D&D 5E THF vs TWF

[Stormonu]

My preference would be to change TWF to essentially having constant advantage - roll 2d20, take the best, on a hit choose one of the two weapons to deal damage with. Perhaps make an advanced (3rd level?) ability where you add the damage die together and roll a bigger damage die. For example, if you used Longsword (1d8) + Dagger (1d4), you add them together (8+4) and roll a d12 for damage. Two scimitars (1d6)? Roll d12 for damage. Two daggers (1d4)? Roll 1d8 for damage.

 

[GX.Sigma]

When I'm attacking with two weapons, I expect to make two attacks (one for each weapon I'm attacking with). Any game mechanic that does not match this expectation will feel weird and wrong to me.

If I were playing a game that used @Stormonu's solution, my first reaction would be "What? Why not just have it be two attacks?"

 

[Quartz]

Would restricting TWF to those in no or light armour (q.v. 3E ranger) be an adequate balance?

In Next, can you do the 3E trick of TWF with a shield and a light sword, where the shield is your main weapon?

 

[gotbrain]

I like this idea a lot. Maybe even increasing the bonuses every 4-5 levels.

My ideal (and something I've been meaning to transfer into 4e) is this; there is no such thing as TWF. Period.

Instead, represent paired weapons as one item. Give it increased accuracy to represent multiple weapons, and that's it, so there is a straight trade-off between THF and TWF (and Sword/board) - TWF has the best accuracy, THF the best damage, S/B best defense.

I doubt something like this would be implemented, but whatever.

(in 4e terms, though these are just example numbers;

Two short swords - +3 prof, 1d6 damage
Longsword & Shield - +2 prof, 1d8 damage, +1 AC
Greatsword - +2 prof, 1d10 damage)