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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Hypersmurf" data-source="post: 2904318" data-attributes="member: 1656">A double weapon is a two-handed weapon (assuming appropriate size).There are two places in the Core Rules where reference is made to treating it as anything other than a two-handed weapon.One is in the definition of double weapons in the Equipment section:A character can fight with both ends of a double weapon as if fighting with two weapons, but he or she incurs all the normal attack penalties associated with two-weapon combat, just as though the character were wielding a one-handed weapon and a light weapon. The character can also choose to use a double weapon two handed, attacking with only one end of it.The other is in the feat text for Power Attack:(Normally, you treat a double weapon as a one-handed weapon and a light weapon. If you choose to use a double weapon like a two-handed weapon, attacking with only one end of it in a round, you treat it as a two-handed weapon.)There are two ways we can interpret the Power Attack reference.  Either this is a rule about how double weapons are treated, or it is a rule about how double weapons are treated for purposes of the Power Attack feat.What are some effects of a weapon being a two-handed weapon?T1. +4 to disarm and sunder checks.T2. 1.5x Str bonus to damage.T3. 2-for-1 Power Attack.What are some effects of a weapon being a light weapon?L1. -4 to disarm and sunder checks.L2. No Power Attack.L3. Reduction in TWF penalties.L4. Can be Finessed.Let's say we assume that the text in Power Attack only relates to Power Attack.This means that a double weapon is treated as a light weapon for the purposes of a/ penalties related to two-weapon fighting, and b/ Power Attack.  That's L2 and L3.  It means that the double weapon is still treated as a two-handed weapon for anything else - that's T1 and T2.So if I'm using my quarterstaff as a double weapon, it is treated as a two-handed weapon for purposes of Disarm and Sunder checks - I get a +4 with both the primary and off-hand ends.  It is treated as a two-handed weapon for the purpose of Str bonus to damage - I add 1.5x Str bonus to damage with the primary end, and with the off-end, I either add 1.5x for a two-handed weapon, or .5x for an off-hand attack (per the PHB Glossary entry for 'off-hand')... which of the two takes precedence is not stated.  I add 1-for-1 Power Attack with the primary end, and 1-for-0 with the off-end.  And I reduce my penalties for TWF for having a light off-hand weapon.Now, if we instead wish to rule that you add 1x Str bonus to damage with the primary end, and .5x with the off-end, the only support for this in the Core Rules is if the double weapon is treated as a one-handed weapon and a light weapon for all purposes, not just for penalties related to TWF and for Power Attack.  Which means that the text in Power Attack - Normally, you treat a double weapon as a one-handed weapon and a light weapon. - must be read as globally applicable, not merely to the use of the feat.Under this reading, I gain no bonus or penalty to disarm and sunder checks with the primary end of my quarterstaff, and a -4 penalty with the off-end.  I add 1x Str bonus to damage with the primary end, and .5x with the off-end.  I add 1-for-1 Power Attack with the primary end, and 1-for-0 with the off-end.  I reduce my penalties for TWF for having a light off-hand weapon.  And I can finesse the off-end.The 3.5 Main FAQ takes this position - normally, you treat a double weapon as a one-handed weapon and a light weapon.  Which suggests that they're reading the Power Attack text as globally applicable.It works for me - I'd rather see the off-end finessed, than 1.5x Str bonus to damage with the primary end.-Hyp.</blockquote>

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