D&D 5E Rogue Warrior with an axe

[Thank Dog]

I would argue that you can have that kind of control over a baseball bat if you are a professional (think a professional baseball player) and that is really what the PCs are professionals.

It's not about skill, it's about weight distribution and leverage. A bat is simply not a finesse weapon.

 

[was]

I'd probably compromise by going versatile on a custom-made handaxe. It's light, finessable and I'd allow it to go versatile (d8 vs. d6) if the pc wanted to wield it in two hands. Getting a weapon master to make the axe would be a good quest.

 

[Thank Dog]

I'd probably compromise by going versatile on a custom-made handaxe. It's light, finessable and I'd allow it to go versatile (d8 vs. d6) if the pc wanted to wield it in two hands. Getting a weapon master to make the axe would be a good quest.

So now it's a light, finessable, versatile slashing weapon that can be thrown. Why even bother with rules balance if you can just make up whatever weapon you want to bypass every restriction?

 

[was]

So now it's a light, finessable, versatile slashing weapon that can be thrown. Why even bother with rules balance if you can just make up whatever weapon you want to bypass every restriction?

1. Because it's reasonable enough to make it fly without upsetting other players.
2. Because it makes the player happy without really unbalancing the game. It also helps the player invest in a character concept which I thoroughly encourage.
3. Because I am the DM, and the rules balance is MY job to determine. The balance as listed in the PHB is a general guideline written by WotC. I have no problems in modifying their suggestions to make my players happy.

In the end, RAW < player enjoyment. Especially in regards to something as trivial as this which does not have any real impact on game balance.

"Together, the DM and the players create an exciting story of bold adventurers who confront deadly perils." (PHB, 5)