Double Weapons

[dcollins]

Suppose I'm wielding a double weapon as if fighting with two weapons for my full attack action for the round. Before my next turn, I get an AoO. Can I use the double weapon as a two-handed weapon for my AoO?

I think by the rules "yes", you can use it however you like at that point. However, I agree with several posters that there should be a rule that requires you to use it in the same manner as you last did on your action. Would clear up a lot of problem cases.

 

[Kemrain]

Hi!



I think the main point is that you get 1D8 with all your attacks when fighting with TWF and that only one focus/specialisation/etc helps all your attacks. and that you do have the choice to use your weapon two-handed or for TWF at all. While it might not be great its ok I think

Kodam

If you enchanted a Double Weapon as one weapon, I could concede that there was a benefit to Double Weapons, but as yet, besides 1.5x Strength (Which you get anyway with 2 attacks with 2 weapons) and only needing 1 feat for focus or specialization (though you could use 2 short swords or daggers or hand axes or..) I can't find a compelling reason to ever buy a Double Weapon over 2 Light weapons.

- Kemrain the Focused.

Edit: I typed this up after Kodam posted. Should have checked for more posters. Damb.

 

[Staffan]

Another advantage of double weapons is that when you don't get a full attack, such as when you run up to a foe and start beating him, you get the 1.5x Str two-handed bonus. You can do the same thing if you run into something which has DR you're not capable of defeating (where those extra points of damage per attack can outweigh the larger number of attacks). For example, if you run into something with DR 10/something_you_don't_have, you might prefer one attack at 1d8+6 (average 1.25 points) to one at 1d8+4 and one at 1d8+2 (average 0.375 points, and a lower chance of hitting).

 

[sledged]

So, when, exactly, is a Double Weapon worth it?

When it does 1d10/1d10 like the thri-kreen's gythka in the XPH. Is it just me or did this weapon make all other double weapons obsolete?

 

[Kodam]

Hi!

If you enchanted a Double Weapon as one weapon, I could concede that there was a benefit to Double Weapons, but as yet, besides 1.5x Strength (Which you get anyway with 2 attacks with 2 weapons) and only needing 1 feat for focus or specialization (though you could use 2 short swords or daggers or hand axes or..) I can't find a compelling reason to ever buy a Double Weapon over 2 Light weapons.

- Kemrain the Focused.

Edit: I typed this up after Kodam posted. Should have checked for more posters. Damb.

I agree that there's no compelling reason to use them. but with the double sword you'd do 1D8 instead of 1D6 with short swords. Staffen mentions some valid points as well. Its not a must, but I don't think that these weapons are too weak.

Kodam

 

[Ranger REG]

Whoever said that double weapons are better than others? That's munchkin thinking.

 

[Darklone]

Well, but they are better than two light weapons (less feats or more damage) while you have all the benefits of two light weapons. And at the same time you have all advantages of a twohanded weapon except for a little bit less damage.

 

[Vaxalon]

Versatility.

You can switch between two-weapon multismacking mode to two-handed power attacking mode without dropping a weapon. It's not quite as good as a dedicated two-hander, and it's not quite as good as two weapons, but there are different kinds of power.

The quarterstaff, like the dagger, benefits from relative innocuousness.

 

[Darklone]

Uh? In which regard is a double-weapon not as good as two weapons? The extra feat?

 

[Ranger REG]

Well, but they are better than two light weapons (less feats or more damage) while you have all the benefits of two light weapons. And at the same time you have all advantages of a twohanded weapon except for a little bit less damage.

Depends on how many from the TWF feat tree you acquired. As a two-handed weapon, you can enjoy using the Power Attack's benefits (if acquired).