Double-Weapon Proficiency

[Shirt Guy John]

I'm constructing a double-sword wielding fighter (and getting help in the rules forum), and someone suggested a Double Weapon Fighting feat from Ultimate feats or somesuch, which gives ambidexterity and two-weapon fighting for all double weapons (but only double weapons). While I agree with the feat in that it should be easier for a double weapon fighter to fight with each end of his weapon, I don't think this is how to achieve it...

I would think that in gaining proficiency with a weapon you would learn how to wield it in an optimal manner. Thus, I was thinking of house ruling all double weapons (which are almost all exotic) so that if a wielder possesses the proficiency with the weapon, he is treated as if he possessed the Two-Weapon Fighting feat in regards to that weapon (and that weapon only), and that he can then take feats with Two-Weapon Fighting as a prerequisite, but only use those feats with double-weapons that he has proficiency with.

I just think that ambidexterity is deffinately not a feat that should be applicable to only some weapons... it's more a trait than a weapon-specific skill. Double weapons are (to me at least) not quite as efficient as fighting with two weapons, and I think that this changes that fact, putting double-weapons on par with other exotic weapons.

Anyone have any advice or input?

 

[Nifft]

Ambidexterity is nice with two weapons because it means you can fight equally well with each hand.

Double weapons aren't like that -- you can attack with both ends of a double weapon using the strength of your main hand, and only using your off-hand for balance and support.

IMHO, Ambidex ought not be necessary to use a double-weapon at all. So, consider this Feat snarfed.

Thanks, -- Nifft

 

[Darklone]

Double weapons may seem weaker and more expensive at first glance... but they aren't. They are in fact cheaper.

Especially if you consider feats like Weapon Focus, Improved Critical and Weapon Specialisation later. If you fight with longsword/shortsword, you'll have to get more feats than with a double weapon and you still don't have the possibility for 1.5times strength damage (Assuming you don't have quickdraw).

Now if you choose two shortswords instead, you'll end up with less damage.

 

[gpetruc]

There is a version of Double Weapon Fighting in the NetBook of Feats that lets you fight as with Ambidexterity and Two Weapon Fighting but only with one double weapon you are proficient, and I think it's balanced and it makes sense: even if you don't have the coordination necessary for using both hans as well (the Ambi feat) you might still be able to coordinate in one limited aspect such as fighting with one particular weapon.

 

[Robbert Raets]

IMO, double weapons aren't well-balanced right now. You're better of playing a ranger/fighter specialised in shortswords (you get the Ambidex and Two-Weap feats for free, but can't use them with double weapons or in heavy armor) than a single-class fighter specialising in the two-bladed sword.