Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Aaron2" data-source="post: 2206531" data-attributes="member: 1436">Your casting your spells with the other, empty hand. You can't cast spells with somatic components without at least one empty hand.But then your initiative changes after you have started your action. How's that supposed to work?I few years ago I did a test with some wasters (weighted wooden swords). I found I was actually able to make forcefull blows faster with a two-handed swords than either a one-handed sword or a pencil (substituting for a dagger). You can try at home with a plastic lightsaber. By using both hands, you can swing the blade around quickly because your are moving the hilt at two different points just by moving your forearms.. Wielding the sword with one hand requires you to move your entire arm to generate a decent force. With a dagger, (assuming your opponent is about 3' away) you need to move your entire arm and upper body to strike with any power at all. Stand next to a tree and try it for yourself; you'll find you are suddenly tempted to give greatsword wielders an initiative bonus!However, if you are right next to something, a dagger is superior but that is grappling which is an entirely different situation and one where daggers rule in the RAW.Aaron</blockquote>