Can the FAQ be used to issue errata (create new rules)?

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

A handful of errors is a poor excuse to discredit an entire document.

... which is why, of course, that I don't discredit the entire document.

Rather, there are parts of it that contradict the actual rules (c.f. a number of posts in the past couple weeks). Therefore, you should always check the ruling from the FAQ with the actual rules, just to make sure.

 

[Artoomis]

...What're the hit points and hardness for a medium bastard sword?

Reviewing the FAQ entry you posted, I see absolutely no problem with the FAQ entry, nor do I see how it applies here. As for how many hit points (hardness = 10) a Bastard Sword has, well, that's a good question as it is kind of BOTH a one-handes AND two-handed weapon.

I guess since it takes EWP to wield it one-handed, I'd call it two-handed and give it 10 hit points.

 

[Pinotage]

... which is why, of course, that I don't discredit the entire document.

Rather, there are parts of it that contradict the actual rules (c.f. a number of posts in the past couple weeks). Therefore, you should always check the ruling from the FAQ with the actual rules, just to make sure.

Yes, you may not, although sometimes that's not always clear for many post made on these boards. I've seen a lot of sweeping statement regarding the FAQ recently which I don't think are valid or carefully considered. I think the above sums it up, but doesn't get anybody anywhere since the moment somebody's interpretation disagrees with the FAQ, then it's FAQ bashing time again and saying that the FAQ can't be trusted (of course, then the hardness error will be brought up again to prove it.) The FAQ is about rules clarifications - if there's even a hint of a doubt that rules are ambiguous, then I'd say the FAQ offers the interpretation and should be taken as valid. In the case of hardness, there's not doubt the FAQ is wrong. But when doubt exists, why is the FAQ not valid as an official interpretation of the rules?

Pinotage

 

[Artoomis]

... which is why, of course, that I don't discredit the entire document.

Rather, there are parts of it that contradict the actual rules (c.f. a number of posts in the past couple weeks). Therefore, you should always check the ruling from the FAQ with the actual rules, just to make sure.

Well, the problem is how to know if the FAQ entry has en error or is intentional. WotC seems to me to have made it clear that whatever it says it is indeed the rule until it is changed. I'm not sure how this is really any different than any other error in the rules.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Reviewing the FAQ entry you posted, I see absolutely no problem with the FAQ entry, nor do I see how it applies here.

According the FAQ, a weapon's designation on the weapon's table as light, one-handed, or two-handed is nothing more than a matter of convenience. All that matters is how you are currently using it.

As for how many hit points (hardness = 10) a Bastard Sword has, well, that's a good question as it is kind of BOTH a one-handes AND two-handed weapon.

Ah - except it isn't. Where is it on the Exotic Weapons Table?

Additionally, how much extra damage do I (a Medium humanoid) do with a medium dagger when I wield it in two hands and Power Attack for 3?

 

[IcyCool]

Smart-alecky response duly noted.

Smart-alecky, but correct.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Smart-alecky, but correct.

And official!

 

[IcyCool]

Additionally, how much extra damage do I (a Medium humanoid) do with a medium dagger when I wield it in two hands and Power Attack for 3?

Well, according to the FAQ, you do 1d4 + 1.5*Str mod + 6, as since you are using it as a two-handed weapon, it is a two-handed weapon. Also, it has extra hitpoints. Be careful it doesn't get damaged too much, because if it does and you go back to wielding it as a light weapon, it might suddenly break.

 

[Pinotage]

Well, according to the FAQ, you do 1d4 + 1.5*Str mod + 6, as since you are using it as a two-handed weapon, it is a two-handed weapon. Also, it has extra hitpoints. Be careful it doesn't get damaged too much, because if it does and you go back to wielding it as a light weapon, it might suddenly break.

It does? The FAQ says light weapons are an exception. I don't think the above is correct from a damage point of view according to the FAQ.

Pinotage

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

It does? The FAQ says light weapons are an exception.

Except, of course ...

When the combat rules speak of “two-handed” weapons, they’re referring to how the weapon is being used.

Therefore, if I'm using it in two hands, it's a two-handed weapon. Of course I don't get a bonus on light weapons - but, according to the FAQ, it's not a light weapon anymore.

And, even then, you've still got a problem, because the rules text he references talks about your strength bonus only. It doesn't discuss things like Power Attack.

EDIT:

To add, in short:

When the combat rules speak of “two-handed” weapons, they’re referring to how the weapon is being used.

...

Light weapons are an exception. If you wield a light weapon in two hands you get no advantage on damage.

If the first sentence is true, then the second and third sentences are nonsensical, because "light" is a designation of how a weapon is being used. It is therefore impossible to use a light weapon in two hands, because, by the first sentence, any weapon being used in two hands is a two-handed weapon.