Imaculata
Hero
Perhaps I'm stating the obvious here, but I think every weapon should have some advantages and disadvantages... and not just advantages. Otherwise, why would you ever pick a different weapon?
Despite what role playing games tell us, a rapier isn't really all that light. In fact, many real rapiers are quite heavy. I think if you were going to try and balance this weapon, it should perhaps deal less damage (in fact, the lack of cutting power is often referred to in historical texts) and it would be too heavy to also carry a medium or heavy shield (or not without a penalty).
However, it offers great range, and extra defense for the hands. It may even be better at piercing armor (I wish D&D incorporated the effects of piercing damage versus armor). The rapier should be especially effective in combination with a parrying dagger, or a buckler. One of the disadvantages of the rapier is its length. In close combat you would have great trouble using it, so you want to keep your opponents at a distance, or have an offhand dagger at the ready. And that last detail is exactly what would allow other smaller weapons to be more useful in D&D as well.
But I guess more rules is exactly what 5th edition is not about.
Despite what role playing games tell us, a rapier isn't really all that light. In fact, many real rapiers are quite heavy. I think if you were going to try and balance this weapon, it should perhaps deal less damage (in fact, the lack of cutting power is often referred to in historical texts) and it would be too heavy to also carry a medium or heavy shield (or not without a penalty).
However, it offers great range, and extra defense for the hands. It may even be better at piercing armor (I wish D&D incorporated the effects of piercing damage versus armor). The rapier should be especially effective in combination with a parrying dagger, or a buckler. One of the disadvantages of the rapier is its length. In close combat you would have great trouble using it, so you want to keep your opponents at a distance, or have an offhand dagger at the ready. And that last detail is exactly what would allow other smaller weapons to be more useful in D&D as well.
But I guess more rules is exactly what 5th edition is not about.
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Guest 6801328
Guest
The reasons, all of which are entirely subjective personal opinion, I loathe rapier are:
1) Regardless of historical accuracy (about which, honestly, I couldn't care less), the word "rapier" evokes a weapon which feels anachronistic in the setting I like to envision.
2) If it only showed up every now and then maybe I'd be ok with it, but it seems like every single rogue and bard shows up with it. Never mind dual-wielding them. Ugh.
3) Dexadins are just...horrible.
1) Regardless of historical accuracy (about which, honestly, I couldn't care less), the word "rapier" evokes a weapon which feels anachronistic in the setting I like to envision.
2) If it only showed up every now and then maybe I'd be ok with it, but it seems like every single rogue and bard shows up with it. Never mind dual-wielding them. Ugh.
3) Dexadins are just...horrible.
Satyrn
First Post
What [MENTION=55491]werecorpse[/MENTION] said is what I would have said, too.
Also, my gnome battlemaster uses one of those d6 finesse weapons.
No different for strength based melee either why is it every strength based dual wielder has dual long swords or other d8 weapons whats the the point of the long sword being versatile using it 2 handed never makes sense ever if you are sword and board it gives up ac and if you are fighter, pally or Ranger you most likely took duelist which gives you more dpr per round then rolling a 1d10 over a 1d8. The 2 handed wielder better off with great sword or great axe and why is it the only time you see pole arm is when they have pole arm master feat hum I think I know why.
Why do strength characters never ever use Scimitars unless they find a magical one because the long sword; etc does more damage. Kind of a mute argument most people will use the highest damaging weapon unless they are really married to a concept and willing to make that sacrifice
Now imagine if there was a suddenly a one-handed weapon for those STR based fighters that did d10 damage...
See, by making an entire class of weapons stick to one dice type and then having a single exception use a better dice type, you've rendered the bulk of options strictly worse. Why even have shortswords in the game if a rapier can fill the same roll but does as much damage as a longsword? Mechanically speaking, what was the point of including short swords or clubs or daggers or basically any finesse weapon other than rapiers?
I am not sure why; it is one of my complaints about 5e was the weapon and armor tables but it is what it it is and the best option is to add more weapons or up the damage of the others. Then again I liked the old days of 1e were you had a set number of weapon proficiency by class and got more at x levels instead of all simple or all martial weapons. Just something I chose to live with and hope they expand in future updates or add my own weapons
Caliburn101
Explorer
Rapiers do far too much damage. I have fought with them in re-enactment and the idea they hurt as much as a 'longsword' (really a very late period longsword from the English school) is hilariously far out.
Scimitars are also heavier hitters than rapiers, and should not really be d6, the dice here should be turned around - Shortswords for slashing, Rapiers for piercing and the same d6.
Scimitars are also heavier hitters than rapiers, and should not really be d6, the dice here should be turned around - Shortswords for slashing, Rapiers for piercing and the same d6.
Imaculata
Hero
That was my point as well. And this could be solved if the better weapon (rapier) came with some distinct disadvantages, such as not being able to dual wield it, or not being allowed to use medium to heavy shields with it. You would give players a reason to pick a short sword or dagger alongside the rapier, or perhaps a buckler, both of which happen to also be historically accurate.
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