Is the Tratnyr underpowered?

[HeirToPendragon]

The problem with that is that there isn't a better 1 handed spear. There are only 3 and it's the best one.

...Well then what is the problem?

 

[Alabast]

It's an exotic weapon because it adds versatility rather than power. But there aren't any classes, except (marginally) an warlord, strength-build cleric, or beastmaster ranger, that can make much use if its versatility.

 

[HeirToPendragon]

If three options can use it to an effect (even marginally) and it's the best of it's kind then I say having it as a Superior weapon is correct.

 

[deleteme123456]

I have a hard time seeing any of Alabast's alleged uses. Not that they're not potentially there, but it's a long shot (no pun intended). BM Ranger might as well use a longbow if he wants to play at range.

I mean, don't get me wrong, it's better than a Javelin, sure, but realistically, who's going to use this as their primary weapon, and who's going to waste a feat on it for a secondary weapon? My Lvl 5 TWRanger carries a +1 magic javelin just in case ranged is really the best option. Long-term I might get that upgraded to a +2 dynamic weapon in case a trident will do (e.g., enemy has seriously nasty immediate reaction to melee attacks). But wasting a feat to pick up tratnyr? No thanks.

 

[cmbarona]

...Well then what is the problem?

The problem isn't that it's the best one-handed spear, but that its position as the best one-handed spear doesn't quite live up to the standards of other superior weapons. Honestly, I think it's just shy of having an appropriate power level, I'm just having a hard time putting my finger on where exactly that lack/fix lies.

 

[abyssaldeath]

I think it should have a +3 proficiency. Thrown weapons are only really good for basic attacks. A Ranger can only use a Thrown weapon effectively at either ranged or melee, but not both. Rangers get some very nice bonus to powers for having a decent wisdom and they need Con if they are going to be in melee a lot. So if a Ranger focuses on having a good Str and Dex one of those two stats are going to suffer. For all these reasons I just don't see the increased range over a trident being enough to justify it being superior.


Note: I used a Ranger as an example because I think they would benefit the most this weapon. I haven't seen a Ranger in play so if I'm off base please let me know.

 

[cmbarona]

Yeah, I'm thinking a +3 would tie it neatly together. I think this makes it both worth the feat and competitive with other superior weapons, considering that spears are already middle of the line on associated feats and such. If it were +3/d8, I would be much more inclined to take it for Beastmaster Rangers and certain Warlords. Probably some specific Fighter builds, too.

 

[webrunner]

Ask yourself: Is it ever the best choice?

Yes: Then it's niche, not underpowered

No: Then it's underpowered, because it's pointless.

 

[Danceofmasks]

Well, if you're looking at superior weapons as having some sort of edge over martial weapons, then ...
It's a trident with a bit more range. That's it.

More or less pointless unless you're eladrin, and I don't think "eladrin intelligent swordmaster's basic ranged attack weapon of choice" is enough to make it niche.
More like an ultra-rare quirk.

 

[HeirToPendragon]

Well, if you're looking at superior weapons as having some sort of edge over martial weapons, then ...
It's a trident with a bit more range. That's it.

More or less pointless unless you're eladrin, and I don't think "eladrin intelligent swordmaster's basic ranged attack weapon of choice" is enough to make it niche.
More like an ultra-rare quirk.

You know, I'm gonna build that class, and it's gonna be the .

And then you all are gonna want Tratnyr's... but I'll have bought them ALL and NO YOU CAN'T HAVE ONE