power attack and weapon finesse

[calebw]

my friend is a duelist, and we were wondering if it is legit to power attack while using weapon finesse. we think it makes sense, but i just want some other opinions.

 

[jaelis]

Yes, there's no problem. With a spiked chain, you even get the good PA ratio.

 

[GlassEye]

In most cases, no. Power Attack cannot be used with light weapons. Rapier and spiked chain are not light weapons (but can be used with Weapon Finesse) so you can Power Attack with them.

Normally, you have to use a light weapon to benefit from the Weapon Finesse feat. You can also use a rapier or a spiked chain with Weapon Finesse. You cannot use the Power Attack feat with a light weapon. Can you use a spiked chain or a rapier and benefit from both Weapon Finesse and Power Attack at the same time?

Yes. A rapier or a spiked chain made for a creature of your size is not a light weapon, even when you’re using the weapon with the Weapon Finesse feat. If you have both feats and use a
rapier or a spiked chain, you can manage power and finesse in the same attack.

 

[moritheil]

Yes, there's no problem. With a spiked chain, you even get the good PA ratio.

Or elven courtblade, I think. (Whatever the name of the exotic elven greatsword is.)

 

[irdeggman]

Now you must remember that a rapier can't be used with two hands though (well not so that you can gain the 1 1/2 times Str mod damage).