Who uses a Ranseur?

[candidus_cogitens]

What kind of character would typically use a ranseur? What kind of archetype does it evoke?

Everybody knows that an axe in the hand of a dwarf is no surprise, or a bow in the hands of an elf. A lance might be carried by a paladin. Whose hands would you expect to find holding such a thing as a ranseur, or for that matter, a glaive or a trident?

I've not seen to many PCs that use these weapons. Have you? If so, what kind of PC was it?

 

[Wolfen Priest]

Well, I know what I consider the stereotypical ranseur-using race, and I'll tell ya why to boot.

Wolfen. Or, if your campaign doesn't have a wolfen race, any lionine-type will suffice. The reason being (at least the only one I can think of at the moment, not that there really is one): ever play Final Fantasy X? Well, the weird blue lion-headed guy with the unicorn-horn (Kimahri) always weilds a pole-arm of some kind. Just seems really fitting.

Plus, I like both lionine/wolfish/toothy/furred/generally weird races, AND polearms. They go together well, don't you think?

 

[kenjib]

I would suggest a peasant levy (possibly to be corrected by someone more knowledgable), but it seems like several weapons that I had thought were peasant weapons require military proficiency in D&D, including the ranseur. Am I wrong about peasants and polearms?

 

[Ravellion]

I'd say someone who used to serve in the King's standing army in a tight formation. Solitary Polearm users can almost be defeated with bare hands if they miss just once...

The trident I could see ex galdiators use.

Rav

 

[candidus_cogitens]

Sure, I think lupine or lionine types of races could work nicely with polearms.

The character that I am developing is a wild elf barbarian. I'm trying to decide whether a ranseur is an appropriate choice.

 

[Pielorinho]

Sure, I think lupine or lionine types of races could work nicely with polearms.

The character that I am developing is a wild elf barbarian. I'm trying to decide whether a ranseur is an appropriate choice.

Interesting. From a min-max perspective, I'd go with a glaive: with a glaive, combat reflexes, and improved trip, you have a nice little one-two smack you can do on people. Disarming someone just isn't as much fun, in my opinion, as tripping them and then beating on them when they're down.

Although if your wild elf lives in the forest, consider whether polearms would be an appropriate weapon: he may not be used to having much room to swing such a big weapon around.

Daniel

 

[Orias]

Play what you want! If your guys has an affinity for the ransuer, use it! Don't worry about min/maxing or power gaming. Don't worry about archetypes, play what you want! Have fun! That's the point of RPGs!

 

[MeepoTheMighty]

I played a half-elven bard (of aquatic elf descent) who used a trident. That was back in the days when bards could use any weapon, though.

 

[Moxie]

A monk! If they get around the reach weapon, drop it, kick'em in the junk and take their stuff!

 

[Sanackranib]

rensur

we had an ogre PC that used one in an old 1st ed. game.