D&D General The rapier in D&D

[Chaltab]

Part of it's that it's such a modern weapon, it begs for an explanation why it's needed in the first place.

I mean, it's pretty on brand for the permanent Renaissance-era trappings of the Forgotten Realms it feels pretty well at home.

Maybe less so in Greyhawk or Eberron.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Part of it's that it's such a modern weapon, it begs for an explanation why it's needed in the first place.

Because swashbucklers are way cooler than some grubby guy with a flail. Also, flails are dumb and are actually worse than maces.

 

[zarionofarabel]

Because swashbucklers are way cooler than some grubby guy with a flail. Also, flails are dumb and are actually worse than maces.

I've never handled a flail, but to me it seems like it would be just as dangerous for the wielder as the target. I would much rather have a mace.

 

[Steampunkette]

Part of it's that it's such a modern weapon, it begs for an explanation why it's needed in the first place.

Plate armor didn't exist until after the first hand cannons hit the battlefield.

It's what plate armor was designed to protect you against.

Hand Cannons? 1320.

Plate armor? 1350.

Rapiers? 1420.

The War of the Roses, one of the biggest most well known "Knight in Armor" combats in the history of the world... 1455.

This? This was AFTER the Rapier was invented.

And you know what came about 20 years AFTER the War of the Roses started?

Your Lucerne Hammer.

"Too modern" and it's older than your preferred Dragon-Fighting stick.

 

[Micah Sweet]

I've never handled a flail, but to me it seems like it would be just as dangerous for the wielder as the target. I would much rather have a mace.

Neither of which were in all that common usage at the same time as the rapier.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Sometimes I wonder at one point it was decided that a rapier was a suitable weapon for fighting dragons.

Probably about the same time Errol Flynn started playing Robin Hood (set around 1200).

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Eberron

Rapier concealed in a cane is very on brand for Eberron.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Because swashbucklers are way cooler than some grubby guy with a flail. Also, flails are dumb and are actually worse than maces.

I say bring back the 3rd edition double headed flail.