Reach Weapons: Increased size, increase reach?

[Wyvernhand]

A Large shortsword is called a longsword or perhaps a Greatsword. That is, a 2 foot blade goes to 4 foot blade (with an uncomfortable grip). Decidedly not a Reach weapon.

Except that its not. Again, 3.5 changed the rules. In 3.0, a medium sized longsword was essentially a greatsword in the hands of a small character and a short sword in the hands of a large character.

3.5 changed this. A large longsword is a large longsword. A medium character can use it, but they suffer a -2 penalty for inappropriate size. Monkey Grip doesn't help this.

Inappropriately Sized Weapons
A creature can’t make optimum use of a weapon that isn’t properly sized for it. A cumulative -2 penalty applies on attack rolls for each size category of difference between the size of its intended wielder and the size of its actual wielder. If the creature isn’t proficient with the weapon a -4 nonproficiency penalty also applies.
The measure of how much effort it takes to use a weapon (whether the weapon is designated as a light, one-handed, or two-handed weapon for a particular wielder) is altered by one step for each size category of difference between the wielder’s size and the size of the creature for which the weapon was designed. If a weapon’s designation would be changed to something other than light, one-handed, or two-handed by this alteration, the creature can’t wield the weapon at all.

All weapons are now sized to the creature. A medium creature wields medium weapons, a large creature wields large weapons, etc. If the weapon isn't sized for you, its "inappropriate". If a reach weapon is inappropriately sized for you, it doesn't grant reach.

 

[cjosephs1s]

Except that its not. Again, 3.5 changed the rules. In 3.0, a medium sized longsword was essentially a greatsword in the hands of a small character and a short sword in the hands of a large character.

3.5 changed this. A large longsword is a large longsword. A medium character can use it, but they suffer a -2 penalty for inappropriate size. Monkey Grip doesn't help this.

All weapons are now sized to the creature. A medium creature wields medium weapons, a large creature wields large weapons, etc. If the weapon isn't sized for you, its "inappropriate". If a reach weapon is inappropriately sized for you, it doesn't grant reach.

This reminds me of the scene in the Movie Count of Monte Cristo where the Count washes up on shore with the smugglers and Luigi tells him that Jacopo is the best knife fighter he's ever seen. The Counts response "you should get out more" and then easily defeats Jacopo.

Well it seems my question was answered. Thank you [MENTION=19675]Dannyalcatraz[/MENTION]

The reason I asked it: a favorite magic item of mine is Strongarm Bracers from the MIC which allows you to use weapons one size catagory larger at no penalty and is a constant effect. They only cost 6000 gp so they are readily available and I would highly recommend them for just about any melee class that isn't restricted by weapon size/weight.

 

[the Jester]

Reach doubles the natural reach of the wielder for all reach weapons other than the Whip.

Why do people hate the awl pike so???