[Playtest 2] Weapons and Armor

[Li Shenron]

I would definitely like more details and differentiation among different armors, maybe some are better against critical hits while others are less an obstacle for sneaking and so on... differentiation could make the choice of armor more tactical for players who wanted that (I would). If it's too complicated for the average gamer, they could study a way to make armor differentiation modular.

Other than that, I would like definitely more armors. 12 armors in 3ed were IMHO quite too few, I'd like something like 20 in the PHB.

I am fine with non-magical "special" armors. Actually I am a huge fan of special materials for armors and weapons more than the usual magic ones. I think they set a great tone for the setting, particularly because most often special material imply some backstory on how to get them while magic armor is too often a matter of "poof! I used Craft Magic Arms and Armor during downtime, here's your +3 icy burst flaming axiomatic holy greatsword".

But it would definitely the be best if those special armors had a "*" sign that says "This armor is not available in every setting, check with your DM".

 

[Ferrous]

The armour table does not really work as yet for me.

We have banded and splint at exactly the same value so they should probably be folded in together. I don't like the exotic materials as BASIC armour choices, fine for magic items or special rewards.

Also the Mithril Shirt for a 20 Dex character is the best armour in the game by far. It is exactly the same cost as Plate and yet requires 2 less "proficiences" to use, does not grant disadvantage to stealth, does not penalise movement, and can be worn unseen under clothing.

 

[Grydan]

Level 1 character in plate, 4E
AC 18

Level 1 character in plate, 5E
AC 18

Cost of plate in 4E
50 gp

Cost of plate in 5E
5000 gp

Man, the economy is in bad shape. That's some pretty nasty inflation.

 

[Nikosandros]

I'm pretty sure a Dex penalty still applies in heavy armor (even if they forgot to spell it out in the rules). Would be kinda stupid for a Dex 6 fighter to suddenly become more agile/nimble/dextrous because he donned his suit of platemail.

The pre-gen Dwarf fighter has AC 17 with chainmail (AC 16), shield (+1) and dexterity 8 (-1). So, it would seem that with heavy armor, dexterity isn't taken into account.

 

[Sammael]

Level 1 character in plate, 4E
AC 18

Level 1 character in plate, 5E
AC 18

Cost of plate in 4E
50 gp

Cost of plate in 5E
5000 gp

Man, the economy is in bad shape. That's some pretty nasty inflation.

After some research, I set the price of plate as 5 gp in Fatebinder. Of course, I'm using the silver standard and 1 gp = 100 sp.

 

[TheWriterFantastic™]

Rogues with Katanas ?!?!?

I'm surprised I haven't seen this posted anywhere else yet--Katana made the new equipment list--as a two-handed finesse weapon. Being only a d8 damage for a two-handed weapon, this may or may not be a loophole worth exploiting by rogues.

On another note--bastard sword is solely a two-handed weapon that, not a special one-handed weapon that has it's damage bumped when used two-handed...

 

[Grimmjow]

i noted that my falchion is missing.....

 

[Chronikoce]

i noted that my falchion is missing.....

I've always felt that Falchion should be classified the way the katana is currently in this playtest (2h Finesse weapon). I hope we see it return in that category down the line.

What do people think about the removal of weapon size (i.e. small and medium players wield the same weapons but small can't use Heavy Weapons.)?

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

I already gave my thoughts regarding this statement and why I think it is false. I'll quote myself for you.

Thanks for reiterating. I think I've got it. I'm not sure I agree, though -- I feel that sort of mechanic would be better represented by DR.

But I could see my way clear of it if your explanation was included in the rulebook.

Edit: And I'm fine with no weapon sizing. Though I'm waiting for someone to say the katana should be an uber-weapon than can be wielded one-handed too.

 

[Chronikoce]

I think they are trying to get away from DR. I believe that is was the Vulnerability doing more dmg and resistance halving damage is for.

I do agree that when the rules are released officially I hope they state explicitly that Dex mod is not applied in heavy armor to prevent arduous debates between players and DM's.

I think I've seen a few posts asking about katana. I think they found a nice middle ground by making it 2H finesse weapon. I don't know a great deal about katana fighting but I've never seen any old samurai movie where they were 1H them (new stuff doesn't count cause they do all sorts of weird crazy stuff in those haha)