D&D 3E/3.5 Disarm: 3.0 vs 3.5

[Stalker0]

I was just comparing 3.0 disarm to 3.5 and it does appear there's a difference, let me know if I'm missing something.

In 3.0, longsword vs greatsword. A greatsword would get +4 to disarm because its bigger, and an additional +4 for being in two hands for a total +8.

In 3.5, it appears the greatsword only gets +4 for being in two hands.

Is this correct?

If its true, I think its a good change overall, the differences before we a little too extreme imo.

 

[Shin Okada]

I was just comparing 3.0 disarm to 3.5 and it does appear there's a difference, let me know if I'm missing something.

Slightly different,

In 3.0e a user of greatsword gets +4 because he is using a weapon 1 size category bigger than a longsword. Then, if the defender is using a weapon in two-hands (either greatsword or longsword), he gets +4.

In 3.5e, a user of a greatsword gets +4 because greatsword is a two-handed weapon. A longsword user does not get +4 even if he is wielding a longsword in two-hands, regardless of if he is an attacker or defender.

 

[Hypersmurf]

In 3.5e, a user of a greatsword gets +4 because greatsword is a two-handed weapon. A longsword user does not get +4 even if he is wielding a longsword in two-hands, regardless of if he is an attacker or defender.

Unless one lends credence to the FAQ ruling that 'a longsword wielded in two hands is a two-handed weapon', though that makes one wonder what the references in the PHB to 'a one-handed weapon wielded in two hands' are talking about

-Hyp.

 

[Legildur]

Unless one lends credence to the FAQ ruling that 'a longsword wielded in two hands is a two-handed weapon', though that makes one wonder what the references in the PHB to 'a one-handed weapon wielded in two hands' are talking about

-Hyp.

Oh puhlease!! The FAQ is LAW, we all know it

 

[Artoomis]

Unless one lends credence to the FAQ ruling that 'a longsword wielded in two hands is a two-handed weapon', though that makes one wonder what the references in the PHB to 'a one-handed weapon wielded in two hands' are talking about

-Hyp.

Just to be clear about context, the FAQ refers to the combat rules only (NOT the equipment rules)

When the combat rules speak of “two-handed” weapons,they’re referring to how the weapon is being used. A Medium character using a Medium longsword in two hands is using a “two-handed” weapon. The same character using a Medium lance in one hand while mounted is using a one-handed weapon. Light weapons are an exception. If you wield a light weapon in two hands you get no advantage on damage (see page 113 in the Player’s Handbook). Likewise, you always take a –4 penalty on your opposed roll when you’re wielding a light weapon in a disarm attempt (when someone tries to D&D FAQ v.3.5 20 Update Version: 11/24/05 disarm you or you try to disarm someone) regardless of whether you wield it one- or two-handed.

Basically, this FAQ entry says that when you use a non-light one-handed weapon with two hand you are using a two-handed weapon as far as the combat rules are concerned. Also, when wielding a two-handed weapon with one hand (lance, for example) you are, in effect, wielding a one-handed weapon.

This makes a great deal of sense but is not how the rules are written, really. It really is a stretch to call this a mere clarification, but it makes the most sense nonetheless, I think.

 

[Goolpsy]

3.0 does seem better at disarm... it makes sence that its harder to lose/drop your weapon from a blow when holding it in 2 hands... more or less the same as its tougher to trip a monster with more than 2 legs...

 

[Doctor Shaft]

3.0 does seem better at disarm... it makes sence that its harder to lose/drop your weapon from a blow when holding it in 2 hands... more or less the same as its tougher to trip a monster with more than 2 legs...

Right, but it never made sense that the best tactical weapon in the game (greatsword) was also the best disarm device as well. Two-handed weapon granting a bonus to defend makes sense. A greatsword disarming someone's knife... eh.

More like you'd cleave the guy's arm off before you "disarmed" him of his weapon. But oh well.

 

[Herobizkit]

I'd suggest making a house rule to clarify "holding a 2-handed weapon" to "weapon size". A greatsword attempting to disarm a halfling's greatsword is still easier, even if both weapons are being used "two-handed".

 

[Shin Okada]

A greatsword attempting to disarm a halfling's greatsword is still easier, even if both weapons are being used "two-handed".

It is already covered by 3.5e rule. The bigger combatant gets +4 bonus per difference in size category.