Dbl Weapon damage

[Tyrion]

A few more balancing factors for TWF (double weapons in particular):

* Weapon Specialization applies to both ends of the weapon...this is like an extra 2 damage above and beyond what you would get with a 2-handed weapon.

* Double the weapons, double the frost, flaming, and icy enchantments...by using a double weapon you can have more capacity for enchantments.

* Double weapons can give you higher maximum damage than 2HF. This can be crucial in cases where an enemy has to be killed quickly in one round. With DWF, you can "get lucky" and turn the tide of the battle where a 2H Fighter might not have enough damage capacity to do so. Sure, on average the damage of the two styles will be comparable...but sometimes the average doesn't matter as much as the maximum.

* Double weapons can be more AC-friendly. Use a buckler on one hand, or have both weapons as Defenders, for example. Off-Hand Parry and Twin Sword Style (from FRCS) can further boost DW Fighters' defense.

* Masters of the Wild has the Greater Two-Weapon Fighting feat and the Tempest prestige class. Both significantly boost the power of TWF.

Overall, I think the two styles are basically balanced, with TWF being very slightly weaker and more magic-dependent overall.

 

[green slime]

Not to forget that the TWF can actual use a shield and BASH the opponent.

With the Shield Expert feat, he doesn't even loose the AC benefit of the shield for doing so.

Then there is the Improved Shield Bash feat where you get to push them back 5 feet as well.

Not many Non-TWF will be taking these feats.

So once you have wandered down the path of TWF, you find that your flexibility has greatly increased.

Strange that, isn't it, that spending feats would increase flexibility...

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Shield Expert Feat + Improved Shield Bash is a good option.
Shield Expert Feat + Shield of Bashing is a good option.
Shield Expert Feat + Enhanced Shield Spikes is a good option.
All of these feats/equipment are usable with the virtual two weapon fighting from the ranger...



Mustrum "The good old 2Handed vs. 2Weapon discussion" Ridcully

 

[Storm Raven]

Storm Raven - the rogue point is something that I hadn't thought of, and it does make sense. Huh. You know, usually I have something to come back with, but this time, I just don't.

I'm still not entirely sure it's worth two feats instead of just one (lets be realistic, ambidexterity is almost never useful on its own), but you're right, it is a significant benefit to rogues.

*shrug* Touche.

-The Souljourner

It is actually a benefit to anyone who can add bonus damage to each strike. For example, someone who has Weapon Specialization and is dual wielding a matched set of weapons (or a double weapon) gains more benefit from his feat than a single weapon wielder would use. Basically, anytime you have a damage bonus that applies on a 'per hit' basis, the more hits you can potentially make, the better off you will be. Rogues are just one of the most obvious examples.

 

[Darklone]

Hehehe

Well Storm Raven, about two weapon fighting historically... Go over to Asia, they used it AS HELL.

It just required a lot of training and experience. Not as easy as simply getting two feats

In Europe, they didn't use it that much. Probably better weapons, it's easier to use a big one effectively than two separate ones.

But IF you can use them ... Well, I quote my sword teacher: "If you'd have to fight someone with two weapons who knows how to... RUN!" I'd second that.

 

[Storm Raven]

Re: Hehehe

they used it AS HELL.

Their concept of eternal punishment was to fight with two weapons?

It just required a lot of training and experience. Not as easy as simply getting two feats

Which would be a case for making it an expensive style to use. Just like it is under the standard rules.