Longsword PCs

[Mark CMG]

In your experience, what percentage of player characters use longswords?

Of those that do not, what do they use and why?

 

[Khairn]

I would say that 40% of my melee focused players start out with a longsword, but then it drops down to about 20% by the 3rd or 4th level. One of the reasons is that I make certain to make available (by loot or purchase) other weapons which are mw or enchanted.

Of my total players, I would say that 20% start out with a longsword

 

[Blue]

While longswords used to be a staple back in 2ed (hey, they did d12 vs. large), now I rarely see them used. I see (in a rough order):

Two handed martial weapons (both reach and no reach)
Bows
Simple weapons
Light weapons (for TWF)
Finessable weapons
Specialty weapons (spiked chain)

Almost no one uses a shield, and the TWFers seem to go more for two light weapons. 1H martial weapons are out. I see more longspears then longswords. Morninstars and other multiple-damage-types are also not unpopular.

Hope this helps,
=Blue(23)

 

[Drowbane]

I tend to see scimitars, rapiers, falchions

I guess we like to crit.

 

[Kae'Yoss]

My bladesinger had one back in the day (of the 3e bladesinger v1.5), because he had to.

A couple elven characters had them, too, but they weren't used much.

Other than that, I usually see:

• Simple weapons (because of proficiency)
• Finessable weapons (because of feebly rogues)
• Two-Handed Weapons (because of the extra punch)
• Exotic one-handed weapons (because of weapon familiarity or because the character had feats to spare)

The weapons recent and current characters of mine had/ have:
Elven Courtblade (Swordsage with shadowhand and desert wind), Greathammer (Cleric), Katana, Wakizashi, Naginata (oriental expatriate Samurai type).

 

[Doug McCrae]

Only three possibilities really - Spiked chain for versatility, greatsword for 2h power attack guys, rapier + shortsword for twf sneak attack guys.

You do get other choices in our games like scythes, but people are obviously just trying to be different, so it doesn't count.

 

[pawsplay]

In your experience, what percentage of player characters use longswords?

Of those that do not, what do they use and why?

The longsword is popular, but right off the bat, characters who aren't proficient with martial weapons will choose something else. Two-handed fighters, which includes many fighters and most barbarians, choose a greatsword or greataxe. Two weapon fighters, especially Dex-based ones, usually go for two shortswords or a rapier and shortsword. Even many elven rogues prefer the rapier, whether for its high crit range or its finesse capabilities.

So, of all the characters who have some reason to use a single martial weapon, or a one hander in combination with a light weapons, some will prefer the morningstar (two damage types, good crits, and actually a simple weapon) or battle axe. Many if not most human fighters will take proficiency in the bastard sword, while dwarves are likely to prefer the dwarven waraxe, with which they are naturally proficient.

So really, it's a wonder anyone uses a longsword at all.

 

[kensanata]

Of the 10 players in my two campaigns, none use longswords. Instead I see the following melee weapons:

• Simple weapons because of the lack of martial weapon proficiency.
• Two handed weapons such as greatswords and katanas because of the extra punch granted via Power Attack.
• A naginata which can be used with either 5ft or 10ft reach given the appropriate feats and which can be used for two weapon fighting.

 

[Nonlethal Force]

I see the longsword a ton. They are either going longsword, two-handed sword (For PA) or composite longbow (for ranged). If they go weapon finesse, I get a mix of dagger and handaxes. (Wierd, huh?)

Two handed martial weapons (both reach and no reach)
Bows

Just for the record, bows are neither one or two handed weapons. Those are melee distinctions. Bows are ranged weapons, without designation to the handedness.

 

[WayneLigon]

I'd say a good 80%; maybe more. The only reason the others don't is because it's not a class weapon for them. If they pick up a class that can use it, boom, longsword.