two weapon fighting without off hand?

[NorthSaber]

I think it's pretty clear that the RAI mean that you can only effectively use an Off-hand weapon in your off-hand, and if you don't have any special feats or class features, it just means you can attack with either one.

But I have a question: if a ranger loses his off-hand bastard sword, can he still use his class powers by using his left fist as the second weapon?

 

[Dalzig]

But I have a question: if a ranger loses his off-hand bastard sword, can he still use his class powers by using his left fist as the second weapon?

Yes. The real question is ... does TWF still apply? Are you considered to be holding your hand?...

 

[DracoSuave]

Hell you could use two fists as off-handed weapons, cause they are one-handed improvised....

Fist-ranger.

That'd rock actually.

 

[NorthSaber]

Hell you could use two fists as off-handed weapons, cause they are one-handed improvised....

Fist-ranger.

That'd rock actually.

It's also the best way to build a monk in 4e...

But mainly this question arose because I was planning to make a spear-wielding fighter who maxes Str and Dex and multiclasses into Ranger, taking the Stormwarden paragon path (our DM houseruled it was ok - kids, don't do this at home!). I could normally wield the versatile spear two-handed for most of my attacks, but simply release my off-hand grip to "be wielding two melee weapons" to qualify for the paragon path attack powers.

 

[DracoSuave]

It's also the best way to build a monk in 4e...

But mainly this question arose because I was planning to make a spear-wielding fighter who maxes Str and Dex and multiclasses into Ranger, taking the Stormwarden paragon path (our DM houseruled it was ok - kids, don't do this at home!). I could normally wield the versatile spear two-handed for most of my attacks, but simply release my off-hand grip to "be wielding two melee weapons" to qualify for the paragon path attack powers.

Halarity! Altho, of course, you can't get the two-handed damage bonus with the spear....

But it doesn't work within the rules with multiclass into Ranger, because 'unarmed attack' doesn't have the off-hand feature. Only a TWF Ranger can do that technology.

 

[NorthSaber]

But it doesn't work within the rules with multiclass into Ranger, because 'unarmed attack' doesn't have the off-hand feature. Only a TWF Ranger can do that technology.

Good catch!

So interestingly, my fighter knows well how to fight with a dagger or a shortsword in his left hand, but can't throw a punch with his leftie...

 

[Ginnel]

Good catch!

So interestingly, my fighter knows well how to fight with a dagger or a shortsword in his left hand, but can't throw a punch with his leftie...

with his leftie.....when he is concentrating by attacking with his weapon in his other hand, by all means he could forgo the two weapon fighting and only attack with an unarmed attack instead of the weapon in his other hand.

 

[NorthSaber]

with his leftie.....when he is concentrating by attacking with his weapon in his other hand, by all means he could forgo the two weapon fighting and only attack with an unarmed attack instead of the weapon in his other hand.

Ah, so he can freely use just his leftie if he wants to? So the off-hand property is only relevant if you want to get some benefits from wielding two weapons at once?

 

[Mort_Q]

Offhand only really comes into play with Ranger melee powers. It is implied that anyone other than a TWF Ranger can only use and offhand keyword weapon in their offhand with an attack power that allows you to use both weapons.

[edit]So, if you take Archery as a ranger, or if you multi in Ranger, it's an issue. No-one else, as far as I noticed, can attack with both weapons in the same turn, without spending and action point.

Did I get that right?

 

[Andor]

[edit]So, if you take Archery as a ranger, or if you multi in Ranger, it's an issue. No-one else, as far as I noticed, can attack with both weapons in the same turn, without spending and action point.

Did I get that right?

Almost! The two-weapon flurry feat will allow anyone* to make an opportunity attack with both weapons, if the second weapon has the off-hand keyword. * And by anyone I mean 'anyone with a dex of 19 and Epic level.'