Pole Weapons Expertise Question

[Bill_in_IN]

I can understand the -5DX thrust attack that adds 1 die of damage. This basically gives a pole weapons bonus of 1 die of damage in a jab attack.

However, if coupled with a charge, would that add another die of damage. So, if they declare a thrust attack during a charge, they could add a thrust at the end of the charge at -5DX. I didn't see ITL address this. Charge plus thrust would be +2 die damage.

Part of me wants to say that this combination can't occur but, I think that it could be possible. Doing so at a -5DX makes it tough to do. Who would want to risk losing the charge damage bonus to get a thrust in on it too.

[Axly Suregrip]

I would allow it.

DX -5 is a big risk to get the extra die from Shrewd Blow. If they are willing to risk missing on a charge it must be important to get that extra high damage. I like rewarding having talents so, unless I see this get abused, I am good with this.

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That said, here is an example beginning character:

ST9 DX12 IQ11 Javelin + Weapon Expert(Pole Weapons).

A charge + shrewd blown has an adjDX 7 in order to score 3d-1.
Standing vs charge + shrewd blow hits on adjDX 9 to score 3d-1.

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Compare the above to this standard 2-handed sword fighter:

ST14 DX10 IQ8 2-handed sword

every turn: adjDX 10 to score 3d-1.

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The sword many hits more often to do the same damage. The javelin has some advantages: first strike when charging and may carry a shield. The sword has some advantages: hits more (DX10), can do this damage every turn it attack (not only charges).

There is a balance of advantages and disadvantages.

[hcobb]

Points up your ears, Elf, age 20
ST 9, DX 12, IQ 11, MA 14
Talents include: Dancer (mundane), Pole Weapons Expertise, Running, Shield Expertise
Languages: Common, Elvish
Weapon: very fine javelin (1d+2)
Attacks and Damage: Punch (1d-3)
Armor: Small shield stops 2 hits, -2 to be hit with javelin and shield in hand
Equipment: $570 in other gear, hopefully includes clothing

Pointy charges targets to the rear with a shrewd blow whenever possible (adjDX 11, 3d+2 damage) and when engaged uses the expertises to drop enemy adjDX by 2 points in order to disengage before the other side even gets a swing in.

Best of all usually gets a strike in before a flinger can trip him up. (Due to pole weapon charges strike first.)

[Steve Plambeck]

I'm struggling mightily here not to make a joke about a pole dancing elf.

[Bill_in_IN]

Originally Posted by Steve Plambeck

I'm struggling mightily here not to make a joke about a pole dancing elf.

You just had to go there, didn't you? LOL!

[Bill_in_IN]

Originally Posted by hcobb

Points up your ears, Elf, age 20
ST 9, DX 12, IQ 11, MA 14
Talents include: Dancer (mundane), Pole Weapons Expertise, Running, Shield Expertise
Languages: Common, Elvish
Weapon: very fine javelin (1d+2)
Attacks and Damage: Punch (1d-3)
Armor: Small shield stops 2 hits, -2 to be hit with javelin and shield in hand
Equipment: $570 in other gear, hopefully includes clothing

Pointy charges targets to the rear with a shrewd blow whenever possible (adjDX 11, 3d+2 damage) and when engaged uses the expertises to drop enemy adjDX by 2 points in order to disengage before the other side even gets a swing in.

Best of all usually gets a strike in before a flinger can trip him up. (Due to pole weapon charges strike first.)

Even though an elf with pole weapons seems a bit odd, this looks like an interesting character build. I have experimented with the shield expertise combination and it does help the survivability of a lightly armored character. Getting a better chance of the first strike helps much.

[Axly Suregrip]

Originally Posted by hcobb

Points up your ears, Elf, age 20
ST 9, DX 12, IQ 11, MA 14
Talents include: Dancer (mundane), Pole Weapons Expertise, Running, Shield Expertise
Languages: Common, Elvish
Weapon: very fine javelin (1d+2)
Attacks and Damage: Punch (1d-3)
Armor: Small shield stops 2 hits, -2 to be hit with javelin and shield in hand
Equipment: $570 in other gear, hopefully includes clothing

Pointy charges targets to the rear with a shrewd blow whenever possible (adjDX 11, 3d+2 damage) and when engaged uses the expertises to drop enemy adjDX by 2 points in order to disengage before the other side even gets a swing in.

Best of all usually gets a strike in before a flinger can trip him up. (Due to pole weapon charges strike first.)

A couple of corrections:

A javelin is a 1d-1 weapon, so a "very fine" javelin would be 1d+1, not 1d+2.

Only bladed weapons may be "very fine". I don't consider javelins as bladed. Spears yes, but javelins no. You may rule differently.

My point was comparing the figures, not the equipment. BTW, a 2-handed sword may be very fine. And yes a figure with a 2-handed sword may also attack from the rear. So, not necessary for a figure comparison.

[Shostak]

Originally Posted by Axly Suregrip

A couple of corrections:

A javelin is a 1d-1 weapon, so a "very fine" javelin would be 1d+1, not 1d+2.

It would be 1d+2 with the Expert talent bonus, if allowing javelins to be made at Very Fine quality.

[Axly Suregrip]

Originally Posted by Shostak

It would be 1d+2 with the Expert talent bonus, if allowing javelins to be made at Very Fine quality.

nice catch. Thanks for correcting me.

[hcobb]

Originally Posted by Axly Suregrip

BTW, a 2-handed sword may be very fine.

Not for a price the suggested starting budget will allow.