Xykon vs paladins with "clubs"

[heirodule]

So in the thread discussing OOS 447, it is mentioned that they all have slashing weapons.

Why can't a slashing weapon wielder "improvise" a weapon out of his own slashing weapon that does bludgeoning damage? Use the pommel! Improvised weapons are only 1d3 IIRC, but that's better than suffering DR 15, isn't it?

 

[Piratecat]

I'd allow it at -2 or -4 to hit. I'd have to consider which.

 

[Henry]

In many games, I've often used a house rule that said that you could improvise some damage types out of certain weapons; for instance, I've said that a person could use the flat of the sword blade to deal the same damage, but at a -4 to hit. I've said that a person could use the butt of a spear to deal same damage, but bludgeoning, or dagger's pommel, instead of the tip, at -4 to hit. However, I used the hallmark of "common sense" to determine it. No "use an arrow to deal bludgeoning damage" or "dealing piercing damage with a club", etc. It wasn't realistic, but it did move the game along, and still made the right tool for the job still worth it.

 

[nittanytbone]

Sure I'd allow it, but don't you also take -4 to hit with an improvised weapon?

 

[Jdvn1]

Sure I'd allow it, but don't you also take -4 to hit with an improvised weapon?

That'd be my ruling.

-4 to use an object (in this case, a weapon) for a purpose it wasn't intended (to be a different kind of weapon).

 

[mvincent]

Why can't a slashing weapon wielder "improvise" a weapon out of his own slashing weapon that does bludgeoning damage?

I allow weapons to be used as improvised versions of other weapons (as applicable). I would allow many weapons, and a good deal of other things, to be used as improvised clubs.

I would also allow a huge sword to conceivably be used as an improvised polearm (thus gaining reach if some monkey-gripping munchkin insisted that he should get reach with it)

 

[borc killer]

what is the rule to use a normal weapon to do subdual damage? I know there is a rule that lets you use the flat of your blade in that way… I would use the same rule to say it did bludgeoning damage.

 

[javcs]

what is the rule to use a normal weapon to do subdual damage? I know there is a rule that lets you use the flat of your blade in that way… I would use the same rule to say it did bludgeoning damage.

A -4 to hit.

 

[Plane Sailing]

I'd allow a pommel at -2 as a partly improvised weapon - however, the pommel wouldn't be considered magical so it wouldn't do any good against liches - it certainly wouldn't allow any of the weapons special properties IMO.

 

[Caliban]

I'd also reduce the crit range to 20/x2 (if it was better), because you aren't hitting with the part of the weapon that has the increased crit range.