Kensai question

[zlorf]

Hi,

If a Kensai has a double bladed sword (2 handed weapon), can he imbue both ends at 1st level Kensai? (page 51 CW- the wording isnt that clear)


And if so, why would you ever want to use one handed weapon, apart from missing out on a shield.

Cheers
Z

 

[shilsen]

Hi,

If a Kensai has a double bladed sword (2 handed weapon), can he imbue both ends at 1st level Kensai? (page 51 CW- the wording isnt that clear)

Yes.

And if so, why would you ever want to use one handed weapon, apart from missing out on a shield.

Many Kensais will be using shields, so that's a big reason. Besides that, one may do it due to character concept. Or, if you need mechanical reasons, because the character's a spellcaster and likes to have the option of using one hand for it during combat.

 

[Question]

Why would many kensai be using shields? The game mechanics at this point completely favour 2 handed wielding.

 

[Goldmoon]

A good point was just made. Why bother with a shield anymore? TWF is clearly superior.

 

[Question]

Actually TWF is significantly inferior to 2 handed wielding......

-More problems getting through DR

-More expensive to enchant

-You need to actually full attack with it to get the benefits, whereas the 2 handed wielder can move, and power attack with one attack everytime he is denied a full attack

-1x/0.5x str damage on primary/off hand is REALLY low damage when you think about it

-You pratically cant power attack

-Feat intensive

 

[Goldmoon]

Actually TWF is significantly inferior to 2 handed wielding......

-More problems getting through DR

-More expensive to enchant

-You need to actually full attack with it to get the benefits, whereas the 2 handed wielder can move, and power attack with one attack everytime he is denied a full attack

-1x/0.5x str damage on primary/off hand is REALLY low damage when you think about it

-You pratically cant power attack

-Feat intensive

All true but still better than a shield.

 

[werk]

That's why bastard sword is the weapon of choice for my kensai. It's just better all-around.

Double up for two handed.
Strap on a shield.
Pull out a short sword if you want to TWF.


(katana are bastard swords, which seems in line with the class' flavor)

 

[shilsen]

Why would many kensai be using shields? The game mechanics at this point completely favour 2 handed wielding.

If your focus is on causing damage, yes. If your focus is on defense, then no. Especially since a lot of DMs ban animated shields.

 

[Shadeus]

Some of the new feats in PHB II also make it a lot more reasonable to use a shield. The one's I can think of are shield specialization (+1 to shield AC) and shield ward (shield AC to touch attacks).

 

[Mistwell]

Because the class is all about using a Katana?