Dbl Weapon damage

[Aven]

This came up in a game the other day. An NPC quaterstaff-wielding 4th level cleric with a 19STR (due bull's strength) was using a quaterstaff as a dbl weapon. What should her STR bonus to damage have been with each attack ?

 

[kreynolds]

This came up in a game the other day. An NPC quaterstaff-wielding 4th level cleric with a 19STR (due bull's strength) was using a quaterstaff as a dbl weapon. What should her STR bonus to damage have been with each attack ?

Full strength for primary attacks, half strength for offhand attacks.

 

[mikebr99]

Aven...

the rules state that it would be +4, and +2 with the off hand. But I would house rule that with (and only with) double weapons (one weapons w/two heads) that the STR bonus is the same at both ends. The second weapon normally suffers half bonus reduction according to the rules.

 

[kreynolds]

But I would house rule that with (and only with) double weapons (one weapons w/two heads) that the STR bonus is the same at both ends. The second weapon normally suffers half bonus reduction according to the rules.

Then you have no respect for the balance of two-handed weapons and double weapons. If you have a two-handed weapon fighter in your campaign, be prepared to house rule that they get 2x strength bonus in damage instead of just 1.5x.

 

[Dantai]

double weapon Str bonus

Actually a double weapon should deal 1.5 x Str per hit because you wield it in two hands (phb p119). Only the to hit penalties apply as if it were a light off-handed weapon (phb p125), it is not actually a light off-hand weapon, but a large two-handed weapon.
Yes this makes double weapons quite good, that's why they cost more and require exotic weapon proficiencies, except the quarterstaff which is the best weapon in 3rd ed.
Yay for quarterstaffs!

 

[Mal Malenkirk]

Then you have no respect for the balance of two-handed weapons and double weapons. If you have a two-handed weapon fighter in your campaign, be prepared to house rule that they get 2x strength bonus in damage instead of just 1.5x.

And be prepared to give back the two-weapon fighter the 2-4 feats he spent on the style

The problem with balancing the two has always been this; they are roughly equivalent in damage output but one style cost no feats and the other cost between 2 and 4 without splatbook.

There is no problem with making the two-weapon style a little more powerful than two-handed, just enough to justify the feats expenditure. Full damage on the off-hand shouldn't cause every fighter to use a double-sword.

 

[Mal Malenkirk]

Re: double weapon Str bonus

Actually a double weapon should deal 1.5 x Str per hit because you wield it in two hands (phb p119).

Sadly, no.

A double weapon could deal 1.5 strenght during a charge or if you decide to forgo your offhand attacks. But while you use it as a double weapon, it deals X1 and X0.5 on the offhand.

 

[hong]

The problem with balancing the two has always been this; they are roughly equivalent in damage output but one style cost no feats and the other cost between 2 and 4 without splatbook.

Eh? Since when has fighting with a double weapon cost "no feats"?

 

[Mal Malenkirk]

Eh? Since when has fighting with a double weapon cost "no feats"?

Are you doing it on purpose? I said that one style cost no feat (two-handed, obviously) and that the other cost 2-4 feats (Two-weapon, just as obviously)

 

[hong]

Are you doing it on purpose?

Yes, that's right. I'm doing this for the sole purpose of making your HEAD EXPLODE! We start at the eyes, and work our way in. There doesn't seem to be much solid resistance, so far.

I said that one style cost no feat (two-handed, obviously) and that the other cost 2-4 feats (Two-weapon, just as obviously)

I see no problem with that.