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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Arkhandus" data-source="post: 1730310" data-attributes="member: 13966">Daggers are listed as melee weapons in the chart.  Crossbows are listed as ranged weapons.  Daggers can be thrown for ranged attacks, but are technically melee weapons by default.  Melee weapons can threaten an area.  Crossbows can be used for improvised bashing in melee, but are technically ranged weapons by default.  Ranged weapons cannot threaten an area.  It doesn't matter that you're using the crossbow for a melee attack, it is not designed for use in melee and it is awkward to use in melee, and no matter what your combat training, you'll never be able to swing a crossbow as quickly, accurately, and effectively in melee as you would a mace, hammer, or club; it's just not built for it.  Just like a chair makes for an awkward melee weapon compared to a baseball bat.  Anything that is classified as a ranged weapon by default cannot threaten an area, because using it in melee as an improvised weapon still doesn't change its actual type to melee weapon, and doesn't actually change the object's form to be appropriate for melee. Anything with claws or gauntlets can threaten an area with those unless they're holding something with those hands all round.  You only need a hand free for a moment to throw a quick punch or whatever.  Though, by the rules as written, I'm not sure if someone wearing a gauntlet can threaten an area with it unless they have Improved Unarmed Strike...  Something with a natural bite attack would always threaten an area with it, except when paralyzed or something (or wearing a helm that covers their mouth).</blockquote>

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