The mind works strangely sometimes...

[Hypersmurf]

I just had this odd mental image, of a Ranger with a shortsword, making his full iterative attack sequence, then using a free action to change hands, and making his 'attacking with two weapons' attack with his left hand...

-Hyp.

 

[Crothian]

Cool imagery, but well withing the grey area of the rules I do believe. I'd allow it on cool factor alone though

 

[Hypersmurf]

Cool imagery, but well withing the grey area of the rules I do believe.

I think it's somewhat beyond "grey"

I'd allow it on cool factor alone though

"Then why are you smiling?"
"Because I know something you don't know..."

-Hyp.

 

[Kai Lord]

Do you think the Ranger would technically need the Quick Draw feat to pull that off?

 

[Hypersmurf]

Do you think the Ranger would technically need the Quick Draw feat to pull that off?

In all seriousness, it's not legal... but if it were, then no. Changing grips is a free action - confirmed a couple of FAQ updates ago with the whole longspear-and-spiked-gauntlet scenario.

So you can change from a right-handed to a two-handed grip as a free action, and then from a two-handed to a left-handed grip as a free action.

-Hyp.

 

[Kai Lord]

In all seriousness, it's not legal...

I know...but I was just wondering for the sake of that potential "fiercely cinematic moment where the Ranger is going to die unless he pulls an extra attack from somewhere and the DM is trying to come up with some semblance of a credible reason to justify it".

 

[hammymchamham]

if a player of mine wanted to do this, I'd let 'em too

 

[Hypersmurf]

if a player of mine wanted to do this, I'd let 'em too

The problem is that it removes one of the handicaps of a two-weapon fighter - the fact that it costs twice as much to have two +4 Keen Shocking Burst Holy shortswords as it does to have one...

-Hyp.

 

[Christian]

So you can change from a right-handed to a two-handed grip as a free action, and then from a two-handed to a left-handed grip as a free action.

1) DM's rules on how many free actions and of what types to allow in a round.

2) You can't use a two-handed grip on a light (size category smaller than yours) weapon. The pommel is too small.

3) And you can't do this in my game.

Crud. I've gotta go get something to drink-my tongue is drying out.

 

[Hypersmurf]

2) You can't use a two-handed grip on a light (size category smaller than yours) weapon. The pommel is too small.

That's not a rule.

The rule is that you don't gain any damage advantage (ie x1.5 Str bonus) for using a light weapon with two hands. There's nothing to prevent you using a short sword two-handed, and gaining a bonus against disarm attempts.

-Hyp.