Switching from a 2H weapon to two weapons

[Kaledor]

What are some of the ways to switch from a 2H weapon to two weapons mid round, without using all of your actions?

(reason: I'm looking at a build that has some powers that require two weapons and some powers that work best with a single weapon wielded two-handed)


Some of my thoughts:

Use a Versatile one-handed weapon (hit with it 2H for +1dam) then draw the second off-hand weapon, perhaps using Quick Draw or some similar feat that reduces draw time to a free action.

Use a Versatile one-handed weapon like a longsword and equip a gauntlet or spiked gauntlet in your off-hand. You still use the longsword 2Handed (for +1dam), but then get a free action switch to two-weapon fighting (basically let go with your off-hand).




So, first off, do my options above seem legal? And second, can anyone think of any other ways to switch from two-handed single weapon fighting to two-weapon fighting in the same round (without spending a ton of actions).

Thanks.

 

[Alukane]

With the "Spiked chain training" feat you gain proficiency with the spiked chain and you can treat it as a double weapon, each end is a light blade that deals 2d4 damage, the secondary end gains the off-hand property and the primary end gains the stout property, so you can switch freely from 2H to TWF.

And it's a pretty cool weapon

 

[Neonchameleon]

Heroes of the Forgotten Lands has a Master At Arms Expertise feat that allows you to (I think) swap weapons for a minor action. But it would take another minor to sheathe down to one handed.

The Urgrosh is a damn good weapon for mixing 1 and 2 handed fighting that way. It's a Stout double weapon with a d12 head and a d6 head - you use the d12 head for your 2 handed powers as it's Stout (It's also defensive making it a good weapon all round). And if anyone objects that double weapons are silly, tell them it's an iron-bound pollax with a butt-spike. A common knightly weapon designed to deal with other people in plate armour. Because it's a relatively popular historical weapon* it's the only double weapon I allow in my games.

* Only for a small period, granted. It was designed to do one thing - defeat someone clad head to toe in plate armour. And it does that very well. Against someone not wearing plate there are better weapons.

 

[Nichwee]

You can also go with a Paired Weapon that is Versatile - but this only works if you can wield a one-handed weapon in your offhand like a 2WF Ranger.

Then you can switch from 1 weapon to 2, or vice versa, for a minor action - or a free action if you take Quick Draw.

 

[MatthewJHanson]

Superior Weapon Proficiency: Urgrosh

It has the stout property so you can treat it as a 2 handed weapon, and it's a double weapon so you can treat it as two weapons.

(Also works with other double weapons with the stout property, but Urgrosh has the best damage with the primary end).

 

[Kaledor]

So let me see if I get this (first time with a double weapon in 4e):


The Urgosh is a double weapon with the stout and defensive abilities. Main head: d12, other end: d6 (is it autmatically "Off-hand"?)

I hold the weapon in both hands. At any given point in a round I can decide between striking with a single end (using the Stout property... do I get the +1 extra damage for wielding it two-handed?) --OR-- using both ends.

So, if a power requires two melee weapon attacks (like a Ranger melee power), I would attack with the d12 and the d6. If a power called for a single 2Handed melee attack (like a Barbarian power), I would attack with the d12 end.


Now, how does the Defensive property apply? Does it apply as long as I hold the Urgosh?

 

[Drakhar]

Hunter Fighting Style from Martial Power 2 would allow you to switch weapons mid combat and use no actions.