Reach question!

[Morrus]

Probably a silly question with a quick answer, but here goes: what is the reach of a Large creature with a 10' natural reach wielding a spiked chain which has been increased in size by one category?

Thanks, folks!

 

[RangerWickett]

Need noun help here. Has the creature been increased a size category? His spiked chain? Both?

 

[RangerWickett]

Normally, 10 ft. reach + large spiked chain (reach weapon, doubles normal natural reach) = 20 ft. reach.

If the creature's size was increased, he'd become huge, and his reach would increase +5 ft.

If the spiked chain was increased in size . . . that's unclear. By a strict reading of the rules, a reach weapon just doubles your natural reach, so the size of the spiked chain doesn't matter.

So, by strict rules, and understanding IANHypersmurf:

Large creature with a large spiked chain - 20 ft.
Large creature with a huge spiked chain - 20 ft.
Huge creature with a large spiked chain - 30 ft.
Huge creature with a huge spiked chain - 30 ft.

With some logic, though, you could guestimate that a huge reach weapon gives +15 ft. reach instead of +10. Therefore:

Large creature with a large spiked chain - 20 ft.
Large creature with a huge spiked chain - 25 ft.
Huge creature with a large spiked chain - 25 ft.
Huge creature with a huge spiked chain - 30 ft.

 

[Wonko the Sane]

Nevermind.
WtS

 

[Hypersmurf]

The core rules don't actually address what happens when a Large creature wields a reach weapon of inappropriate size.

If it's a Large creature with a Large spiked chain, he threatens 5', 15', and 20' (and the FAQ says 10' as well).

If it's a Huge creature (Large, enlarged one size category) with a Huge spiked chain, he threatens 5', 20', 25', and 30' (and the FAQ says 10' and 15' as well).

If it's a Large creature with a Huge spiked chain, you're in uncertain territory. It could be the same as the Large chain above (5'-20'). I'd use a modified Savage Species system for reach weapons, and say 5'-25', personally.

-Hyp.

 

[Hypersmurf]

By a strict reading of the rules, a reach weapon just doubles your natural reach, so the size of the spiked chain doesn't matter.

It specifies "a large creature wielding an appropriately-sized reach weapon", though...

-Hyp.

 

[silentspace]

...(and the FAQ says 10' as well)...

...(and the FAQ says 10' and 15' as well)...

Too funny

 

[Morrus]

It's a large creature with a large spiked chain. Thanks, folks - that's what I needed to know!

 

[Christian]

If it's a Large creature with a Huge spiked chain, you're in uncertain territory.

Well, according to the most recent FAQ, it would be 5'/10'/15'/20'; wielding a reach weapon too big for you doesn't increase your reach. (Although it suggests that the RAW would be a reach of 5'/10', as only 'appropriately sized' reach weapons extend your reach.)

Not relevant to Morrus' question, given his clarification, but just for the record, you know ...

 

[Khaalis]

Well, according to the most recent FAQ, it would be 5'/10'/15'/20'; wielding a reach weapon too big for you doesn't increase your reach. (Although it suggests that the RAW would be a reach of 5'/10', as only 'appropriately sized' reach weapons extend your reach.)

Not relevant to Morrus' question, given his clarification, but just for the record, you know ...

Correct. The only thing that would change for wielding an oversized spiked chain (assuming an ability like Powerful Build) would be an increase in weapon damage by 1 step. No change in reach.