Questions about wielding a double weapon

[eamon]

OK, than let me ask this could you have the weapon readied as if it was 2 one handed weapons, allowing you to use either end for your AoO but only with a x1 strength bonus?

In other words, you're asking if you can be wielding two weapons and be able to strike at moments notice (i.e. make an AoO) without TWF penalties and without choosing which hand you'll use beforehand?

This is equally applicable to two weapons and to double weapons.

I don't think there's a real definitive answer to this question. You could even argue that if you're using a double weapon, but haven't attacked with it yet, you're capable of attacking with either end as an AoO yet apply 1.5 strength damage to those attacks... since you're only attacking with one end in that round. The extremely short blurb on double weapons simply says that if using it as a two handed weapon, you can only attack with one end in any given round - it doesn't say you need to choose which end in advance.

I can't say I particularly like that interpretation, but you could make that argument, I think.

Does anybody have a consistent, simple interpretation worked out?

 

[irdeggman]

OK, than let me ask this could you have the weapon readied as if it was 2 one handed weapons, allowing you to use either end for your AoO but only with a x1 strength bonus?

I would say no since that is essentially changing weapons when it is not your turn. Think of it as which end of the stick are you pointing forward with. All of the double weapons I've seen are also two handed weapons. It is also a matter of placing your grip for most of them too. A quarterstaff used as a one-handed weapon is held differently then when used as a double weapon, same with the double axe and double sword, etc.

 

[squee]

Hyp already covered the free action outside of your turn part but changing weapons isn't a free action anyway - its a move action.

you're not changing weapons though you're changing which end of the weapon you're using, you already have the weapon in hand...

 

[irdeggman]

you're not changing weapons though you're changing which end of the weapon you're using, you already have the weapon in hand...

Its much more akin to changing weapons than anything else. It is more complicated than switching from one-handed to two-handed use of a broad sword for instance.

Remember that most double weapons are fairly large (in size) when compared to other weapons (non-reach ones that is). I see this as a support to using the changing weapons (i.e., draw weapon) action as the closest equivalent.