. . . ."

 

[JacktheRabbit]

The problem with an axe as a missle weapon is the extremely short range. They have range increments of 10 feet if I remember correctly.

 

[shurai]

That you live in harmony with nature, or revere the natural world, doesn't mean you won't cut down trees. You can cut down trees all you want if you do it responsibly, and only at need. Similarly, it's okay to destroy things when you're out in nature, because nature is, in part, destruction and rebirth. The trick is to be a part of nature in your activity. If you take from the trees, do so only because there is some need for it. Remember that the ecosystem does this kind of thing on its own, the lumberjack could just be a part of this. Forests have to burn down occassionally, it's healthy for them.

-S

 

[Utrecht]

But on the flip side, it could make for interesting encounters

Imagine an Ogre sees lumberjackman carrying bright shiney axe and thinks - ah another close-combat sucker - expecting stupid human to come into his threatened area for an AoO - when suddendly Lumberjackman stops just out or reach and hurls that axe.......

The danger here is of course the DM metagaming all of the monsters to immediately think that axes are ranged weapons instead of what most people think of....

 

[The It's Man]

I'm a lumberjack, and I'm okay.
I sleep all night. I work all day.

He's a lumberjack, and he's okay.
He sleeps all night and he works all day.

I cut down trees. I eat my lunch.
I go to the lavatory.
On Wednesdays I go shoppin'
And have buttered scones for tea.

He cuts down trees. He eats his lunch.
He goes to the lavatory.
On Wednesdays he goes shopping
And has buttered scones for tea.

He's a lumberjack, and he's okay.
He sleeps all night and he works all day.

I cut down trees. I skip and jump.
I like to press wild flowers.
I put on women's clothing
And hang around in bars.

He cuts down trees. He skips and jumps.
He likes to press wild flowers.
He puts on women's clothing
And hangs around in bars?!

He's a lumberjack, and he's okay.
He sleeps all night and he works all day.

I cut down trees. I wear high heels,
Suspendies, and a bra.
I wish I'd been a girlie,
Just like my dear Mama.

He cuts down trees.
He wears high heels,
Suspendies, and a bra?!

I wish I'd been a girlie,
Just like my dear Mama!

Lyrics by Michael Palin & Terry Jones

 

[Crothian]

I think it'd work out. Get Farshoot as soon as you can to help that range out.

 

[KnowTheToe]

Re: Re: Can an axe be a good ranged weapon?

Are the nature loving rangers and druids in the party? If not, don't worry about explaining your actions. Just tell the nature lovers to go hug a spotted owl. Either that or pick a sharp enchanted axe from your belt and glare at them saying "To this day, I've never used this axe on a tree. . . ."

I personally like this angle.

 

[takyris]

With Quick-Draw, PBS, and Far Shot, you are in pretty good shape.

You could also convince your DM to introduce a throwing axe of medium size -- 1d8(20/x2), a one-step larger version of the old hand-axe/throwing axe comparison. I don't see why having that as a martial weapon would be unbalancing. Or have him keep it at 1d8(20/x3) and be an exotic weapon.

Sounds pretty fun to me as a character concept.

-Tacky