Grabbing returning weapons...

[Gyoza sausage bun]

The DMG says that a magic returning weapon "returns through the air ... on the round following"

Would you give a character a chance to grab a returning weapon that has wounded them before it returns to its thrower? What mechanics would you use?

Would you rule that a returning weapon dodges obstacles when returning? If not how would you calculate its chance to hit interevening combatants/obstacles? (shot on the run could lead to some interesting positioning possibilities)

 

[Rashak Mani]

Wow this could lead to some munchkin tactics like hitting the enemy right in the middle of a group in order to have the weapon wack someone on the way back !!!

How would you guys judge the chance of an enemy grabbing the weapon in the air flying back ? Ready action and jump to grab the weapon ....

Or if the character is paralyzed soon after throwing his weapon ?!! Damage from the returning axe ?

 

[hong]

The DMG says that a magic returning weapon "returns through the air ... on the round following"

Would you give a character a chance to grab a returning weapon that has wounded them before it returns to its thrower? What mechanics would you use?

Ready a disarm attempt? They could only grab the weapon if they were themselves unarmed, just like a regular disarm. I suppose it wouldn't be too overpowering to let them grab it if they have at least one free hand, but they would still suffer the appropriate penalties as if unarmed.

Would you rule that a returning weapon dodges obstacles when returning?

Yes. It's part of the "magic".

 

[Little_Buddha]

It's trying to catch a missile weapon; personally, I'd use the normal mechanics for it (the Snatch Arrows feat from S&F).

 

[Gyoza sausage bun]

It's trying to catch a missile weapon; personally, I'd use the normal mechanics for it (the Snatch Arrows feat from S&F).

But the missile weapon isn't necassarily flying when you snatch it. If its an impaling weapon at least its probably sticking out of your chest or arm or something and it won't start to fly again for almost a round.

 

[kreynolds]

I handle this the easy way. If you have a returning weapon, I don't let anyone catch it. I will let someone catch it when you throw it, but not on its way back.