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Old 11-11-2019, 06:26 PM   #1
oneofmanynameless
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: New Hampshire, USA
Default Benefits of a Combat Fan?

Is there any compelling reason to use a Combat Fan? I know they were primarily used for signaling rather than combat. But on the combat side, do they really do anything for you that something like a knife doesn't do? Increased parrying surface? Could it be used with the main-gauche skill like a Slashing Wheel?

What about in a cinematic martial arts campaign?
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Old 11-11-2019, 06:47 PM   #2
Mysterious Dark Lord v3.2
 
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Default Re: Benefits of a Combat Fan?

The main benefit of a combat fan is that in the hands of a master it looks amazingly cool. What else does it need?
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Old 11-11-2019, 07:18 PM   #3
Varyon
 
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Default Re: Benefits of a Combat Fan?

Most of this is rather cinematic, but...

Main Gauche - While there isn't technically a default, I'd allow you to use Combat Fan with Main Gauche (or Knife, but there's less good reason for that) with a Weapon Adaptation Perk. I'd probably disregard the -2 to hit for the slashing attack when used in this way.

Bind Weapon/Disarm - This may require your fan have notches in it, but closing the fan over a blade could effectively bind it, and/or give you increased leverage for a disarm. Treat the weapon as though it were designed for - and used with - Jitte/Sai skill, regardless of what skill you are actually using.

Parry Missile Weapons - The larger surface, as well as the ability to manipulate air currents to some extent (that is, the fact it can be used as a fan), could justify a defense bonus against slow/light projectiles. +1 to Parry arrows/bolts, shuriken, and maybe sling bullets; most thrown weapons are too heavy, and bullets fired from firearms are too fast.

Concealment - It may be possible to make a combat fan more closely resemble the accessory it's based off of, allowing you to carry it places weapons aren't normally allowed (and/or get the upper hand in a fight where your foes think you are unarmed).
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Old 11-11-2019, 07:22 PM   #4
David Johnston2
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Default Re: Benefits of a Combat Fan?

Quote:
Originally Posted by oneofmanynameless View Post
Is there any compelling reason to use a Combat Fan? I know they were primarily used for signaling rather than combat. But on the combat side, do they really do anything for you that something like a knife doesn't do? Increased parrying surface? Could it be used with the main-gauche skill like a Slashing Wheel?

What about in a cinematic martial arts campaign?

Well in cinematic portrayals they're definitely suited to two weapon combat. In fact I always see them being used in pairs.
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Old 11-11-2019, 07:43 PM   #5
oneofmanynameless
 
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Default Re: Benefits of a Combat Fan?

Quote:
Originally Posted by David Johnston2 View Post
Well in cinematic portrayals they're definitely suited to two weapon combat. In fact I always see them being used in pairs.
This representation is basically why I was curious about whether there were potential benefits (or at least cinematic benefits) to using them.
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Old 11-11-2019, 07:44 PM   #6
oneofmanynameless
 
Join Date: May 2012
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Default Re: Benefits of a Combat Fan?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mysterious Dark Lord v3.2 View Post
The main benefit of a combat fan is that in the hands of a master it looks amazingly cool. What else does it need?
Situational reaction benefits. =p
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Old 11-12-2019, 06:34 AM   #7
Juca
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
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Default Re: Benefits of a Combat Fan?

Well, they are usually pretty well "hidden in plain sight" until the attack; they are generally used as an "action female" weapon.
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Old 11-12-2019, 07:01 AM   #8
The Colonel
 
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Default Re: Benefits of a Combat Fan?

Presumably it just means weaponizing something you had to carry anyway - if you are going to have a fan in your hand on the battlefield (presumably because you are using it for signalling) being able to hit someone with it might be a useful bonus.
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Old 11-12-2019, 08:40 AM   #9
Harald387
 
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Default Re: Benefits of a Combat Fan?

Wouldn't this be some form of Ally (Cheerleader)?
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Old 11-12-2019, 09:04 AM   #10
DouglasCole
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Default Re: Benefits of a Combat Fan?

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Originally Posted by Harald387 View Post
Wouldn't this be some form of Ally (Cheerleader)?
And if they have Gigantism they're your biggest.
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