Net and Trident clarification
 

RAW state “as long as your character (retiarius) keeps both net and trident ready, he can use both at once, but his DX is -4. He can use either one at normal DX.”

Now, what if we wish to use a Spear (one handed) with the net? Is this allowed? And for that matter, could we also substitute a Hammer, Mace, Small Ax, War Ax, Broadsword (basically ANY one handed weapon) to use with the net, as well? The rules are unclear about this.

Please advise, thanks!

Major Ross

Re: Net and Trident clarification
 

You can use either the net or trident with any other one handed weapon, but you only get the two-weapons effect with that combination unless you learn the Two Weapons talent as well.

Re: Net and Trident clarification
 

Thank you for the quick response and clarification, hcobb! It’s much appreciated!

Thanks,

Major Ross

Re: Net and Trident clarification
 

Tactically the trident is well matched with the net as the best thing to do to a grounded enemy is a pole weapon charge and the trident is very ST efficient for the job. (Does the trident do less damage if you only have the Pole Weapons talent?)

The trident is also just cheap enough to sneak very fine into a starting budget.

Re: Net and Trident clarification
 

Nota bene: Tridents are not cutting weapons, and thus cannot be made to inflict +2 damage, as per the second paragraph in the Fine Weapons and Armor section of ITL 123.

Re: Net and Trident clarification
 

I don't know if ITL specifically addresses pole weapons with respect to fine weapons. Since it is a piercing weapon, one could assume that it also effectively cuts which allows the fine damage to be added.

Re: Net and Trident clarification
 

ITL 123 lists hammers, maces, and daggers as weapons that get additional damage from fine.

Re: Net and Trident clarification
 

I am glad Henry gave Major Ross such a clear and concise answer the first response, as we are now chasing side topics.

We have been over the fine weapons before. Once again ITL 123 would help if it was clearer. The opening sentence lists all the weapons classification that could have either DX or damage increased. Followed by the second sentence that very specifically says daggers may only have damage increase. Very odd that it pointed out the dagger exception in that paragraph but no other exceptions.

The cutting edge comment in the next paragraph just makes it a mess. Until then it was clear. But a dagger with a cutting edge is still primarily a stabbing weapon. Still it is clearly stated the dagger gets the damage increase. So, what about spears, which is essentially a dagger blade on a stick? If so, then what about rapiers (even more "stabby" but still bladed). If so, what about javelins and tridents? No fun for the GM to have to argue these.

A list of which get the damage bonus and a list for which get the DX bonuses seems to be needed. Or two new type of asterisks on the weapon table to cover these. But yet, I can see the author saying that is what they gave us in the opening paragraph: a list which includes hammers & maces (no cutting edge) for both DX and damage.

Interpretation left to the GM.

Re: Net and Trident clarification
 

I concur. It's as clear as mud. I basically allow it for all hand weapons. I have honored RAW on the dagger but I do have questions about that. I can see that its small and hard to justify a second fine point of damage. However, not being able to get a +1 DX fine bonus bothers me a bit. I've heard of them being made and balanced specifically for throwing which should help with accuracy (+1 DX?).

I've experimented with allowing +1 DX for fine made bows while not finding a way to justify fine damage adjustments for arrows/bolts. The +1 DX for bows hasn't been a source of imbalance in the TFT universe. However, thus far has been rare in my game.

Re: Net and Trident clarification
 

Good many points. Which raises more questions for me:

- you limit Dagger to +1 damage? I get why, given the difference is so great. But I don't. I don't see it in the rules.

- DX+ on daggers meant for throwing... now that makes good sense. I like it.

- DX on daggers in general: no. not enough weight to need balancing.

New question:

- Can any heavy mass weapons ever qualify for DX +1? The whole point of these is the imbalance with the mass weight. Specially the morning star. So, that is the whole axe/mace table. I am not suggesting this as a rule change. Just pointing out that once we start down these rabbit holes, it leads to more issues.