D&D 5E Can you use dueling and TWF at the same time? I think you can RAW.

[Charlaquin]

But there's room for one imagined interpretation?

There is, but if you interpret the fiction in a particular way that doesn’t match with what the rules say, and you prioritize that interpretation over the text, “common sense” is really the only justification you have for your interpretation.

 

[Mannahnin]

But there's room for one imagined interpretation?

Indeed. Especially since the trope of the swordsman opening a fight by nailing one bad guy with a thrown knife (or pistol shot, for a musketeer) then leaping into the fray with flashing blade is well-established in swashbuckling fiction and media.

 

[Charlaquin]

Indeed. Especially since the trope of the swordsman opening a fight by nailing one bad guy with a thrown knife (or pistol shot, for a musketeer) then leaping into the fray with flashing blade is well-established in swashbuckling fiction and media.

Agreed. There’s really nothing wrong with this tactic thematically or mechanically and it’s not even particularly strong from an optimization standpoint so I see no reason at all not to allow it.

 

[Willie the Duck]

But there's room for one imagined interpretation?

If you use an example where the written text creates a more ridiculous result (say, 3e's drown-healing) it makes more sense for why someone might do so.

 

[ECMO3]

nm

 

[ECMO3]

Yeah if you want to keep throwing weapons away. At some point you're going to need a magic weapon, and I don't see wanting to throw those away. But this whole build is better off with a hand crossbow and Crossbow Expert anyways; Archery Style is superior.

You would need to give up a feat for this, give up AOOs and you would do very little extra damage on your turn.

At 4th level comparing ASI to CBE:
Dex ASI: 1d4+1d6+4Dex+2Dueling = 12 DPR

CBE: 2d6+6Dex = 13DPR

You have a 5% greater chance to hit, which will increase damage by a little over half a point per turn beyond this.

When you count this against lost AOOs and turns where you use a different bonus action, I think you will actually be behind.

The character I am talking about is going to be a Assassin-Conquest Paladin multiclass so he will have numerous bonus actions available between cunning action, steady aim, Paladin spells and Hex.

 

[James Gasik]

You would need to give up a feat for this, give up AOOs and you would do very little extra damage on your turn.

At 4th level comparing ASI to CBE:
Dex ASI: 1d4+1d6+4Dex+2Dueling = 12 DPR

CBE: 2d6+6Dex = 13DPR

You have a 5% greater chance to hit, which will increase damage by a little over half a point per turn beyond this.

When you count this against lost AOOs and turns where you use a different bonus action, I think you will actually be behind.

The character I am talking about is going to be a Assassin-Conquest Paladin multiclass so he will have numerous bonus actions available between cunning action, steady aim, Paladin spells and Hex.

Treantmonk recently did a video on this topic, where he got a 20th level Ranger/Rogue/Fighter (I believe) to something like 244 damage using crossbows.

 

[ECMO3]

Treantmonk recently did a video on this topic, where he got a 20th level Ranger/Rogue/Fighter (I believe) to something like 244 damage using crossbows.

Yeah I watched that. That is a completely different character build though. As a Paladin-Rogue Archery isn't even available, nor really desireable since crossbows do not work with smites.