What's the point of Exotic Weapon Master?

[Li Shenron]

Opens up an even better prestige class idea I suppose, the Weapon Master PrC? I like it!

That was in fact the idea behind the curtains I didn't mean to ban the PrCl because it makes quite a little sense, but to give it more sense and make it more useful.

 

[Li Shenron]

Well, the EWM isn't that special either. Since everything is variable and it applies to any exotic weapon, the fact that the weapon has to be exotic is the only thing that makes the class unique.

I wouldn't take that away from it. Otherwise it's just a Fighter variant.

And that was the secret idea behind the other curtain

Well this isn't my game anyway, so I can't advocate class changes, but those "stunts" might be used also as "Fighter special features" in place of bonus feats after a certain level (say for instance, level 10), in a way similar to the Rogue's special abilities, so as to increase the appeal of single-classed fighters.

But without going that far, I think I would definitely allow a "Weapon Master" exactly the same as the EWM, just removing the work "exotic" from anywhere in the description.

 

[Darkness]

Which begs fo the following question: would a race that considers a given exotic weapon a martial weapon be barred from taking the Exotic Weapon Master PrC ?

Nah, the class description specifically mentions that they qualify.

Kidding aside, I totally agree. The only time I see this PrC picked by a PC is when he fights with a spiked chain and only takes one level in the class to gain the extra attack.

Yep, that's the best use for the class that I can think of as well.

 

[Legildur]

Kidding aside, I totally agree. The only time I see this PrC picked by a PC is when he fights with a spiked chain and only takes one level in the class to gain the extra attack.

Actually, I'm playing a dwarf Barbarian/Fighter aiming for EWM to pick up the Uncanny Blow ability (double Str bonus to damage) for his dwarven waraxe.

The ability also allows you to treat a one-handed exotic weapon as a two-handed weapon to determine the effects of Power Attack, but it is not clear whether the 2:1 bonus applies when wielding it in one hand.

There is also a human Fighter in one of my games aiming for the same ability to use with his bastard sword. So, no, spiked chain is not the only reason to take the PrC.

 

[cignus_pfaccari]

Actually, I'm playing a dwarf Barbarian/Fighter aiming for EWM to pick up the Uncanny Blow ability (double Str bonus to damage) for his dwarven waraxe.

The ability also allows you to treat a one-handed exotic weapon as a two-handed weapon to determine the effects of Power Attack, but it is not clear whether the 2:1 bonus applies when wielding it in one hand.

It doesn't. Only when you're wielding it two-handed.

But, yes, it's a VERY beautiful and wonderful thing.

There is also a human Fighter in one of my games aiming for the same ability to use with his bastard sword. So, no, spiked chain is not the only reason to take the PrC.

TWF builds could take one level and be happy, but Tempest (in CV) is a better option. Double weapon wielders, though, can take two or three levels.

 

[Legildur]

It doesn't. Only when you're wielding it two-handed.

So you say, but that view isn't supported (nor unsupported mind you) by how the ability is written.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

I *think* that Uncanny Blow allows you to get 1-to-2 Power Attacking out of an Exotic one-handed melee weapon when wielded in both hands.

Unfortunately, what the designer of the PrC didn't seem to realize is that it works that way anyway! Uncanny Blow, then, is a pretty useless ability.

 

[Legildur]

The ability makes no mention of having to use the weapon in both hands. There is another recent thread (that I started) asking this very question and the consensus seemed to be that it was an overlap of sorts with the 3.5E Power Attack, but nothing in the RAW to say with certainty.

I could go either way on it; hence why I asked the question in the first place.