What weapon would be apropriate for a character named "The Lion"?


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Claws

Here are a couple of ideas... My current PC uses claws, himself (the first version). I had another such character, back in the 1e AD&D days, who first used them, and that's where the stats originated. The idea was to come up with a set of small claws that wouldn't get in the way of using other weapons, would always be ready, and would do about the same damage as a one-handed Longsword... You can decide for yourself how well we succeeded!

In 3e, and then again in 3.5, we had to tweak them, a bit. Onviously, this weapon is intended for the TWF crowd, although I guess you could use just one...

A second version, used in the movies, is also provided. See if your GM will accept either. Good luck! :)

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Claws: (Copyright 1980-2005 by SteveC. All Rights Reserved. Licensed for individual use).

Light Simple Weapon, Cost: 4 GP/set of two, Dmg (S): 1D3+4*, Dmg (M): 1D4+3*, Critical: 19-20/x2, Range Increment: Melee, only, Type: Piercing or Slashing.

Description: A Metal plate fitted over the back of the hand (usually worn over a pair of tough, leather gauntlets), from which extend four* short, curved blades, one over each knuckle. A narrow, flat, metal band passes from the sides of the plate, around the front of the hand below the knuckles, to give "pull down" capability to the claws when used for slashing (but it does not interfere with the use of other weapons, in-hand). From the rear of the metal plate extends a metal wrist-cuff, hinged to the plate to allow the wrist to bend, normally.

Due to the shortness and curvature of the blade, they do not extend past the second finger joint, and do not interfere with bow strings, etc., when the hand is open. When the hand is closed into a fist, however, the four small, dagger-like blades curve up from the back of the hand, making a warrior's fist as deadly as a large cat's claws.

History: This weapon, originally based upon a reversal of the Bagh Nahk (or "Tiger Claws"), has been invented, independently, several times. It is usually seen in use by Rangers imitating nature, especially those without the Quick Draw Feat, who are tired of being surprised without a weapon in their hands! As with Spiked Gauntlets, Claws cannot be disarmed.

These were invented back in the 1e days, although currently, Eredave, the Ancient Elven Ranger, is known to make use of a magical, adamantite pair, with his Two-Weapon Fighting style.

* Damage is based upon four claws. If there are fewer than four, the damage is 1D3 (S)/1D4 (M) for the first, +1 for each additional, to a maximum of +3, for four.

(Note: Some GMs may object to 1d4+3. If so, try 1D6.)

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Claw-Bars (Copyright 2005 by SteveC. All Rights Reserved. Licensed for individual use).

Light Simple Weapon, Cost: 8 GP/set of two, Dmg (S): 1D3+2, Dmg (M): 1D4+2, Critical: 19-20/x2, Range Increment: Melee, only, Type: Piercing or Slashing.

Description: A short, metal bar, held in the hand, from which project three small, curved, claw-like blades, at right angles to the bar (and parallel to each other). The bar is held in the hand, with one of the blades sticking up between the fingers.

Unlike with Claws, Claw-Bars can be disarmed, and must be in-hand in order to be wielded. Also, special Tri-sheaths must be made for such an unusual weapon.

(For anyone who cares, this is how they did Wolverine's (TM) claws in the X-Men (TM) movies!)

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Bagh Nahk, by the way, are a metal "loop", through which you place your hand, which have curving-down claws on the INSIDES. To use them, you have to have your hand empty, and open, and "paw" at your target. They generally have cloth wrist-cuffs to keep them in place, and are intended for climbing, and only incidentally used as a weapon. The first version of claws, above, is far more well designed, IMHO.
 

Pielorinho said:
Actually, I would suspect that he would tend to avoid high battles using his superior bluff skill. Thus his name: "Man, I hate that dude. He's always Lion to get out of trouble."

Daniel

Booo. Sssssss. *throws rotten fruit* ;)

I say Keen Falchion.
 

Clearly he's a druid. Usually he wildshapes into his lion form. But when fighting in humanoid form he uses a magically enlarged thorn. And he needs leadership to get a follower named The Mouse.
 

The assegai (a 6 foot long heavy spear) is a common heavy weapon in parts of Africa where lions were hunted as parts of manhood rites. Its 3' long blade was used in a sword-like fashion, but was sometimes thrown as well.

However, I'm with those who suggest that "the Lion" should bespeak more of the character's personality rather than his equipment.
 

Bastion Press:

In Arms & Armor, there are several types of weapons that you might like. (Sorry, I can't find the Copyright notice, in this book, so assume all of these are copyright by Bastion Press)!

Cat Gloves: Light Exotic Weapon, Cost: 5 GP, Dmg (S)/(M): 1D3/1D4, Critical: x2, Range: Melee, only, Weight: 2 lbs, Type: Slashing, Reach: 5 ft.

Cat gloves are tough yet supple leather gloves, each finger tipped with a small but sharp steel claw. These weapons are used to rake an opponent with a clawing action. Their surreptitious nature makes them a favorite weapon of many assassins and rogues. Opponents cannot disarm the wearer of a cat glove. An attack with a cat glove is considered an armed attack. The cost and weight given is for a single glove. The Weapon Finesse Feat may be used to apply Dexterity modifiers instead of Strength modifiers to attack rolls with a cat glove.

Claw (Zhua): Large Martial Weapon, Cost: 15 GP, Dmg (S)/(M): 1D6/1D8, Critical: x2, Range: Melee, only, Weight: 7 lbs, Type: Slashing, Reach: 5 ft.

This ancient polearm is nothing more than a staff topped with a dragon-like hand with the fingers spread in a clawing posture. Each finger is tipped with a hooked metal talon. It is used to make raking slashes. Assassins often use this weapon to disguise murders as wild beast attacks.

The Double Flying Claw (Shuang Fei Zhua) looks cool, but I can't find the stats! :(

Fighting Claw: Light Simple Weapon, Cost: 5 GP, Dmg (S)/(M): 1D4/1D6, Critical: x3, Range: Melee, only, Weight: 2 lbs, Type: Piercing, Reach: 5 ft.

A primitive weapon, a fighting claw consists of a large bone rod, sharpened at both ends, with three spikes sticking straight out from the center. It is held in a closed fist with the spikes poking out between the fingers.

:D
 
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The lion personality you all speak of would be great but its more towards the lawfull good side of things and in the interest of running things smoothly i think i should be lawful nuetral since we are basically setting up shop to be hired out for missions. Big goal for this character is to eventually lead in his houses mercenary guild.
 

I'm assuming a Fighter character,

So I'd go with a weapon and shield combo. Probably a mace, morningstar or flail for the weapon. Obviously the shield would be a Lion Shield once the character can afford one.

Jack
 


Oberyn said:
The lion personality you all speak of would be great but its more towards the lawfull good side of things and in the interest of running things smoothly i think i should be lawful nuetral since we are basically setting up shop to be hired out for missions. Big goal for this character is to eventually lead in his houses mercenary guild.

I highly recommend the suggestion fo the Lion's Shield from earlier, and combine it with a one-handed weapon (flail, bastard sword, battle axe - I favor blunt trauma over slashing). I had a cleric I played who garnered the nickname "The Lion of Pelor" who carried a Lion's Shield. It's a much more visible, noticeable symbol than a weapon.
 

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