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Finesse and Ambidexterity

Witness

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Can Weapon Finesse be used in conjunction with Ambidexterity/Two Weapon Fighting?

In a previous campaign the DM ruled that because the description of Weapon Finesse says you have to use your other hand for balance, that they could not be used together.

However now we are starting a new campaign with a new DM and I'm thinking of being a Shortsword-wielding Ranger . Comments I've read on this board seem to suggest my DM's ruling was wrong, so can someone site for me an official source that indicates that Weapon Finesse and Ambidex can be used together?
 

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Yes, you can. I've never seen a feat that prohibits you from using another feat; not even those three.

And it's not like Weapon Finesse is unbalanced. You do less damage than if you had taken a high Strength.
 

Witness said:
Can Weapon Finesse be used in conjunction with Ambidexterity/Two Weapon Fighting?

In a previous campaign the DM ruled that because the description of Weapon Finesse says you have to use your other hand for balance, that they could not be used together.

According to the D&D FAQ, your DM was wrong. Check pages 17 and 18 of the FAQ.

The gist of the answer is this: the only limitation provided for Weapon Finesse is to apply the armor check penalty of any shield you are using in your off hand. No other limitation is provided regarding the use of your off hand. Weapons don't have armor check penalties.
 
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Witness said:
Can Weapon Finesse be used in conjunction with Ambidexterity/Two Weapon Fighting?

Yup.

Witness said:
In a previous campaign the DM ruled that because the description of Weapon Finesse says you have to use your other hand for balance, that they could not be used together.

Oh really? Well...I happen to have a feat that might be able to help him. Anyone interested?
 


Witness said:
Comments I've read on this board seem to suggest my DM's ruling was wrong, so can someone site for me an official source that indicates that Weapon Finesse and Ambidex can be used together?

Sure. The PH:
"Since the character needs the second hand for balance, apply the armor check penalty of any shield worn to attack rolls."

It does not restrict the use of off-hand weapons. Also, I believe the official D&D Rules FAQ gives an explicit example of this (something like 'weapons have no check penalty, so don't apply one').

Oh, and it's "cite", not "site".
 


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