Satori
First Post
I use this very thing in Microlite D20.
Of course, I have "Offensive Weapons" and "Defensive Weapons" split into "Simple" and "Martial".
Offensive Weapons: More damage, less defense. Greater damage die, no AC bonus. Thematically, "Offensive Weapons" are dual-wielded weapons and two-handed weapons.
Defensive Weapons: Less damage, more defense. Lower damage die, AC bonus. Thematically, "Defensive Weapons" are Sword/Board or Single Weapon "Swashbuckler" types.
The Simple/Martial division does NOT refer to specific weapons, but more to an individual's skill.
i.e. A Fighter can Martial Weapon User while a Wizard is a Simple Weapon User. A dagger or a great axe are not "Simple" or "Martial" weapons, though, and the Wizard can pick up and use the great axe as a "Simple Offensive Weapon".
I also don't get rid of weapon descriptions...so just because you use "Martial Offensive Weapons" does not mean you'll find a generic "Offensive Weapon" in a chest. It will still be a Longsword, Great Axe, or +2 Flaming Dagger...
...and you, as the player, have to decide if that description works with your concept.
Also, you can put together different types of weapons to "reclassify" them.
i.e. A Duelist typically uses a Rapier as a "Defensive Weapon"...but during a hectic brawl, he pulls out a Dagger and begins dealing "Offensive Weapon" damage.
or
A Rogue dual-wields two Daggers as an "Offensive Weapon", then hurls one into a bad guy on his turn. He now wields a "Defensive Weapon" until he pulls another weapon.
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It sounds counter-intuitive and a bit more complex than needed...but I reckon that it gives players more ownership over their character customization. I've tried just assigning different classes "Damage Die"...but that seems to take away player creativity.
Of course, I have "Offensive Weapons" and "Defensive Weapons" split into "Simple" and "Martial".
Offensive Weapons: More damage, less defense. Greater damage die, no AC bonus. Thematically, "Offensive Weapons" are dual-wielded weapons and two-handed weapons.
Defensive Weapons: Less damage, more defense. Lower damage die, AC bonus. Thematically, "Defensive Weapons" are Sword/Board or Single Weapon "Swashbuckler" types.
The Simple/Martial division does NOT refer to specific weapons, but more to an individual's skill.
i.e. A Fighter can Martial Weapon User while a Wizard is a Simple Weapon User. A dagger or a great axe are not "Simple" or "Martial" weapons, though, and the Wizard can pick up and use the great axe as a "Simple Offensive Weapon".
I also don't get rid of weapon descriptions...so just because you use "Martial Offensive Weapons" does not mean you'll find a generic "Offensive Weapon" in a chest. It will still be a Longsword, Great Axe, or +2 Flaming Dagger...
...and you, as the player, have to decide if that description works with your concept.
Also, you can put together different types of weapons to "reclassify" them.
i.e. A Duelist typically uses a Rapier as a "Defensive Weapon"...but during a hectic brawl, he pulls out a Dagger and begins dealing "Offensive Weapon" damage.
or
A Rogue dual-wields two Daggers as an "Offensive Weapon", then hurls one into a bad guy on his turn. He now wields a "Defensive Weapon" until he pulls another weapon.
---
It sounds counter-intuitive and a bit more complex than needed...but I reckon that it gives players more ownership over their character customization. I've tried just assigning different classes "Damage Die"...but that seems to take away player creativity.
