EDIT 11/1: Here is the most recent and promising version for those new to the thread. The idea has changed quite a lot.
http://www.enworld.org/forum/6040441-post53.html
END EDIT
I don't like the current two-weapon fighting rules. The last playtest packet seemed to be heading in the right direction to me. So here's my stab at them, followed by a partial specialty. Any criticisms or suggestions to finish the specialty are welcome.
Firstly, there needs to be a light weapon property. Using finesse weapons doesn't work because a handaxe in each hand makes perfect sense but rapiers don't. Wizards has hinted in this playtest that they will be implementing this, and I am going to assume it's existence on any weapon that logically could be wielded in your off-hand.
Edit: Here are the differences up front between this and the last packets version.
1) You don't need to spend a specialty on it. These are the default rules for everyone. This is huge.
2) Deadly Strike and Sneak Attack work better with this version.
3) You can use a longsword or other non-finesse/non-light weapon in your main hand. Iconic and a must.
4) You can mix it up with ranged attacks, to strike with your longsword than throw your dagger at another
at another enemy, or throw a pair of daggers. Also a part of the fiction that I feel must be supported.
5) No dual wielding rapiers, just cause they are both finesse. I have a hard time imagining that happening,
but I have little experience in fighting with weapons so I could be wrong there.
6) Allows for things like a mountain man fighting with hatchet in his off hand. Again with the fiction support.
BEGIN RULES TEXT
Two-Weapon Fighting.
Most warriors employ either one large weapon or a weapon and shield combination. A few warriors prefer to utilize a light weapon in their off-hand, prioritizing adaptability over raw power.
When you are wielding two-weapons and at least one of them is a light weapon, you may use an action to make an attack with each weapon. This is known as a two-weapon attack. These attacks may target the same or different creatures. If either of these weapons is a thrown weapon you may choose to split these attacks between melee and ranged attacks in any possible combination. Both attacks happen simultaneously and are considered a single attack for the purposes of any effect which would grant a bonus or penalty to your attack or damage. If one of these attacks qualifies for a conditional bonus, such as sneak attack, and the other doesn't, apply it to the attack that does but not the other attack. The total damage dealt by each of these attacks is reduced to half.
END RULES TEXT
If both attacks hit this would put the total damage at 2 or 3 points less than an equivalent two-handed warrior. In return you have a higher chance of dealing at least some damage and may split it up between two creatures. This has obvious strategic value against already weakened creatures and hordes of mooks. That gives two-handed, two-weapon, and sword and board warriors each their own niche. A 1/2 complete specialty lies below. The goal is that a character specializing in this becomes as skillful with his two weapons as both a two-handed warrior and a sword and board warrior. Of course, those characters also get specializations, so they could still eclipse the two-weapon fighter in their own niche if they further focus on their combat style.
Two Weapon Fighting Specialist
Two Weapon Defense
Benefit: When wielding a weapon in each hand you gain a +1 bonus to AC.
Twin Strike
Benefit: Whenever you make a two-weapon attack and either of your d20 attack rolls is a 20 before adding modifiers, both attacks automatically hit and critical.
http://www.enworld.org/forum/6040441-post53.html
END EDIT
I don't like the current two-weapon fighting rules. The last playtest packet seemed to be heading in the right direction to me. So here's my stab at them, followed by a partial specialty. Any criticisms or suggestions to finish the specialty are welcome.
Firstly, there needs to be a light weapon property. Using finesse weapons doesn't work because a handaxe in each hand makes perfect sense but rapiers don't. Wizards has hinted in this playtest that they will be implementing this, and I am going to assume it's existence on any weapon that logically could be wielded in your off-hand.
Edit: Here are the differences up front between this and the last packets version.
1) You don't need to spend a specialty on it. These are the default rules for everyone. This is huge.
2) Deadly Strike and Sneak Attack work better with this version.
3) You can use a longsword or other non-finesse/non-light weapon in your main hand. Iconic and a must.
4) You can mix it up with ranged attacks, to strike with your longsword than throw your dagger at another
at another enemy, or throw a pair of daggers. Also a part of the fiction that I feel must be supported.
5) No dual wielding rapiers, just cause they are both finesse. I have a hard time imagining that happening,
but I have little experience in fighting with weapons so I could be wrong there.
6) Allows for things like a mountain man fighting with hatchet in his off hand. Again with the fiction support.
BEGIN RULES TEXT
Two-Weapon Fighting.
Most warriors employ either one large weapon or a weapon and shield combination. A few warriors prefer to utilize a light weapon in their off-hand, prioritizing adaptability over raw power.
When you are wielding two-weapons and at least one of them is a light weapon, you may use an action to make an attack with each weapon. This is known as a two-weapon attack. These attacks may target the same or different creatures. If either of these weapons is a thrown weapon you may choose to split these attacks between melee and ranged attacks in any possible combination. Both attacks happen simultaneously and are considered a single attack for the purposes of any effect which would grant a bonus or penalty to your attack or damage. If one of these attacks qualifies for a conditional bonus, such as sneak attack, and the other doesn't, apply it to the attack that does but not the other attack. The total damage dealt by each of these attacks is reduced to half.
END RULES TEXT
If both attacks hit this would put the total damage at 2 or 3 points less than an equivalent two-handed warrior. In return you have a higher chance of dealing at least some damage and may split it up between two creatures. This has obvious strategic value against already weakened creatures and hordes of mooks. That gives two-handed, two-weapon, and sword and board warriors each their own niche. A 1/2 complete specialty lies below. The goal is that a character specializing in this becomes as skillful with his two weapons as both a two-handed warrior and a sword and board warrior. Of course, those characters also get specializations, so they could still eclipse the two-weapon fighter in their own niche if they further focus on their combat style.
Two Weapon Fighting Specialist
Two Weapon Defense
Benefit: When wielding a weapon in each hand you gain a +1 bonus to AC.
Twin Strike
Benefit: Whenever you make a two-weapon attack and either of your d20 attack rolls is a 20 before adding modifiers, both attacks automatically hit and critical.
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